Rhyming
Scheme in Surah Maryam.
In Surah
Maryam the rhyming pattern is very distinct and consistent throughout
the beginning of the Surah all the way up until the point that it
begins to address Isa (alayhis Salam).
Listen to [or read]
Surah Maryam [surah/chapter 19], starting from verse
[19:]2, all the way to verse 33.
This is a narrative of the story of Prophet Zakariyyah, and
Maryam/Mary (peace be upon them.) Then it begins briefly on the birth
of Prophet 'Eesa/Jesus.
So at the end of every aayah/verse,
there is an "iyya" sound at the end. I.e.
زَكَرِيَّا
[Zakariyyah] (in the 2nd verse), with
شَقِيًّا
[Shakkiyya] (on the 32nd verse), حَيًّاHayya
[meaning 'Life'] (on the 33rd verse). With the 33rd verse referring
to Jesus talking whilst being a baby.
Suddenly, a
Drastic change takes place - the Rhyming Scheme changes
totally:
ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۚ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ
That is Jesus, the son of Mary - the word
of truth about which they are in dispute. [Maryam
19:34]
The last word now is 'yamtaroon'.
Why
is this rhyming scheme changed?
Part
of the characteristics of the Quran is that it is something meant to
be recited and heard by the people. When
someone is listening to this, and they
notice an abrupt change they willautomatically pay more attention.
The rhyme scheme is not beautification only, but it serves a very
real purpose in drawing attention to a very
important point in the Surah.
This
important point in the Surah is clearing
the doubts on the character Jesus son of Mary, about whom they
are in dispute. This abrupt change makes you notice a difference in
rhythm and tune, it must be really big news for
the tune/rhythm/theme to change totally after so long.. It
gives focus, and clears the doubts of the sincere listener.
Rhythm
continues...
After that part is finished, Allah
starts talking about Ibrahim/Abraham (alayhis Salam) and his story
[from Surah Maryam 19:34 onwards], it
returns back to the original pattern (with 'Iyya' at
the end of the verses again).. To continue the flow of what
was being mentioned previously of the narratives of the righteous.