A hadith and commentary.
It is recorded in the Sahih that the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, suffered from famine during the Battle of Tabuk.
They said to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:
"If only you would permit us to slaughter our camels used for drawing water,"
referring to their camels.
Commentary:
Imam al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, commented:
"Their statement, 'If only you would permit us,'
is among the most refined ways of addressing those of high status.
Their manner of questioning,
that is, their way of making a request,
is expressed by saying:
'If you were to do such and such,'
'If you were to permit such and such,'
'it would be better,'
'or it would be correct,'
and similar expressions.
This is far more elegant than saying to a person of high status:
'Do such and such,'
using the imperative form."