Iltifat — Types and Purposes in the Quran
balagha
Level: advanced
iltifat
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هُوَ ٱلَّذِي يُسَيِّرُكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ
— يونس 22
Three basic types: (1) Third to second person: "Praise to Allah...You alone we worship." (2) Second to third: "Until you are in ships, and they sail with them..." (10:22). (3) First to third or reverse.
Purposes: Renewing listener's attention, shifting from statement to direct address, specifying the individual after addressing the group.
Source: Al-Zarkashi (3/295); Al-Suyuti (3/228); Al-Zamakhshari
Question: What is the main purpose of iltifat in Quranic style?
Answer: Renewing the listener's attention and preventing monotony, shifting from declarative statement to direct intimate address.