Qasr restricts a relation through a recognized construction. Its basic scope is either real or relative; its direction may restrict an attribute to a bearer or a bearer to an attribute. Relative qasr is further classified as ifrad, qalb, and ta‘yin according to the listener’s belief.
Four analytical questions:
1. Which formal device creates the restriction?
2. Is an attribute restricted to a subject, or a subject to an attribute?
3. Is the scope real or relative to a particular contrast?
4. Did the hearer presume combination, hold the reverse, or remain undecided?
Answering these questions reveals both the grammatical form and the rhetorical purpose. The next chapter concerns waṣl and faṣl—connecting and separating sentences.