فَأَمَّا مَنۡ أَعۡطَىٰ وَٱتَّقَىٰ وَصَدَّقَ بِٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُۥ لِلۡيُسۡرَىٰ
Definition of extended antithesis:Basic antithesis: two meanings opposite their two counterparts. Extended: three or more meanings opposite their counterparts — the highest rank of rhetorical antithesis.
The verses:
"As for him who gives, and is pious, and affirms the good — We will ease him toward ease."
"And as for him who withholds, considers himself self-sufficient, and denies the good — We will ease him toward hardship." (92:5-10)
Rhetorical structure:
| First group | Second group |
| Gives | Withholds |
| Is pious | Considers himself self-sufficient |
| Affirms the good | Denies the good |
| Ease (result) | Hardship (result) |
Multi-layered rhetorical effects:
- Three against three plus result against result — the highest degree of antithesis
- "Al-yusra" and "al-usra" — partial paronomasia in the result confirming the cosmic balance between the two paths
- "Fasanuyassiruh" — the causal fa plus sa plus the verb of easing: an automatic inevitable sequence, not arbitrary
- The triple description "gives, is pious, and affirms" conveys that the reward is built on an integrated system, not a single act
Al-Jurjani: "Extended antithesis is among the highest degrees of eloquence because it builds two opposing worlds simultaneously — as if you are in a mirror showing your face and its opposite at once."
Question: What are the levels of antithesis in Al-Layl verses 5-10? What paronomasia exists in the two results?
Answer: Three against three (gives/withholds — pious/self-sufficient — affirms/denies) plus result against result (ease/hardship). Partial paronomasia: al-yusra / al-usra.