By Abdulwaheed Musa
My insights for this Friday are inspired by a productive meeting I had yesterday with a senior professor to discuss the development of a template for the university’s thesis and dissertation abstracts. During our discussion, the professor advocated for a four-paragraph structure, which contrasts with the commonly preferred one-paragraph format. He provided invaluable insights into why postgraduate candidates should be exposed to a four-paragraph structure before graduating to a one-paragraph structure that is required in journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings, among others.
In my academic pursuits, I often seek to demystify and elucidate complex research concepts through analogies drawn from nature, the Quran, and occasionally the Bible. For instance, in one of my public presentations, I encouraged the audience to contemplate the correlation between an academic abstract and Sura Al-Fatiha from the Quran. This comparison helps to highlight the importance of structuring information concisely and meaningfully in both religious and academic contexts.
In the realms of religious scripture and academic writing, certain components serve as the cornerstone for understanding and synthesizing broader narratives. Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran, and the abstract, an essential part of academic theses and research papers, are prime examples of such components. Despite their distinct contexts and purposes, both Al-Fatiha and the abstract share striking similarities in structure, purpose, and significance. This article is an attempt to explore the correlation between these two forms, shedding light on how they set the stage for the comprehensive texts they precede.
The Quran is the holy book of Islam, the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over approximately 23 years, starting in 610 CE. It is written in Arabic and is composed of 114 chapters (surahs) of varying lengths. The Quran serves as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims in all aspects of life, encompassing legal, moral, and spiritual teachings. The recitation of the Quran is central to Islamic worship and practice, with many Muslims memorizing it in its entirety.
An abstract, on the other hand, is a summary of a research paper, thesis, dissertation, or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject or discipline. It usually encompasses the main objectives, methods, results, and conclusions of the study, providing readers with a concise overview. The abstract is typically written after the main body of the work has been completed to ensure that all key points are accurately reflected. It is positioned at the beginning of the document, guiding readers through the intricate details that follow. The abstract serves as a snapshot of the larger document, allowing readers to quickly assess the relevance and value of the content.
To be clear, the Quran is significantly older than the concept of the abstract. It has been in continuous use since its revelation in the 7th century. However, the concept of an abstract, as used in academic and research papers, is much more recent. The practice of including abstracts in scholarly articles became more common in the 20th century as academic publishing and the dissemination of research became more structured and formalized. Therefore, the Quran predates the use of abstracts for many centuries.
Comprising seven verses, Al-Fatiha (often referred to as “The Opening”) is considered the essence of the Quran, encapsulating the core themes of monotheism, guidance, mercy, and the path to righteousness. Al-Fatiha is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer every day and night, emphasizing its central role in Islamic worship and daily life. It serves as a prelude to the Quran, offering a summary of its spiritual and moral directives while invoking God’s guidance and mercy.
Thus, several correlations can be found between the abstract and Al-Fatiha. I will present a list of seven (the same way Al-Fatiha is composed of seven verses) key points of correlation in this article.
- Placement at the Beginning: Both the abstract and Surah Al-Fatiha are placed at the beginning of their respective texts. The abstract provides a summary of the thesis, introducing the main themes and objectives, for readers and reviewers to understand the essence of the research quickly. Al-Fatiha is positioned at the very beginning of the Quran, recited in every prayer, highlighting its foundational importance, and encapsulating the Quran’s central messages and themes.
- Summary and Essence: An abstract summarizes the entire thesis, highlighting the key points, methodology, and conclusions. Similarly, Al-Fatiha is often described as a summary of the Quran, capturing its essential teachings and themes, including praise, guidance, and supplication.
- Guidance and Structure: Both the abstract and Al-Fatiha provide guidance to the reader. The abstract guides readers on what to expect from the thesis, while Al-Fatiha seeks guidance from Allah and sets the tone for the spiritual and moral teachings that follow.
- Interconnected Themes: Al-Fatiha’s themes of mercy, guidance, and worship are interconnected and foundational to the rest of the Quran. Abstracts often highlight interconnected themes and foundational ideas that are expanded upon in the main body of research.
- Structure: Al-Fatiha is composed of seven verses, each contributing to a cohesive message of supplication and faith. The abstract is typically a single paragraph (or about four paragraphs in some cases), encompassing the study’s purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
- Language and Style: While Al-Fatiha is poetic, reverent, and laden with spiritual significance, an abstract is concise, technical, and focused on conveying key information efficiently.
- Written After Completion: The abstract is typically written after the thesis is completed, providing a concise overview of the work. Al-Fatiha, while positioned at the beginning, is reflective of the Quran’s overarching messages and themes, which were revealed over time. This placement highlights its role in encapsulating the essence of the entire Quran.
It can be concluded that the correlation between Al-Fatiha and the abstract lies in their roles as introductory elements that encapsulate the essence of their respective texts. Both serve to orient the reader, provide a summary of the broader context, and highlight key themes and directions. Understanding this parallel enriches our appreciation of the structural and functional elements that transcend the boundaries of religious and academic writings. By examining Al-Fatiha and the abstract side by side, we gain insights into how introductory components can effectively encapsulate and convey profound messages, whether in spiritual or scholarly contexts. Jumah Mubarak!
Dr Abdulwaheed Musa is the Director, Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Kwara State University, Malete
