The word Using in more than one meaning and its impact on Jurisprudential deduction

Abstract

Jurisprudential results are influenced by the general rules applicable to the particular issue. The disagreement among jurists and legal theorists regarding a particular rule result in differing conclusions.

One of these rules is the rule of using a word in more than one sense. Legal theorists have differed regarding the possibility and impossibility of such a use. Those who believe in impossibility often insist that a text does not indicate a legal ruling, as this is the use of a word in more than one sense, which, in their view, is impossible.

Those who believe in possibility can cite a jurisprudential text on a jurisprudential issue as evidence of a legal ruling for another issue by establishing circumstantial evidence of multiple uses. Furthermore, the existence of Quranic narrations has opened the door to research into the possibility of this use in the Holy Quran.

The research concluded that the use of a word in more than one sense is in itself possible, contrary to the opinion of Al-Muhaqqiq Al-Akhund (may God sanctify his secret) and in agreement with Sayyid Al-Khoei (may God sanctify his secret) and a number of jurists. It also resulted in the conclusion that the Qur'anic verses are an application of this rule, contrary to the view of Al-Muhaqqiq Al-Akhund and Sayyid Al-Khoei (may God sanctify their secrets).

The best evidence for possibility is occurrence, as can be found in an analysis of the Almighty's statement: "Indeed, it is a noble Qur'an in a protected Book which none shall touch except the purified." Jurists and commentators have adhered to its indication of two opposing meanings that cannot be reconciled except by stating that the word can be used in more than one sense.