From the texts of the Book and the Sunnah are those which are ’aam (general); which is defined as that word which is inclusive of many ajnaas (categories), anwaa’ (types) and afraad (individuals). This majority of the texts are of this nature.
Example of 'Aam(general) text
"And establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan"
(Surah Muzzamil)
This verse is general verse and it addresses all Muslims.
Other texts are khaass (specific), and are indicative of only some categories, types and individuals. Thus, if there does not exist any contradiction between the ’aam and the khaass texts, then each of them are independently acted upon. However, if a contradiction is presumed, then the ’aam is specified and delineated by the khaas.
As an example,Allah (swt) says
"And when you travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten the prayer if you fear that the disbelievers may put you in trial. Verily, the disbelievers are ever unto you open enemies"
[An-Nisa: 101]
This verse is specific(khaas) to those who are one a journey.This verse gives permission to shorten the prayer during a journey.
A.'Aam text(General)
"And proclaim to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)
(Al-hajj:27)
This verse commands all Muslims to perform hajj.
Khaas text(Specific)
Allah swt says
“ Pilgrimage thereto is a duty man owes to God- those who can afford the journey”
In this verse Allah(swt) informs that Hajj is obligatory to only those who can afford the journey.
Some verses of the Quran addresses both Muslim men and women in general(aam) and other verses addresses either men or women.
Examples
1.But no, I swear by your lord (Allah), they will have no Iman, until they make you, (O Prophet) rule between them in whatever they dispute amongst themselves, and then they find no resistance in their souls from what you have decided, instead they submit with absolute submission"
[ An-Nisa: 65]
2.And whosoever does not rule by what Allah has revealed, they are the Zalimun (Oppressors)."
[ 5:45]
3.And whosoever does not rule by what Allah has revealed, they are the Fasiqun (Transgressors)."
[ 5:47]
Some verses addresses only men or only women(ie.khaas)
Examples
a.Men
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in their husbands absence what Allah orders them to guard. As to those women on whose part you see rebellion, first admonish them, next refuse to share their beds and last beat them (lightly), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them any means (of annoyance): Surely Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great"
[An- Nisa: 34]
b.Women
"Let them draw their head-coverings (khumur) over their necks and bosoms (juyub). And let them not display (more of) their charms to any but their husbands..."
[An- Nur: 31]
Mutlaq and Muqayyad Texts
From the texts are the mutlaq (absolute) and the muqayyad (restricted) ones. It is restricted by a description or a reliable restriction. Thus, the mutlaq is restricted and qualified by the muqayyad
Example of Mutlaq text(absolute or unrestricted)
"A book" is mutlaq text because there is no further description of the book.Hence it means any kind of bookExample of Muqayyad text(restricted)
Mutlaq and Muqayyad Texts in the Quran and Sunnah
A.Mutlaq TextThe male thief and female thief cut off their hands
(5:38)
Here the word 'thief' is mentioned without any further description.
B.Muqayyad Text
Prophet (SAW) said :There is no cutting - of the hand - unless the thing stolen is worth a fourth of a Dinar or more
(Bukari & Muslim)
The Hadith explains the word 'thief' and restricts it by 'as-sareq' (the thief) who steals something worth a fourth of a Dinar
We also must take into account exegesis of Islamic texts with principles such as “Al-Qur’ân yufassiru ba`duhu ba`dan” (parts of the Qur’an explain each other) and “yuhmal al-mutlaq `alâ al-muqayyad”(unqualified expressions and statements must be interpreted in light of qualified expressions and statements) which basically means that an âyah or Hadith might be explained in greater detail by another âyah or Hadith. Also, many statements need other statements to give it clarification so that an âyah that is intended to be for a specific situation is shown as such due to other statements (whether it be from the Holy Qur’an or Sunnah) that make it exclusive not inclusive to other situations.
No comments:
Post a Comment