The Prohibition Style in Arabic Language
In Arabic, styles of expression can be primarily categorized into two groups: declarative and argumentative. Within these categories, various grammatical styles are included, among which the prohibition style is classified as an argumentative approach. Prohibition serves as a request from the speaker to the listener to refrain from performing a certain action. This style is typically issued by someone in a superior position; if it comes from a peer, it may be considered a plea, while if issued from a subordinate, it becomes a form of supplication. Prohibition directly contrasts with the command style.
Forms of Prohibition
There is a singular form for the prohibition style: the particle “لا” (la), known as “la al-jazima.” It is specifically used to precede the present tense verb, having the ability to jussive it and shift it into the future tense. Its application in addressing the listener is exemplified in the verse: “ولا تقربوا الزنا” (Do not approach adultery). When addressing a third party, it appears in contexts like “لا يتخذ المؤمنون الكافرين أولياء” (Believers should not take disbelievers as allies). Here, “لا” functions as a jussive prohibitive.
Syntactic Analysis of the Prohibition Style
In the prohibition style, the verb is in the jussive mood, and its jussive marker can be either a silent ending, the dropping of a vowel, or the omission of the “ن” (nun). If a verb is accompanied by the “نون التوكيد” (the nun of emphasis), it remains inflected for the jussive position. The particle “لا” (la) is classified as a prohibition particle, which is fixed in usage with no grammatical case, while the verb following it is the one that is analyzed.
Types of Prohibition Style
The prohibition style can be divided into two main types:
- Real Prohibition
This type of prohibition seeks to compel the listener to cease a specific action, highlighting authority and obligation from a superior to an inferior. An example is found in the verse: “يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا يحلّ لكم أن ترثوا النساء كرهًا ولا تعضلوهن لتذهبوا ببعض ما آتيتموهنّ” (O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion). Here, the prohibition is conveyed directly.
- Figurative Prohibition
This type entails an implied termination of an action, lacking a direct form of prohibition. An illustration can be found in the verse: “ربنا لا تؤاخذنا إن نسينا أو أخطأنا” (Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or made a mistake). In this context, the prohibition is inferred through the surrounding dialogue rather than being explicitly stated.
Purposes of the Prohibition Style
The prohibition style serves numerous rhetorical functions, which include:
- Threat
This style can be employed to convey a threat or warning regarding the consequences of an action. For instance, a parent might say to a child: “لا تذهب إلى مجالس أصدقاء السوء” (Do not go to the gatherings of bad friends).
- Advice
Prohibition can also serve as guidance, urging the recipient to halt a harmful action. For example: “لا تدخن كثيرًا فتصيبك الأمراض” (Do not smoke excessively, as it may cause you illness), where the intent is to offer counsel against smoking.
- Wishing
This usage is characterized by a desire to negate an action when addressing someone of lower status or when speaking to an inanimate subject, such as: “يا قمر لا تذهب” (O moon, do not leave).
- Supplication
This involves addressing God in prayer, such as: “يا ربّ لا تُمِتني إلا وأنت راضٍ عنّي” (O Lord, do not let me die unless You are pleased with me).
- Reproach
When reprimanding someone, the prohibition serves as a form of admonition, for example: “يا صديقي لا تنهَ عن الأخلاق الفاسدة وتأتي بمثلها” (O my friend, do not forbid immoral behavior while engaging in it yourself).
- Discouragement
This manifests as an indication of the listener’s inability to perform an action, as in: “لا تعتذر يا سائق، لقد أصبت في ذراعي” (Do not apologize, driver, as I have injured my arm).