Rhetorical Question — A Question Seeking No Answer
terms
Level: intermediate
rhetorical
trm-010
أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ
— البقرة 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.
Source: Al-Zarkashi (2/335); Al-Suyuti (3/170)
Question: Why is a rhetorical question more eloquent than direct statement?
Answer: It engages the listener in reaching the verdict himself, affirming it from within — deeper impact.