Types of Figurative Speech According to the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Based on Al-Waraqat

 

Concise Introduction to Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Based on al-Waraqat by Imam al-Juwayni [Part 5]

• Figurative speech can be based on addition, decrease, transference, or metaphorical usage. 

• An example of figurative speech based on addition, Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [There is nothing like Him] [Surah ash-Shurah: 11] The letter ‘kaf’ translated into ‘like’ is added to the word ‘mathal (like)’ to emphasize that there is nothing that is similar to Allah, Exalted be He. 

• An example of figurative speech based on decrease or omission, Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Ask the town.] [Surah Yusuf: 82] The intended meaning is to ask the inhabitants of the town. 

• An example of figurative speech based on transference, calling bodily excrement ‘al-gha’t’, which originally means a depressed area in the Arabic language. The figurative usage of the word has become dominant. 

• An example of figurative speech based on metaphorical usage, Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [… there was a wall that wanted to collapse.] [Surah al-Kahf: 77] The intended meaning is that the wall was about to fall. The wall is likened to a living being that is about to collapse.

The Command (al-Amr)

• A command is a verbal demand that a person, who has a superior position, issues to a person, who has an inferior position. The commanding person obliges the commanded person to do something. 

• Forms of the Command: ‘Do something’ indicates a command. For example, eat or drink. When the command is unqualified and there are no contextual clues to the contrary, the command is understood to be an obligation, but if there is evidence indicating that the intended meaning is recommendation or permission, then the command is understood according to that meaning. 

• According to the correct opinion of the scholars, a command does not require to repeat doing the commanded matter unless there is evidence indicating that the commanded matter must be repeated. Moreover, a command is not required an immediate execution. 

• Commanding to do something is a command to perform it, and a command to do whatever is required to perform it. For example, commanding to pray is a command to pray and purify oneself, which is a requirement for praying. 

• When the commanded matter is carried out, the commanded person has fulfilled his duty.

Al-hukm Al-Wad'i In Islamic Jurisprudence

Connected Specification In Usul Al-Fiqh