LessonsTawjīh, Serious Intent in Jest, Feigned Ignorance, Qawl bi-l-Mūjib and IṭrādQuiz

The first form does not require an answer to debate every secondary assertion by the adversary. It focuses on the decisive attribute and establishes that attribute where the adversary did not intend it to apply.

In the Qur’anic case, the reply does not investigate every possible circumstance of expulsion. It resolves the primary boast by establishing who truly possesses honor.

Compare merely saying “no one possesses honor” with saying “honor belongs to God, His Messenger, and the believers.” The second locates the quality, which is central to this rhetorical technique.

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Why the reply is not a blanket concession

Tawjīh, Serious Intent in Jest, Feigned Ignorance, Qawl bi-l-Mūjib and Iṭrād

The first form does not require an answer to debate every secondary assertion by the adversary. It focuses on the decisive attribute and establishes that attribute where the adversary did not intend it to apply.

In the Qur’anic case, the reply does not investigate every possible circumstance of expulsion. It resolves the primary boast by establishing who truly possesses honor.

Compare merely saying “no one possesses honor” with saying “honor belongs to God, His Messenger, and the believers.” The second locates the quality, which is central to this rhetorical technique.