Emphasis in the Qur’an

November 2, 2006 on 10:59 am | In Arabic, Islam, Tafseer
| By Ilm Seeker

Why is emphasis important? It proves truthfulness. For example, if you says "Khalid stopped by today" and your friend says "Khalid didn't stop by today," and you say "I swear by Allah that he stopped by today," that proves your truthfulness.

Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) doesn't need any emphasis--what He says is always true! Yet He still emphasizes. Whenever He emphasizes something, pay close attention, and realize that what He says immediately afterward is very important.

What are some forms of emphasis Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) uses in the Qur'an? These are all Arabic terms, but you can still listen for them inshallah even if you don't know Arabic.

Inna / إِنَّ

Translated as "verily" or "indeed". For example, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:

إِنَّ اللَّه عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Translation: Indeed, Allah has power over all things [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:20]

The Swearing Wa (وَ):

Translated as "by". For example, in surah 'Asr, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:

,وَالْعَصْرِ إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

Translation: By time, verily, humankind is in loss. [Surah Al-'Asr, 103:1-2]

La and Qad / لَ وَ قَدْ

These two are used as emphasis. For example, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُول

Translation: And verily, We have sent among every nation a Messenger [Surah An-Nahl, 16:36]

(Here, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) uses both together--a double-whammy.)

Qul / قُلْ

Translated as "say", as in "Say, O Muhammad ...". This is a command to the Prophet (), but also a form of emphais. For example, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

Translation: Say, He is Allah, Al-Ahad (the One). [Surah Al-Ikhlaas, 112:1]

If you know any more forms of emphasis in the Qur'an, post them in the comments inshallah!

References

Yasir Qadhi. "Kitab At-Tawheed (Chapter 2)." 2 Nov. 2006 <http://www.lightuponlight.com/islam/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=709>

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