المعنى الاصطلاحي

The conclusive, correct, explicit religious matters that do not change in any time or place.

الشرح المختصر

The Islamic Shariah is complete, coherent, and suitable for every time and place. It consists of "thawaabit" (constants) and "mutaghayyiraat" (variables): First: The "thawaabit": they make up the larger part of the Shariah. They are such matters that are established by explicit evidence from the Quran or the authentic Sunnah and are not subject to change regardless of the change of time or place until the end of this world; and they are not prone to "ijtihaad" (independent reasoning), argumentation, compromise, or alteration. The "thawaabit" are also called "musallamaat" (axioms), "qat`iyyaat" (conclusive precepts), and "yaqeeniyyaat" (certainties). "Thawaabit" are divided into three categories: 1. Constants of the fundamentals of creed, such as belief in Allah, His angels, His messengers, to the rest of the pillars of faith, and also the oneness of lordship, divinity, names and attributes (of Allah), as well as veneration of the Companions, recognition of their merits, obeying the rulers, in addition to other matters of creed. 2. Constants of the Shariah, whether pertaining to acts of worship, transactions, or legal punishments. They are deemed constants because their proofs are clear-cut in the Quran and the Sunnah. They may be singular topics in legislation, like the five prayers, fasting, pilgrimage, inheritance, and the prohibition of usury, drinking alcohol, slander, etc., or general rules, like blocking the means to evil. 3. Constants of the source; i.e. that the primary source of the religion of Allah is the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Added to them is "ijmaa`" (consensus of the Ummah). So, in any time or place, reference must be to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet regarding any matter, small or great. Second: the "mutaghayyiraat" (variables), which are the matters that are not tackled by explicit authentic religious texts. So, they change with the change of Ijtihaad (independent reasoning), according to the circumstances related to the time and place. Change here refers to the change in the relevant custom, habits, and interests. As a result, the rulings based on these things change, unlike rulings that are founded on categorical Shariah proofs. Examples of variables include the following: - The ability to perform Hajj. In the past, it was defined as having adequate food and a riding camel to make this journey. But the definition of ability is different in our present time. - The amount of expenditure or alimony due to the wife. - Closing the mosques in our time lest they might be subject to corruption, given the widespread strife and turbulence.

التعريف اللغوي المختصر

"Thawaabit" (sing. thaabit): constants, invariables. It is derived from "thuboot" which means: constancy, permanence. Other meanings: things that are correct and authentic.