Intermediate
Rhetoric
Surah: Al-Baqarah (44)
Rhetorical Question — A Question Seeking No Answer
أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ
— البقرة الآية 44
Definition: A question whose form is inquiry but meaning is denial or affirmation — not awaiting a genuine answer.
Examples: "Will you not reason?" "Is the blind equal to the seeing?" "Who gives life to bones while disintegrated?"
Rhetorical effect: Engages the listener in reaching the verdict himself — more eloquent than direct statement.
Examples: "Will you not reason?" "Is the blind equal to the seeing?" "Who gives life to bones while disintegrated?"
Rhetorical effect: Engages the listener in reaching the verdict himself — more eloquent than direct statement.
Source: Al-Zarkashi (2/335); Al-Suyuti (3/170)
Test Yourself
Why is a rhetorical question more eloquent than direct statement?
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