Intermediate
Equation
Surah: Al-Baqara (6)
The Equalization Style — "It Is Equal Whether You Warned Them or Did Not Warn Them"
سَوَآءٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَأَنذَرۡتَهُمۡ أَمۡ لَمۡ تُنذِرۡهُمۡ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ
— البقرة الآية 6
Definition of the equalization style:
Informing that two different things carry the same ruling for the addressee — one of the strongest styles of despair and affirmation in Quranic rhetoric.
The verse:
"Indeed, those who disbelieve — it is equal upon them whether you warned them or did not warn them — they will not believe." (2:6)
Rhetorical analysis:
Not a nihilistic declaration but a consolation to the Prophet — meaning: do not grieve, the shortcoming is not from you. This shows that rhetorical equalization is used to ward off blame, not to declare absolute despair.
Other examples:
"It is equal to us whether we are distressed or patient — there is no escape for us." (14:21) — the people of Hell equalize distress and patience because neither will avail.
Informing that two different things carry the same ruling for the addressee — one of the strongest styles of despair and affirmation in Quranic rhetoric.
The verse:
"Indeed, those who disbelieve — it is equal upon them whether you warned them or did not warn them — they will not believe." (2:6)
Rhetorical analysis:
- "It is equal upon them" — the subject, with the interrogative clause as predicate (whether you warned them or did not)
- Placing warning and its absence on the same scale — conveying that neither will change the outcome
- "They will not believe" — an independent sentence confirming the final ruling
Not a nihilistic declaration but a consolation to the Prophet — meaning: do not grieve, the shortcoming is not from you. This shows that rhetorical equalization is used to ward off blame, not to declare absolute despair.
Other examples:
"It is equal to us whether we are distressed or patient — there is no escape for us." (14:21) — the people of Hell equalize distress and patience because neither will avail.
Source: Al-Zamakhshari (1/67); Al-Zarkashi (3/172); Al-Maydani (2/302)
Test Yourself
What is the rhetorical purpose of equalization in "it is equal whether you warned them"? Is it despair or consolation?
Show Answer