The Discursive Antagonism in Sūrat al-Aḥzāb: A Study Based on Selected Components of Laclau and Mouffe’s Theory

Sūrat al-Aḥzāb addresses challenging themes related to the personal life of the Prophet (PBUH), which have led to various judgments about him and have been exploited by critics of Islam. Additionally, some detractors consider the Qur’an to be incoherent and disjointed, citing the apparent diversity and fragmentation of topics in this sūrah as evidence. Despite several studies on Sūrat al-Aḥzāb, it has not yet been examined through the lens of discourse analysis—a modern linguistic approach to textual analysis. This study hypothesizes that the sūrah’s numerous socio-political statements revolve around a single discursive core. Drawing on select components of Laclau and Mouffe’s theory—which expands discourse from philosophy and culture into the realms of society and politics—this research aims to explain the nature of discursive antagonism in Sūrat al-Aḥzāb. Findings show that two opposing discourses were at play during the revelation of this sūrah. The hypocrites and the weak-hearted constructed a discourse of ignorance and opposition, centered on the notion of hereditary prophethood and support for the Prophet’s adopted son as his successor. This discourse was reinforced by several associated nodal points. In response, the discourse of faith—backed by God, the Prophet (PBUH), and sincere believers—defended the Prophet’s divine mission and role as the Seal of the Prophets, denying any hereditary or elective succession. In doing so, it preserved its hegemonic position and advanced this claim as its central nodal point.