LessonsRhetorical Addition: Emphasis, Explanatory Coordination, Connections and Multiple MeaningsQuiz

«وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِمْ بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ»
“And We sent Jesus son of Mary following in their footsteps.” (al-Māʾidah 5:46, excerpt)

“Qaffaynā” signifies sending one to follow others. “ʿAlā āthārihim” identifies the continuity with earlier prophets, while “bi-ʿĪsā ibni Maryam” specifies the messenger who follows.

It is not enough merely to name the preposition. The verb, its construction and the preceding references to messengers jointly explain the sense. The particle remains part of the original expression, and the interpreter’s task is to make its relation clear.

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“We caused to follow in their footsteps”

Rhetorical Addition: Emphasis, Explanatory Coordination, Connections and Multiple Meanings

«وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِمْ بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ»
“And We sent Jesus son of Mary following in their footsteps.” (al-Māʾidah 5:46, excerpt)

“Qaffaynā” signifies sending one to follow others. “ʿAlā āthārihim” identifies the continuity with earlier prophets, while “bi-ʿĪsā ibni Maryam” specifies the messenger who follows.

It is not enough merely to name the preposition. The verb, its construction and the preceding references to messengers jointly explain the sense. The particle remains part of the original expression, and the interpreter’s task is to make its relation clear.