see the wonderful eloquence in the ordering and composition. Here, we shall mention one or two examples in order to demonstrate the composition in the parts of a sentence. For example:

But if a breath of your Sustainer’s punishment touches them.(21:46)

In this sentence, it wants to point out how terrible the punishment is by showing the severity of the least amount. That is to say, it expresses littleness or fewness, and all the parts of the sentence look also to this littleness or fewness and reinforce it. Thus, the words, “But if” signify doubt, and doubt looks to littleness or fewness. The word “touches” means to touch lightly and expresses a small amount. And just as the word “a breath” is merely a whiff, so is it in the singular form. Grammatically it is a maṣdar marra and signifies once. Also the tanwīn indicating indefiniteness in “a breath” expresses littleness or fewness and means it is so insignificant that it can scarcely be known. The word “of” signifies division or a part; it means a bit and indicates paucity. The word “punishment” points to a light sort of punishment in relation to chastisement (nakāl) or penalty (i‘qāb), and suggests a small amount. And by alluding to compassion and being used in place of Subduer, All-Compelling, or Avenger, the word “Sustainer” indicates littleness or fewness. It says, if the small amount of punishment suggested in all this paucity has such an effect, you can compare how dreadful divine chastisement will be. How much then do the small parts of this sentence look to one another and assist one another! How each reinforces the aim of the whole! This example looks to the words and aim to a small degree.

Second Example:

And spend [in God’s way] out of what We have bestowed on them as sustenance.(2:3)

The parts of this sentence point out five of the conditions which make almsgiving acceptable.

First Condition: This is to give only so much alms as will not cause the giver to be in need of receiving alms himself. It states this condition through the division or parts signified by “out of” in the words “out of what”.

Second Condition: It is not to take from ‘Ali and give to Wali, but to give out of a one’s own property. The words “We have bestowed on them as sustenance” express this condition. It means: “Give out of the sustenance that is yours.”

Third Condition: This is not to place an obligation on the recipient. The word “We” in “We have bestowed on them as sustenance” states this condi-