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Rhetoric
Surah: Al-Baqarah (179)
Ijaz and Itnab — Eloquent Brevity and Purposeful Elaboration
وَلَكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡقِصَاصِ حَيَوٰةٌ يَٰٓأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ
— البقرة الآية 179
Ijaz (brevity): Much meaning in few words — highest eloquence level.
Example: "In retribution there is life for you" — four words summarizing criminal justice wisdom explained in pages.
Itnab (elaboration): Expanding for rhetorical purposes: emphasis, detail, or listener delight.
Example: Ayat Al-Kursi elaborated on divine attributes because fully grasping Allah's greatness requires elaboration.
Example: "In retribution there is life for you" — four words summarizing criminal justice wisdom explained in pages.
Itnab (elaboration): Expanding for rhetorical purposes: emphasis, detail, or listener delight.
Example: Ayat Al-Kursi elaborated on divine attributes because fully grasping Allah's greatness requires elaboration.
Source: Al-Zarkashi (3/30); Al-Jurjani, Dala'il Al-I'jaz
Test Yourself
Why is "in retribution there is life" an example of eloquent brevity?
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