Implicit Meanings in the Quran: A Pragmatic Perspective

This study investigates the interpretation of indirect speech in the Quran, where meanings often extend beyond what is explicitly stated. Misinterpretations can arise when the listener’s understanding differs from the speaker’s intended meaning, a challenge particularly evident in the Quran due to its complex rhetorical nature. Using Thomas’s (1995) Speaker’s Meaning Framework, the research conducts a document analysis from a pragmatic perspective, focusing on the oral discourse between Prophets and their people. The findings, supported by insights from reputable Quranic scholars, highlight that the speaker’s meaning in indirect speech is best understood by considering both context (including physical, environmental, social, cultural, and linguistic factors) and the speaker’s intention. The study concludes that interpretation methods can be divided into those based on context and intention, and those based solely on intention. These insights are significant for guiding readers of the Quran in accurately interpreting indirect speech.