Textual Cohesion in Ibn al-Faridh’s Poem Sa’iq al-Adh‘an …

Abstract

This research explores the mechanisms of textual cohesion in Ibn al-Faridh’s poem Sa’iq al-Adh‘an Yatwi al-Bida Ṭayy, highlighting how the poet creates coherence among the poem’s structural and semantic elements. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach within the framework of textual linguistics, the study examines four key dimensions of cohesion—formal, syntactic, semantic, and lexical. The analysis reveals that Ibn al-Faridh intentionally employed all cohesive devices to produce a unified and harmonious poetic text, where repetition and synonymy play a vital role in reinforcing thematic unity and coherence. The poet’s lexical choices are closely aligned with the Sufi atmosphere of the poem, drawing on semantic fields of yearning, passion, travel, and separation. These fields collectively contribute to the poem’s spiritual and emotional depth, embodying its mystical purpose. The findings affirm that textual cohesion in Ibn al-Faridh’s poetry serves not merely as a structural technique but as a stylistic and expressive force that enhances the poem’s aesthetic integrity and conveys its profound Sufi message.