Table Intertextual Links - warwickfoster/qurantools GitHub Wiki

The intertextual links table documents references and connections between Qur'anic verses and external texts or traditions. It includes source details, bibliographic references, and text comparisons, supporting studies on the Qur'an's historical and literary context.

Analysis of the intertextual links Table

Below is the detailed analysis and description of each field in the intertextual links table, with the table name included as a left-hand column.

Column Descriptions for the Table intertextual links

Table Name Column Name Description
intertextual links INTERTEXT ID A unique identifier for each intertextual link, serving as the primary key for the table.
intertextual links SURA The sura (chapter) number of the Qur'an where the intertextual reference begins.
intertextual links START VERSE The specific verse in the sura where the intertextual reference starts.
intertextual links END VERSE The specific verse in the sura where the intertextual reference ends.
intertextual links SOURCE The abbreviated name of the intertextual source text or tradition that is being referenced. Examples include IGT (Infancy Gospel of Thomas) or CAVE (The Revolt of Satan).
intertextual links SOURCE REF A reference to the chapter and verses within the source text or tradition being cited. This provides context for the intertextual connection.
intertextual links TEXT The detailed text of the intertextual reference, often containing narrative or descriptive content related to the specific connection with the Qur'anic verses.
intertextual links BIBLIOGRAPHY A bibliographic citation or reference for the source text, providing additional details about its origin, publication, or historical context.

Example Breakdown of Field Content

  1. INTERTEXT ID: Unique identifiers like 0, 1, 3, etc.
  2. SURA: 5, 2, 7, etc., indicating the Qur'anic chapter.
  3. START VERSE: Specific verse numbers like 110, 34.
  4. END VERSE: Ending verse numbers, same or different as START VERSE.
  5. SOURCE: IGT, CAVE, GOSBART, etc.
  6. SOURCE REF: References like Chapter 2:1-7, Chapter 36:1-7.
  7. TEXT: Full passages with detailed descriptions of events or narratives.
  8. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Bibliographic details for external sources.

Key Insights

  1. Field Relationships:

    • ID uniquely identifies each intertextual link for clear referencing.
    • SURA, VERSE START, and VERSE END collectively identify the specific Quranic verses linked to the intertextual source.
    • SOURCE ID ties the link to a source table for further metadata about the source (e.g., language, publication date).

  2. Content Utility:

    • EXCERPT provides users with context by showing the actual text from the intertextual source, allowing for direct comparison with Quranic verses.
    • SOURCE TITLE offers a clear label for the source, enhancing user understanding of its origin or significance.

  3. Applications:

    • Supports intertextual analysis by connecting Quranic verses to relevant external sources.
    • Enables thematic and linguistic studies of shared narratives across religious or historical texts.

Example Interpretation of Data:

  • Row 1:

    • ID: 0
    • SURA: 5
    • VERSE START: 110
    • VERSE END: 110
    • SOURCE ID: IGT
    • SOURCE TITLE: Chapter 2:1-7
    • EXCERPT: V1 When the boy Jesus was five years old...
    • Indicates a link between Quranic verse 5:110 and an excerpt from IGT, describing an event from the life of Jesus.

  • Row 7:

    • ID: 7
    • SURA: 18
    • VERSE START: 50
    • VERSE END: 50
    • SOURCE ID: CAVE
    • SOURCE TITLE: The First Thousand Years: The Revolt of Satan
    • EXCERPT: And when the prince of the lower order of angels saw what great majesty had been given unto Adam...
    • Highlights a connection between Quranic verse 18:50 and a narrative from CAVE about Satan’s revolt.

Contextual Significance:

  1. Intertextual Studies:
    • Facilitates the exploration of shared narratives between the Quran and other historical or religious texts.
  2. Narrative Context:
    • The EXCERPT field allows users to view related passages, providing deeper understanding and comparative analysis.
  3. Digital Applications:
    • Powers features like linking Quranic verses to relevant sources in digital study tools, enabling users to navigate intertextual relationships seamlessly.