Very long units can obscure the listener’s perception of corresponding endings. Relatively concise and well-proportioned units make the echo clearer, provided they still express complete meanings.
Observe the Qurʾānic sequence:
«فِي سِدْرٍ مَخْضُودٍ» — among thornless lote trees.
«وَطَلْحٍ مَنْضُودٍ» — and layered fruit-bearing trees.
«وَظِلٍّ مَمْدُودٍ» — and extended shade.
Here the closeness of the endings supports a coherent sequence of images. Sound and meaning reinforce each other.
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Sajʿ and Muwāzanah: Rhymed Prose, Rhythmic Endings, and Balance
Very long units can obscure the listener’s perception of corresponding endings. Relatively concise and well-proportioned units make the echo clearer, provided they still express complete meanings.
Observe the Qurʾānic sequence:
«فِي سِدْرٍ مَخْضُودٍ» — among thornless lote trees.
«وَطَلْحٍ مَنْضُودٍ» — and layered fruit-bearing trees.
«وَظِلٍّ مَمْدُودٍ» — and extended shade.
Here the closeness of the endings supports a coherent sequence of images. Sound and meaning reinforce each other.