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What is meant by (إِنَّمَا - indeed only), and why are there two present tense verbs and two pronouns in the Almighty's saying: "Indeed Allah wishes to remove from you the impurity, O people of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification" (33:33)?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The particle "innama" conveys exclusivity, and here it serves to explain the preceding rulings. As for the present tense verbs "yudhhibu" (to remove) and "yutahhiru" (to purify), their form is necessitated by the preceding particle "li" (to/in order to). In "yureed" (He intends), the present tense indicates the renewal and continuity of the divine will. The "li" in "liyudhhiba" (to remove) comes for emphasis after the divine will and command. As for the pronoun, it is used for brevity, and the masculine pronoun is employed to prioritize the male over the female, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) is included with the Mothers of the Believers in this address. Similar is the verse: "The mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, O people of the household."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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