Definition:
Al-Idah bada al-ibham (clarification after vagueness / general then specific): mentioning a vague or general term first, then clarifying it — the vagueness arouses curiosity and suspense, then the elaboration satisfies it.
Quranic examples:
- "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and kindness toward parents — if either or both of them reaches old age with you..." (17:23–24) — the nature of filial piety was stated vaguely then detailed.
- "And therein is what souls desire and what eyes delight in" (43:71) — summary — then in Al-Waqiah: "fruit, rivers, and gardens of bliss" — detail.
- "That is the Book in which there is no doubt — a guidance for the God-fearing: those who believe in the unseen..." (2:2–5) — "God-fearing" is the summary; "those who believe..." unfolds their attributes in detail.
Rhetorical value:
- Arousing attention before the clarification.
- Consolidating meaning through the journey from summary to detail.
- Displaying the greatness of what is clarified — for vagueness conveys grandeur.
Question: What is clarification after vagueness (al-idah bada al-ibham)? Give an example from the opening of Al-Baqarah.
Answer: Stating a vague term first then clarifying it — to arouse interest and consolidate meaning. Example: "the God-fearing" (2:2) is the summary; "those who believe in the unseen..." (2:3–5) details their attributes.