Definition:
The parenthetical clause (jumla itiradhiyya): a clause inserted between two parts of another clause for a rhetorical purpose. It has no syntactic position in the sentence, or it takes the position of the clause it interrupts.
Functions:
- Emphasis: Strengthening the meaning of the speech.
- Supplication: Encouraging the listener or seeking blessing.
- Exaltation (tanzih): Declaring Allah free from deficiency in context.
- Reasoning: Adding an incidental cause.
Quranic examples:
- "They assign to Allah daughters — glory be to Him — while for themselves what they desire" (16:57) — "glory be to Him" is a parenthetical exaltation between what they attribute to Him and what they want for themselves.
- "And indeed your Lord — He is the Almighty, the Merciful" (26:9) — strengthening the meaning and explaining deliverance.
- "Remember Allah as He has guided you" (2:198) — the kaf-clause is a parenthetical reasoning clause.
Difference from the hal clause:
The hal clause is syntactically bound to its subject — the parenthetical clause stands alone with no syntactic owner.
Question: What is the parenthetical clause and what is its function in "they assign daughters to Allah — glory be to Him" (An-Nahl 16:57)?
Answer: A clause inserted mid-sentence for a rhetorical purpose. "Subhanahu" here: an immediate declaration of Allah exaltation amid the description of the disbelievers act — expressing indignation and sanctification before the statement is completed.