The Significance of the Definite Singular Noun in General Terms According to Scholars of the Principles of Jurisprudence and Its Jurisprudential Impact 10.35781/1637-000-129-002

Abstract

This research aims to clarify one of the important forms of generality: the issue of the definite singular noun's significance of generality according to the scholars of the principles of jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh). It also highlights the jurisprudential impact of this issue. This research is achieved by reviewing the opinions of the scholars of the principles of jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) on this issue, along with evidence, discussion, and preference. The research consists of an introduction, two chapters, and a conclusion. The introduction defines significance, the definite singular noun, and generality. The first chapter examines the opinions of the scholars of the principles of jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) on the issue, including these opinions, evidence, discussion, and preference. The second chapter examines the jurisprudential impact of the issue. This has been evident in acts of worship and transactions, such as the ruling on washing the hands after waking up from sleep and the ruling on the price of inseminating a stallion. The conclusion contains the most prominent findings of the research. The research adopted an analytical and applied approach, examining the views of the scholars of jurisprudence, evidence, discussion, and application in jurisprudence. The research reached several conclusions, the most prominent of which are: - According to the majority of scholars of jurisprudence, a definite singular noun denotes generality, which is the preferred view. However, if a definite singular noun is diverted from its general meaning, this is due to the presence of a diverting indication, not because it does not denote generality. - Al-Ghazali and al-Qarafi are among those who believe that a singular noun definite with the definite article (alif) and the definite article (adjacency) denotes generality. However, al-Ghazali believes that what denotes generality in a singular noun definite with the definite article (alif) is if it lacks the definite article (ta'), in a word whose singular is distinguished from the plural by the definite article (ta'), such as dates. If a singular noun is not distinguished from the plural by the definite article (ta'), it denotes generality if it does not have a specific singular, such as gold and silver. However, if a specific singular noun is specific, it may or may not denote generality. Al-Qarafi, on the other hand, believes that a singular noun definite with the definite article denotes generality if it applies to both small and large objects, such as Zayd's wealth. However, if it applies only to one object, it does not denote generality, such as a husband's statement, "My wife is divorced." The fundamental principle is the basis of the jurisprudential issue, but if some scholars differ on the jurisprudential issue from what they have decided in the fundamental principles, it is because of other evidence and principles.