LessonsThe Subject of Predication: Pronouns of Affair, Iltifāt and Departure from Expected ExpressionQuiz

«مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ۝ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ»
Master of the Day of Judgment; You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. (Qurʾān 1:4–5)

The earlier statements describe Allah in the third person. «إياك» turns directly to Him in address. The change marks a movement from praise and description to immediate supplication and worship.

Recalling divine mercy, lordship, and sovereignty prepares the worshipper for humility and closeness. The advanced object «إياك» also conveys exclusivity: worship and seeking help are directed to Allah alone.

Here iltifāt and fronting for restriction are distinct, complementary rhetorical features.

Opening interactive controls...

From narration to direct worshipful address

The Subject of Predication: Pronouns of Affair, Iltifāt and Departure from Expected Expression

«مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ۝ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ»
Master of the Day of Judgment; You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. (Qurʾān 1:4–5)

The earlier statements describe Allah in the third person. «إياك» turns directly to Him in address. The change marks a movement from praise and description to immediate supplication and worship.

Recalling divine mercy, lordship, and sovereignty prepares the worshipper for humility and closeness. The advanced object «إياك» also conveys exclusivity: worship and seeking help are directed to Allah alone.

Here iltifāt and fronting for restriction are distinct, complementary rhetorical features.