Concise Introduction to Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Based on al-Waraqat by Imam al-Juwayni [Part 14]
Az-Zahar ‘the Manifest’ is an utterance that has two or more meanings, one of which is more probable than the other meanings.
For example, if someone says, ‘I saw a loin today.’ The apparent meaning is that he saw a real loin, not a courageous man.
A manifest utterance can be interpreted according to the less probable meaning if there is supporting proof. In such a case, the figurative ‘the mu’wal’ utterance is called ‘manifested by means of proof.
In other words, the figurative ‘al-mu’wal’ utterance is interpreting an utterance according to the less probable meaning by virtue of evidence.
For example, if someone says, ‘I saw a loin carrying a sword.’
It is understood from ‘carrying a sword’ that he saw a courageous man.
Thus, the meaning is interpreted according to the less probable meaning because of the supporting evidence indicating so.
The Actions of Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him]
The Actions of Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] are as follows:
1. What he did as a human being, such as eating, drinking, and so on. He might also do things because they were the customs in the society where he lived, such as wearing specific types of clothes. This type of action does not indicate legislation. They are permissible.
2. What he did as acts of piety and obedience. This type of action is of two kinds:
a) There is proof that the act exclusively relates to Messenger Muhammad. For example, he observed continuous fasting. When his companions did so, Messenger Muhammad commanded them not to fast continuously.
b) There is no evidence that the act does not exclusively relate to Messenger Muhammad. In which case, Muslims should imitate him in such an act. Allah says, interpretation of the meaning,
33:21 Indeed, you have an excellent example in Allah’s Messenger for whoever hopes for Allah’s reward, the Last Day, and remembers Allah much. [Surah Al-Ahzab]
Ruling on what Messenger Muhammad did as acts of piety and obedience,
1. The ruling on the act is known. For example, the act is obligatory, e.g. the five obligatory prayers.
2. The ruling on the act is unknown. The scholars have three opinions regarding such an act.
a) It is interpreted as an obligatory act to be on the safe side.
b) It is interpreted as a recommended act because it is the most probable ruling.
c) Refraining from giving it a ruling.
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