Intermediate I'jaz Surah: Al Imran (97)

Definition of concision by omission:
Omitting a word indicated by context or a clue — with the meaning complete and rhetorical power enhanced by the omission.

The verse:
"Upon the people is a pilgrimage to the House — for whoever is able to find a way to it." (3:97)

The understood omission:
"Upon the people" — meaning "it is obligatory upon the people" — the verb "is obligatory" is omitted. This omission brings:

• Implicit emphasis: a nominal sentence is more stable than a verbal one
• Magnification of the right: "upon the people Allah has" — Allah is the absolute creditor like a debt that never lapses
• Concision: one sentence combines obligation, ability, location, and condition

Other examples of concision by omission:

• "And your Lord came" (89:22) — understood: His command or power
• "Ask the town" (12:82) — understood: ask the people of the town

Al-Jurjani: "Omission when indicated by context is more eloquent than explicit mention — because it activates the listener's mind and partners them in constructing the meaning."

Source: Al-Jurjani (p.145); Al-Zarkashi (3/114); Al-Suyuti (3/199)

Tags: الإيجاز بالحذفآل عمرانالحجالجرجانيالبلاغة القرآنية