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Genitive Construction
Surah: Al-Hijr (29)
Genitive of Honor — "My Spirit", "My House", "My She-Camel"
وَنَفَخۡتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِي
— الحجر الآية 29
Genitive of honor:
Attributing something to Allah does not always indicate literal ownership — sometimes it is a genitive of honor and dignification of the attributed thing, and sometimes a genitive of creation and governance.
Quranic examples:
Attribution to the Most High elevates the status of the attributed thing and magnifies it in minds — as if the thing, once linked to Allah, acquires a sanctity requiring respect and prohibiting transgression. This is among the most refined methods of rhetorical legislation.
Attributing something to Allah does not always indicate literal ownership — sometimes it is a genitive of honor and dignification of the attributed thing, and sometimes a genitive of creation and governance.
Quranic examples:
- "And I breathed into him from My spirit" (15:29) — the spirit is created by Allah; its attribution to Him honors and elevates its status.
- "And purify My House" (22:26) — the Sacred House is honored by attribution to Allah though it is a created place.
- "This is the she-camel of Allah" (7:73) — Salih's camel is honored by attribution to Allah as a sign and dignification.
Attribution to the Most High elevates the status of the attributed thing and magnifies it in minds — as if the thing, once linked to Allah, acquires a sanctity requiring respect and prohibiting transgression. This is among the most refined methods of rhetorical legislation.
Source: Al-Zarkashi (3/369); Al-Zamakhshari (2/583); Al-Maydani (2/67)
Test Yourself
What is the rhetorical wisdom in attributing "she-camel", "house", and "spirit" to Allah?
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