Definition:
Iltifat (shifting): a transition in style from one form to another — from first-person (I/We) to third-person (he/they), or from third to second, or vice versa — within a single context without apparent grammatical motivation.
Prominent example: Al-Fatihah:
"All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds" — third-person (He).
"You alone we worship and You alone we seek for help" — sudden shift to second-person (You)!
Rhetorical wisdom in Al-Fatihah:
Mentioning Allah by His great attributes (third-person) stirred love and longing in the believer — so he transitions from speaking about Him to addressing Him directly — like one who praises a beloved, then longs and turns toward them.
Purposes of iltifat:
- Arousing anticipation: The sudden shift renews the listener attention.
- Honoring: Shifting from third to second person — direct address.
- Evoking awe: "Until when you are in ships and they sail with them" (10:22) — shift from second to third depicts forgetfulness and heedlessness.
- Gradual leading: Transitioning gradually from closeness to distance or vice versa.
Works on it: Ibn Abi al-Isba treated iltifat in "Badi al-Quran" and Al-Zarkashi in "Al-Burhan."
Question: What is rhetorical iltifat in the Quran? What is its wisdom in Al-Fatihah?
Answer: Iltifat: shifting from one form to another — from third to second person or vice versa. Wisdom in Al-Fatihah: describing Allah by His attributes stirred longing, transitioning from speaking about Him to addressing Him directly.