LessonsFurther Forms of Ibdāl: Definiteness, Agreement, Iltifāt and Word OrderQuiz

“Fa-mshū fī manākibihā wa-kulū min rizqihi”
“So walk in its paths and eat of His provision.” (al-Mulk 67:15, excerpt)

“Imshū” and “kulū” have imperative forms. In the context of God making the earth serviceable, the commands also communicate permission to benefit from it and recognition of His provision.

This does not mean every imperative in the Qur’an is merely permissive. The point emerges from the context: the earth is available for travel and livelihood, not every person is under an obligation to be traveling constantly.

A grammatical imperative can have a contextual practical force distinct from a universal requirement.

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“Walk upon its paths”: the function of an imperative

Further Forms of Ibdāl: Definiteness, Agreement, Iltifāt and Word Order

“Fa-mshū fī manākibihā wa-kulū min rizqihi”
“So walk in its paths and eat of His provision.” (al-Mulk 67:15, excerpt)

“Imshū” and “kulū” have imperative forms. In the context of God making the earth serviceable, the commands also communicate permission to benefit from it and recognition of His provision.

This does not mean every imperative in the Qur’an is merely permissive. The point emerges from the context: the earth is available for travel and livelihood, not every person is under an obligation to be traveling constantly.

A grammatical imperative can have a contextual practical force distinct from a universal requirement.