How one word decides a ruling

The Qurʾān, its readings, its language, and the law — one thread.

1. 1

   The verse of wuḍūʾ

   Sūrat al-Māʾida commands washing the limbs — including وأرجلكم, 'and your feet'.

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2. 2

   The two readings

   That word is recited two ways (naṣb and khafḍ) — and the reading changes the meaning.

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3. 3

   The linguistic hinge

   This is ishtirāk — a word bearing two grammatical senses. Language is deciding the law.

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4. 4

   The ruling it decides

   Wash the feet, or wipe them? See the masʾala the reading resolves.

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