Ijaz and Itnab — Eloquent Brevity and Purposeful Elaboration
terms
Level: advanced
rhetorical
trm-012
وَلَكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡقِصَاصِ حَيَوٰةٌ يَٰٓأُوْلِي ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ
— البقرة 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.
Source: Al-Zarkashi (3/30); Al-Jurjani, Dala'il Al-I'jaz
Question: Why is "in retribution there is life" an example of eloquent brevity?
Answer: Four words summarize the deterrent and preventive wisdom of retribution that legislators explain in extensive pages.