The Relationships Between Particles of Meaning within a Single Structure and Their Impact on Juristic Differences: A Contextual Study

Abstract

This study aims to identify the significations of meaning-conveying particles (Huruf al-Ma’ani) within the context of Verses of Legal Rulings (Ayat al-Ahkam). By examining the semantic functions of the particles "Ba" and "Min" in a specific legal verse as an illustrative model, the research seeks to establish a framework for cognitive integration between linguistic sciences and Islamic jurisprudence. It explores how jurists and exegetes differ in their legal rulings due to the diversity of interpretations and relationships associated with these particles within the legal text. The study reached several key findings, most notably: Linguists, jurists, legal theorists, and exegetes hold a profound interest in the study of particles due to their significant impact on semantic orientation and multiplicity of meanings. Since the meanings of these particles only emerge through their relationship with verbs, nouns, or the overall structure, a conscious contemplation of their significance is impossible outside of context. Furthermore, the study argues against the notions of substitution (Inabah), redundancy (Ziyadah), or omission (Nuqsan) without definitive evidence; the use of a specific particle instead of a potential alternative undoubtedly conveys a unique semantic nuance that can only be grasped through contextual analysis. Finally, studying the relationships between particles, nouns, and verbs within a single structure provides a more precise guidance for meaning and resolves potential contradictions through analogical reasoning (Qiyas) and gradation.