|
The root
of the word is F-Q-H (fa-qaf-ha).
It has the
following meanings:
-To
understand or comprehend or to have knowledge [for example
usage, see 4:78, 6:25, 9:81, 20:28, 48:15]
-To be endowed
with knowledge or understanding as a faculty deep rooted in
the mind
-To have an
understanding of what is not evident from what is apparent
-To have an
understanding of abstract truths from what is perceived by
senses
The term Fiqh
or Fiqhun signifies (primarily), understanding and knowledge
thereof or intelligence. However, the term has become
(particularly and predominantly) to be applied to the science
of law or jurisprudence.
Faqeeh(un)
signifies anyone possessing knowledge of a thing. However,
particularly and predominantly the term has become to be
applied to the one possessing knowledge of the Law.
[“Fahlun
faqeehun” means a stallion (camel) expert in covering that
knows well the she-camels that are lusting and the
pregnant].
Importance of
TAFAQQUH (i.e. understanding and intelligence)
Quran gives so
much importance to understanding, comprehension and
intelligence that it says those who do not do so will go to
hell.
“We have
committed to Hell multitudes of jinns and humans. They have
minds with which they do not understand (layafqahoona),
eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do
not hear. They are like animals; no, they are far worse - they
are totally unmindful (, neglectful and heedless).” [7:179]
In the verse
7:179, “tafaqquh” has been used against “ghaflat” i.e.
unmindfulness, negligence and heedlessness.
Intelligence and
understanding (of the war or battle strategy) has been
mentioned in the Quran as a key factor for the victory over
the unbelievers. See the following:
O you prophet,
you shall exhort the believers to fight. If there are twenty
of you who are steadfast, they can defeat two hundred, and a
hundred of you can defeat a thousand of those who disbelieved.
That is because they are people who do not understand (la
yafqahoona).[8:65]
TAFAQQUH FID-DEEN
The
believers are not to go forth [to war] all together; If a
part of every band of them go not forth, it is that they may
diligently instruct themselves in DEEN; and may admonish their
people, when they return unto them, that they may take heed to
themselves. [9:122]
TAFAQQUH or understanding of DEEN is not the monopoly of a
certain individual or individuals or people of a certain
time in history or of a certain country. It is not right for
an individual to have an understanding of DEEN and consider it
immutable and binding for all the rest. No understanding of
any individual can become a law for the Muslim Ummah without
due consultation, discussions, debates and agreement of the
entire Ummah. It is not commendable either for people to
follow understandings of individual people on their own on
individual basis, creating and celebrating differences in DEEN.
|
