The Indefinite Noun in the Context of Gratitude and Its Relationship to the Foundational and Maqāṣid Principles: An Applied Study

Abstract

This study explored the semantic function of the indefinite noun in the context gratitude (Sīyāq al-Imtinān), under the title: “The Indefinite Noun in the Context of Gratitude and Its Relationship to the Foundational and Maqāṣid Principles: An Applied Study.” The research approached the topic from an interdisciplinary perspective that combines linguistic semantics with uṣūl al-fiqh (Islamic legal theory) and maqāṣid al-sharīʿa (objectives of Islamic law). The study argued that the use of the indefinite noun in contexts of gratitude is a semantic phenomenon that reveals the deep association between linguistic structures in sacred texts and the foundational and purposive principles through which Islamic rulings are derived. Besides, it highlighted the impact of context on shaping meaning and clarifying the intent of the legal discourse. Therefore, the study presented selected textual and juristic examples illustrating the relationship between linguistic form and legal reasoning. The study adopted an inductive-analytical methodology. The research reached a number of findings. These included the conclusion that the indefinite noun in the context of gratitude is a linguistic device that affirms the importance of context and its impact on understanding the meanings of expressions and deriving legal rulings. Besides,indefinite nounsindicate generality. The study also revealed a strong overlap between the meaning of the indefinite noun in the context of gratitude and the uṣūlī and maqāṣidprinciples