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Post 1st published on : 27th March 2020.
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Post's relevant content last edited on : 29th March 2020.
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[ Core Meaning shades ]
[ | Modified meaning shades due to context | ]
[ { Meaning shade combined with context } ]
[ (possible translation related to core meaning but not direct translation for the word) ]
/ = and or or.
: = previous statement continues to next statement.
1 (n). The core meaning shade of فَ fa appears to be :
to indicate:
what follows
OR
a connector for followup / a connector for response or a connector for cause and effect.
رابطة للتّعقيب and/or رابطة للجواب or رابطة للتّسبيب
OR
A particle that connects / gathers / includes
its preceding : matter / statement :
with that which follows that matter / statement :
and what follows differs depending on the context / requirement / situation / writer's or speaker's focus.
What follows may be various things e.g.
thing / matter / event / occurrence / consequence / result / conclusion / elaboration / detail / effect / prerequisite / requirement / contributing factor / cause / corollary / response / deduction / inference / resulting fact in past, present or future / deduction or inference regarding a past, present or future matter / connected : consequence or effect or impact : of a matter discussed in a command (imperative) or negative command (forbiddance) or question or aspiration or desire or hope or prayer or urging or cautioning etc.
We can understand it better with the concept of corollary.
Corollary: a proposition that follows from (and is often appended to) one already proved.
When 1 matter exists or has occurred, then from this existence or occurrence, multiple things can follow as the following step / matter or the following information / deduction / inference or resulting fact in past, present or future etc.
Consider the following simple statements to understand further:
Since this, then that.
Since this, so that.
Since this, thus that.
Since this occurred, then that also occurred or is occurring or should occur.
We can also say that like وَ wa, fa فَ also includes or gathers things together, but with the added effect:
that some of the included things are loaded / impacted / affected : with the : effect / impact : of some other included things.
OR
that in some examples of its usage, the ruling / scope / impact for the included matters is realized 1st for the matter coming before فَ fa and then for the matter coming after فَ fa.
The fa فَ connects the precedent to the subsequent, the causer to the caused, the general to the specific, the summary to the detail, the fact or occurrence to its contributing factors or causes, the condition to its response, the condition to its possible consequence, the statement to its resulting fact in past, present or future, command (imperative) or negative command (forbiddance) or question or aspiration or desire or hope or prayer or urging or cautioning etc. : to their connected : consequence or effect or impact.
2 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
with sequence / ordered arrangement i.e. 1 matter arranged before the other
and with followup i.e. 1 matter followed by the other
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. 1 matter or action, via فَ followed by another matter or action.
The relevant term used in books for this meaning shade is عاطفة or conjunctive with sub meaning shades of اشتراك or inclusion / participation / partnership and ترتيب or sequence and تعقيب or followup.
Some books have separated these meaning shades in separate points but inclusion, sequence and followup are usually applicable at the same time, and in most cases it is not possible to isolate each meaning shade separately. When something is sequenced after another, it naturally also follows the other, and when it follows the other, it is naturally included with the other in the matter or context.
[ then , and then ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "he did this and then did that" , "he came and then his brother came" etc.
فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰٓ أَهْلِهِۦ فَجَآءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَّمِينٍ فَقَرَّبَهُۥٓ إِلَيْهِمْ
Then he slipped away to his adherents and then came with a fat calf and then placed it close to them. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 51:26-27).
(We can't translate أَهْل as family since the word is also used with book, city etc., and adherents suits the purpose better, considering all the contexts in which the word has been used, and then with context, it can be understood that adherents here probably refers to his family at the further deduction level, but not at the translation level.).
3 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
the مجمل or compact / general / summed up / aggregated / summarized : concept / information / matter
before / followed by :
the مفصّل or expanded / specific / elaborated details for the same concept / information / matter
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or action, via فَ followed by its elaboration / specific detail or details
[ [ and then ] , | thereupon , and thereupon, whereupon | ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "He talked to him, and then (at this event of talking) discussed the details".
Thereupon : 2 meaning shades for thereupon provided in online dictionaries. Relevant meaning shade for this point: On that matter. On the thing that has been mentioned . Other meaning shade: immediately or shortly afterwards. Similarly, for whereupon, following meaning shades are mentioned, at which / at which point / upon which and "closely following" and "in consequence of which". For it also, the 1st meaning shade is applicable for this point.
The relevant term used in books for this meaning shade is عاطفة or conjunctive with sub meaning shade of ترتيب ذكري or sequence / ordered arrangement : of mention.
فَقَدْ سَأَلُواْ مُوسَىٰٓ أَكْبَرَ مِنْ ذَٰلِكَ فَقَالُوٓاْ أَرِنَا اللّٰهَ جَهْرَةً
Then already they have asked Moosaa greater than that whereupon they said, "show us ALLAH openly". (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 4:153).
وَنَادَىٰ نُوحٌ رَّبَّهُۥ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنَّ ٱبْنِى مِنْ أَهْلِى
and Nooh called out his Maintaining-Lord and thereupon said, "My Maintaining-Lord, indeed my son is from my adherents...". (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 11:45).
4 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a matter or event
before / followed by
its تفسير or explanation or its what or how
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or event, via فَ followed by its تفسير or explanation or its what or how.
[ | so | ]
The so : used here can be compared to the so used in English for statements like, "he took revenge from him, so he killed him".
The relevant term used in books for this meaning shade is تفسيرية or explanative.
فَٱنْتَقَمْنَا مِنْهُمْ فَأَغْرَقْنَـٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ
So WE took revenge from them, so WE drowned them in the يَمّ yamm (deep and extended body or salty or sweet water). (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 7:136).
5 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
the مُسَبِّب or causing matter
or cause / reason / contributing factor / precedent
before / followed by
the مُسَبَّب or caused matter
or consequence / effect / impact / result
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or action, via فَ followed by its consequent matter or action.
[ [ and then ] , | thus , and thus , so , and so , thereby , and thereby | ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "He hit him, and then (his hit / hitting) killed him". The then is not for his next action, but this then is for next consequence by his earlier action. To simplify further, he did the act of punching and then his act of punching caused the death. In short, he punched him and then killed him. The thus used here is in the meaning shade of "as a result or consequence of this; therefore." The other meaning shade of thus not relevant to this post is "in the manner now being indicated or exemplified; in this way."
The relevant term used in books for this meaning shade is عاطفة or conjunctive with sub meaning shade of سببية or causality / causation.
ۖ فَوَكَزَهُۥ مُوسَىٰ فَقَضَىٰ عَلَيْهِ
and then Moosaa punched him and thus put an end on him (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 28:15).
6 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
those who did an action
before / followed by
the effect or due consequence of that action for such
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. those who did an action, via فَ followed by the effect or due consequence of that action for such.
[ then ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "Those who study well, then good grades are for them".
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فَتَعْسًا لَّهُمْ
and those who did kufr* then : ruin / devastation : is for them (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 47:8).
kufr* كُفْر Covering up (belief / thankfulness etc.). Covering up (the natural inclination to be receptive to the Qur'an and Islam). Covering up (the receptiveness to The Qur'an and Islam).
7 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
the : caused / occurred / resulting : matter
before / followed by
its contributing factor or a reason or cause
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or action, via فَ followed by its : reason / cause / contributing factor.
[ then ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "He got 100% marks, then he has studied well".
The relevant term used in books for this meaning shade is تعليلية or illative or "assigning of reason or cause".
وَمَآ أَصَـٰبَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ
and what befalls you of a befaller then it is in connection with what your hands have acquired. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 42:30).
8 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a matter or action
before / followed by
its prerequisite or required preceding step
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or action, via فَ followed by its prerequisite or required preceding step.
[ then ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "When you drive the bike, then wear the helmet".
فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ
Then when you قَرَأَ The Qur'an, then seek refuge with ALLAH from the cast out shaytaan. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 16:98).
قَرَأَ translation attempt : Study / read : with endeavor to grasp and retain. (Further elaboration: Study / read : with endeavor to : understand / know / learn / grasp : and : retain / remember) .
9 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a matter or action
before / followed by
a deduction / inference / conclusion : regarding a past matter or action, based on it,
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or action, via فَ followed by a deduction / inference / conclusion : regarding a past matter or action, based on it.
[ then ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "If the door lock is broken, then someone has broken into the house".
إِنْ كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن قُبُلٍ فَصَدَقَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ وَإِنْ كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِنْ دُبُرٍ فَكَذَبَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ
...if his shirt has been torn from front then she has spoken the truth and he is of the liars and if his shirt has been torn from rear then she has lied and he is of the truthful. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 12:26-27).
10 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a matter or action
before / followed by
mention of a related past matter or action that makes it easier to understand / accept / believe etc. : the matter or action mentioned before فَ fa.
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or action, via فَ followed by a mention of a related past matter or action that makes it easier to understand / accept / believe etc. : the matter or action mentioned before فَ fa.
[ then ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "if he commits a crime, then his brother has already committed the crime earlier".
قَالُوٓاْ إِن يَّسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ أَخٌ لَّهُۥ مِنْ قَبْلُ
They said, "if he steals, then a brother to him has already stolen from before". " (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 12:77).
11 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a matter or event or action related to the addressees
before / followed by
recommended followup action for the addressees
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or event or action related to the addressees, via فَ followed by recommended followup action for the addressees.
[ | so | ]
The so : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "your parents have been kind towards you, so treat them kindly".
إِنَّآ أَنْزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَٱعْبُدِ اللّٰهَ
Indeed We have Sent down to you the Book with the truth so do عِبَادَة of ALLAH (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 39:2).
عِبَادَة translation attempt : being or rendering oneself : submissive slave to someone. In other words, being or rendering oneself : subdued / subjugated / lowered / lowly / submissive : and : obedient / subservient / acquiescent / compliant etc. to someone. This can be depending on context and allotted potential, be by : make / situation : or by choice or by both. (Slave in the classical sense of proper ownership by master who even had the authority to kill the slave and no one could question the master for doing so and the slave was bound to be compliant to the master unconditionally. Servant will be the wrong word here, and gives the wrong sense of mutual agreement and has some authority for the servant also.)
12 (n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a required action to be done by the addressee
or a requirement or command to the addressee
before / followed by
next required action to be done by the addressee
or next requirement or command to the addressee
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a a required action to be done by the addressee, via فَ followed by next required action to be done by the addressee.
[ then , and then ]
The then : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "study vocabulary and then study grammar".
قُمْ فَأَنْذِرْ
arise and then warn (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 74:2).
13 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a reference to some quality or position or relation or role of the addressee i.e. what the addressee is (e.g. as in 2:286, 7:155) or what the addressee is not (e.g. as in 50:45)
before / followed by
a request to the addressee
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a reference to some quality or position or relation or role of the addressee, via فَ followed by a request to the addressee.
[ | so | ]
The so : used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "you are the travel guide, so take us via the best route".
أَنْتَ مَوْلَىٰنَا فَٱنْصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
You are our مَوْلَىٰ Mawlaa* , so Help* us against the qawm* of the kaafiroon*. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 2:286).
*Mawlaa مَوْلَىٰ translation attempt: Recourse / source / one : to : ally with / side with / take stand with etc. (Core meaning shade of و ل ى inference attempt: 2 or more things coming adjacent to the other in such a way that there is no hurdle between them or between their physical or logical contact.)
*help : The help meant by this root ن ص ر is usually help / aid / assistance / support : in facing an enemy or opposing force.
*qawm قَوْم translation attempt: Group of people having a common stand in terms of a : belief / location / community etc.
kaafiroon* كَافِرُون translation attempt : Those who cover up (belief / thankfulness etc.). Those who cover up (the natural inclination to be receptive to the Qur'an and Islam). Those who cover up (the receptiveness to The Qur'an and Islam).
14 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a statement to the addressee
before / followed by
a question to the addressee related to the preceding statement
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a statement to the addressee, via فَ followed by a question to the addressee related to the preceding statement.
[ [ then ] , | so | ]
قُلْ إِنَّمَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌ وَّٰحِدٌ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنْتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ
Say, "Indeed what has been revealed* to me is that indeed what your إِلَـٰه Ilaah* is, is a single إِلَـٰه Ilaah*, then are you Muslims*"
Say, "Indeed what has been revealed* to me is that indeed what your إِلَـٰه Ilaah* is, is a single إِلَـٰه Ilaah*, so are you Muslims*"
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 21:108).
إِلَـٰه Ilaah translation attempt : One who, according to the ones holding this view:
deserves to be offered عِبَادَة Ibadah,
who is awe-inspiring and deserves : worship / reverence / adoration,
who can be called upon for help / aid / refuge / safety, due to belief in such to have power over benefit or loss, and over provision of refuge / safety / preservation / aid etc.
revealed* يُوحَىٰ translation attempt : it has been secretly / subtly : inspired / revealed / conveyed.
Muslims* translation attempt : those who have surrendered themselves (to ALLAH).
عِبَادَة translation attempt : being or rendering oneself : submissive slave to someone. In other words, being or rendering oneself : subdued / subjugated / lowered / lowly / submissive : and : obedient / subservient / acquiescent / compliant etc. to someone.
15 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a condition or question to the addressee
before / followed by
required followup action by the addressee to prove positive compliance to the question or condition
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a condition or question to the addressee, via فَ followed by required followup action by the addressee to prove positive compliance to the question or condition.
[ then ]
قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللّٰهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى
Say, "if you(pl) had been holding dear, ALLAH, then conduct yourselves following me..." (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 3:31).
16 (p,a,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a matter or thing
before / followed by
what comes by proceeding onwards in the particular context and sense
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or thing, via فَ followed by what comes by proceeding onwards in the particular context and sense.
(For indicating : grades / degrees / levels : of an implied : attribute / quality : connected via فَ i.e with a فَ in between the subsequent : grades / degrees / levels.)
[ [ and then ] , | and onwards | ]
ۚ إِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَسْتَحْىِۦٓ أَن يَّضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَّا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا
Indeed ALLAH does not spare from bringing to mention a metaphor of what is a mosquito and then what is over it. (even upper levels to it in terms of apparent : insignificance / smallness etc)
Indeed ALLAH does not spare from bringing to mention a metaphor of what is a mosquito and onwards what is over it. (even upper levels to it in terms of apparent : insignificance / smallness etc)
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 2:26).
Note : literal translation for لَا يَسْتَحْىِۦٓ أَن يَّضْرِبَ "does not spare that HE brings to mention" is not used, just because common usage in English for spare may give an opposite sense. So it has been replaced by "does not spare from bringing to mention" in which common usage in English also gives the required sense.
17 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a statement
before / followed by
a statement regarding possibility or non possibility of something related to the preceding statement
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a statement, via فَ followed by a statement regarding possibility or non possibility of something related to the preceding statement.
[ then ]
ۖ مَّا يَفْتَحِ اللّٰهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا
What ALLAH Opens for the humans of Mercy, then there is no witholder for it... (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 35:2).
18 (p,n).fa فَ is also used with إِنَّ i.e فَإِنَّ
This fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a matter or statement
before / followed by
an established fact or ground reality starting with إِنَّ related to the preceding statement with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a matter or statement, via فَ followed by an established fact or ground reality starting with إِنَّ related to the preceding statement.
[ [ then ] , | so | ]
قَالَ فَٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّكَ رَجِيمٌ
He said, "Then get out from it, so indeed you are an outcast". (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 15:34).
ۖ قُلْ إِنَّ ٱلْمَوْتَ ٱلَّذِى تَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ فَإِنَّهُۥ مُلَـٰقِيكُمْ
Say, "Indeed the death which, you(pl) are fleeing from it, then indeed it is your(pl) meeter". (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 62:8).
19 (p,n).fa فَ is also used with أَ i.e أَفَ
This fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
an interrogative أَ
before / followed by
a question
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. an interrogative أَ , via فَ followed by a question.
The then used here can be compared to the then used in English for statements like, "are you then completing the project tomorrow?" instead of using the statement "are you completing the project tomorrow?"
[ then ]
فَقُلْ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
...then say, "Will you(pl) then not conduct yourselves cautiously? (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 10:31).
20 (p,n). The fa فَ is also used for عطف الصفات بالفاء or for conjunction of epithets with فَ fa.
The epithets can be for a single being, or can be for a type of being in general, can be for multiple types of beings, but : in a related context / for a related goal. The epithets can be single words or even epithets explained in statements or in a set of words.
[ [ then , and then ] , | furthermore | ]
عَـٰلِمِ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ فَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
Knower of the unseen and the witnessable, then He is by Himself The Absolutely Exalted, away from what they are associating.
Knower of the unseen and the witnessable, furthermore He is by Himself The Absolutely Exalted, away from what they are associating.
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 23:92).
وَٱلذَّٰرِيَـٰتِ ذَرْوًا
فَٱلْحَـٰمِلَـٰتِ وِقْرًا
فَٱلْجَـٰرِيَـٰتِ يُسْرًا
فَٱلْمُقَسِّمَـٰتِ أَمْرًا
By the dispersers of a dispersing,
then the bearers of a heavy load,
then the flow-ers with ease,
then the distributors of a matter.
(Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 51:1-4).
21 (p,n). The fa فَ is also used for رابطة لجواب الشرط as a connector for response to the condition. This is what is suggested by various books
On a deeper analysis, we may understand it better as a followup or consequence of meeting or fulfilment of the condition.
fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a condition
before / followed by
consequence of fulfilment of the condition
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a condition, via فَ followed by consequence of fulfilment of the condition.
[ then ]
ۖ إِن يَّنْصُرْكُمُ اللّٰهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ
If ALLAH Helps you(pl) then there is no overcomer for you(pl) (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 3:160).
22 (p,n). The fa فَ is also used as رابطة لجواب الاسم الموصول وصلة الموصول or as a connector for response to the relative pronoun along with its relative clause. This is what is suggested by various books, while some also label this as a response to شبه الشرط or quasi-condition or semblance of condition.
On a deeper analysis, we may understand it better as a followup statement related to the ones indicated by the relative clause.
fa فَ is used for
connecting and including / gathering : together :
a relative clause
before / followed by
a followup statement related to the ones indicated by the relative clause
with فَ fa between them.
i.e. a relative clause, via فَ followed by a followup statement related to the ones indicated by the relative clause.
[ then ]
ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِن بَعْدُ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ مَعَكُمْ فَأُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ مِنْكُمْ
and those who believed from afterwards and migrated and did jihaad* together with you(pl) , then those are of you(pl). (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 8:75).
Note that مِن بَعْدُ is pronounced مِنۢ بَعْدُ but since in many mobile internet browsers, it is not displayed properly, so I have written without the small م above the ن . When ن saakin ساكن is followed by ب then the ن is substituted by م but still written as ن with a small م over it.
جِهَاد jihaad* translation attempt : Making efforts & striving to expend one's available ability / capability / aptitude / means / energy / potential / capacity to any length required for advancing the chosen cause and for tackling and striving against all the obstacles and resistance and opposing causes that hinder the advancement of this chosen cause.
23 (p,n). fa فَ is used for
introducing/mentioning : someone / something / some matter : to the addressee
and then making a statement regarding required followup by the addressee related to it
with فَ between them.
i.e. introducing/mentioning : someone / something / some matter : to the addressee, via فَ followed by a statement regarding required followup by the addressee related to it.
[ [ then ] , | so | ]
Some books examples for this usage of فَ as زائدة or redundant (i.e. to be left untranslated). Some books label examples with this usage of فَ as سبب بلا عطف or cause without conjunction. But I don't agree with both these opinions.
هَـٰذَا فَلْيَذُوقُوهُ
This, so you(pl) are to taste it...
This, then you(pl) are to taste it...
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 38:57).
وَٱلسَّارِقُ وَٱلسَّارِقَةُ فَٱقْطَعُوٓاْ أَيْدِيَهُمَا
and the thief and the thiefess, then you(pl) cut off their(dl) hands...
and the thief and the thiefess, so you(pl) cut off their(dl) hands...
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 5:38).
24 (p,s2,n). The فاء السببية illative فَ is used to indicate the connected effect / result / consequence of fulfilment of what is mentioned before it in the form of a subjunctive or منصوب verb. This subjunctive verb indicates a dependent action, dependent on fulfilment of what is mentioned before it. This subjunctive verb indicates an affected action, carrying the effect from what is mentioned before it. It is not an independent action. It may also be called hypothetical, i.e. subject to occurrence of the preceding statement.
This منصوب or subjunctive verb following فَ indicates that the action conveyed by this verb is bound to happen if what is mentioned before it happens, i.e. its happening is dependent on the happening of the preceding statement. Moreover, the action conveyed by this verb has no chance of happening if what is mentioned before it does not happen. We can also say, this subjunctive verb is subordinate or contingent to occurrence of the preceding statement. Moreover, the action described by this subjunctive verb can only occurr in the future.
This subjunctive verb, may denote not only results or effects of conscious and intended actions, but also those of physical, unconscious or instinctive actions.
Some say that when the utterance preceding فَ is bound to happen or inevitable, in this case it is not possible to use subjunctive verb or منصوب rather indicative or مرفوع verb is used as this action is also inevitable and bound to happen and is a matter of fact.
It is not possible for anything to come between فاء السببية illative فَ and the مضارع منصوب except لا النافية
Here, lets again review the مضارع منصوب or subjunctive verb used after وَ in which the subjunctive verb represents a parallel action, done along with the preceding statement or verb. This subjunctive verb is dependent on, subordinate and contingent to, the preceding statement or verb. It has no existence without the existence or occurrence of the preceding statement or verb.
The preceding statements are of 2 types for which فاء السببية or illative فَ is used with the جواب or response.
نفي or negation and طلب or seeking and طلب is then further subdivided into various types i.e أمر or command and دعاء or supplication and نهي or prohibition and استفهام or interrogation and تحضيض or urging and تمني or wish and ترجي or hoping and عرض or proposal.
[ | whereupon | , { in consequence of which , based on which , as an effect of which (these include the the effect in translation due to subjunctive منصوب case of following verb) } ]
Note: For whereupon, following meaning shades are mentioned online, "at which / at which point / upon which" and "closely following" and "in consequence of which". The meaning shade applicable for this point is "in consequence of which".
Below are some examples of usage from The Qur'an.
Example of جواب النفي
لَا يُقْضَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ فَيَمُوتُواْ
There will be no: ending upon them whereupon they die.
There will be no: ending upon them in consequence of which they die.
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 35:36).
Note: This subjunctive verb or مضارع منصوب is dependent on the preceding verb and what comes after it related to it, and has no link to لَا
Now compare this with the below example in which فَ is followed by مضارع مرفوع
وَلَا يُؤْذَنُ لَهُمْ فَيَعْتَذِرُونَ
and it will not be : they are conveyed permission verbally and then they make excuses for themselves. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 77:36).
In the above Ayah, apparently, the مضارع مرفوع or indicative verb is not an effect of the preceding verb, rather it just follows after the preceding verb as a next possible step that can follow after the occurrence of the preceding verb.
Example of جواب الأمر
I couldn't find any example for it from The Qur'an which can be covered in this category with satisfaction. So, below is a hypothetical example
يَقُولُ لَهُۥ قُمْ فَيَقُومَ
Translation attempt: He says to him, "stand, whereupon / in consequence of which / as an effect of which he stands"
Now compare this to the below Ayah with مضارع مرفوع or indicative verb. Some claim that it is for استئناف or resumption, but I could not find any case which can be labeled as such with surety and some grammarians also do not believe such usage for فَ fa.
يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ
He Says for it, "Be" and then it becomes. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 2:117).
The فَ used here is conjunctive or عاطفة which can be translated as and then.
Example of جواب النهي
وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
and do not approach this tree whereupon you(dl) will become of the doers of ظُلْم
and do not approach this tree in consequence of which / as an effect of which you(dl) will become of the doers of ظُلْم
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 2:35).
ظُلْم translation attempt : blocking / obstruction / hindrance / violation of what is rightful / required / due / befitting etc.
Example of جواب الاستفهام
فَهَل لَّنَا مِنْ شُفَعَآءَ فَيَشْفَعُواْ لَنَا
so are there for us any intercessors whereupon they intercede for us.
so are there for us any intercessors in consequence of which they intercede for us.
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 7:53).
Example of جواب التمني
يَـٰلَيْتَنِى كُنْتُ مَعَهُمْ فَأَفُوزَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا
...O : would that / if only : I, I had been together with them, whereupon / in consequence of which : I would attain an عَظِيم attainment. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 4:73).
عَظِيم translation attempt : Of great significance. Of : great / major / chief / core / foundational : significance / importance / account / estimation /seriousness.
Would that : A quick google search gives: "Used for saying that you wish that something were true, especially when you know that it is impossible". Another option is "if only" : "used to express a wish, especially regretfully." No equivalent word in English, while in Urdu, the word كاش is used. InshaALLAH once notes are prepared for this particle, more thorough research will be done to conclude an even better translation.
Example of جواب لَوْ
فَلَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
so were it that indeed there was for us another turn whereupon / in consequence of which we would be of the believers
(Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 26:102).
Example of جواب الترجي
وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ لَعَلَّهُۥ يَزَّكَّىٰٓ
أَوْ يَذَّكَّرُ فَتَنْفَعَهُ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰٓ
and what will make you realize, maybe he will attain تَزْكِيَة tazkiyah*, or bears in mind, whereupon / in consequence of which benefits him, the remembrance. (Translation attempt for Words from The Qur'an 80:3-4).
*tazkiyah تَزْكِيَة translation attempt : attain growth step by step towards your true potential by purifying yourself from the impurities and hurdles.
Example of جواب التحضيض
وَقَالُواْ مَالِ هَـٰذَا ٱلرَّسُولِ يَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّعَامَ وَيَمْشِى فِى ٱلْأَسْوَاقِ لَوْلَآ أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ فَيَكُونَ مَعَهُۥ نَذِيرًا
and they said, "what is to this messenger, he eats the food and moves about naturally* in the markets, : were it not* / had it not been : , an angel would have been sent down to him whereupon / in consequence of which he would be together with him a warner..."
and they said, "what is to this messenger, he eats the food and moves about naturally* in the markets, why were it not, an angel was sent down to him whereupon / in consequence of which he is along with him a warner..."
(Translation attempts for Words from The Qur'an 25:7).
*were it not لَوْلَا translation attempt for cases like these based on a quick study: were it not.
Apparently, in this usage, the speaker, tries to prove his point of view or what he wants to achieve, by following لَوْلَا with a hypothetical statement of what he states to would have been if what he asserts or believes or wants to achieve is not the case. Other translations presented by some translators include: Why not, why has no, why were it not, if only etc. More research is required to further refine the understanding of this usage of لَوْلَا
*moves about naturally يَمْشِى translation attempt: Moves about naturally. Move from place to place using the body's natural way of moving about. For humans, this means moving about by foot.
To study this particle further in many other books read the related pages in
Arabic Particles Tool . Also to see other posts in Arabic Particles Meanings series.
References: When multiple references mentioned for a point, it means material selected from all quoted references more from some and less from others and all quoted references do not necessarily agree on everything. Material is not exactly copied but based on the reference quoted and I have made additions, editions & changes where required :
w = Wright Arabic Grammar English
h = Howell Arabic Grammar English
l = Lane's Lexicon
n = New indication by me
a = Arabic Almanac and Mawrid Reader books
p = Arabic Particles Tool books
p2 = Ma'ani un Nahw (AP Tool 2) .
m = Sharh of Miatu Amil .
f = Fischer Arabic Grammar (its PDF can be downloaded from the link).
q = Qawaid Zaban e Qur'an Urdu .
s2 = The Subjunctive Mood in Arabic Grammmatical Thought by Arik Sadan .
Arabic has been typed using the free and detailed Arabic keyboard, latest live version of which is available at:
Online Arabic Keyboard to Type Arabic Directly using English Keyboard with 7 Arabic Web Fonts .
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بَلۡ بَلَىٰ كَ إِنۡ أَنۡ سَ سَوۡفَ أَ هَلۡ إِذۡ إِذَا إِذًا أَنَّىٰ لَـٰكِنۡ لَـٰكِنَّ