MISHKAT

MISHKAT

Legitimacy, Power, and Resistance in the Narrative of Saul: A Study Based on Foucault’s Discourse Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Department of Theology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences,, University of Kurdistan
Abstract
This study aims to revisit the story of Talut as narrated in Qur’an, verses 246–251 of Surah Al-Baqarah, and to analyze the dynamics of power, legitimacy, and resistance within the Qur’anic text. The theoretical framework is grounded in Michel Foucault’s discourse theory of power, which conceptualizes power as a network of dispersed relations, intertwined with knowledge and inherently linked to resistance. Employing Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA), the study demonstrates that Talut’s legitimacy is constructed not through lineage or wealth, but through knowledge, physical capability, and divine signs. The river test and the organization of his small army exemplify disciplinary techniques that reinforce resilience and loyalty among faithful followers. Moreover, the resistance of the Israelites and the perseverance of the faithful minority exemplify the inseparable relationship between power and resistance. The findings indicate that the discourse of legitimacy and victory in the Qur’an emerges from complex interactions of power, knowledge, discipline, and resistance. This research underscores the potential of contemporary power theories for analyzing and interpreting religious texts, offering a novel, multi-dimensional reading of Qur’anic narratives.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 June 2026