Meaning
Shahrur distinguishes between istiṭāʿa (ability) and iṭāqa (capacity): istiṭāʿa is ability accompanied by exerted effort, and he considers the addition of the letter tāʾ to indicate increased effort. As for iṭāqa, it is the ability to perform an act while encompassing it; he therefore does not equate it with istiṭāʿa.
The Atom’s Structure in the Atlas
- Argument type: definitional
- Argument movement: It distinguishes between istiṭāʿa and iṭāqa in terms of effort and encompassment.
- Central terms: istiṭāʿa, iṭāqa, effort, encompassment.
- Degree of centrality: pivotal.
It closely examines the semantic difference between two similar terms in order to make obligation contingent upon the limits of expended capacity, rather than upon mere abstract possibility.
Links That Aid Reading
Evidence
- Supporting text: “Istiṭāʿa: ability with exerted effort; in his view, the presence of the letter tāʾ indicates increased effort. Iṭāqa: the ability to perform an act and encompass it, which he treats as distinct from istiṭāʿa.”
Related Verses
Location of the Evidence in the Book
- Book: Islam and Faith.
- Location: In the final section of the book, within the explanation of the story of scaling and piercing.
- Type of evidence: proximate textual witness.
- Verification aid: effort and expended energy.
- Reading note: This passage is suitable evidence because the witness shows that the tāʾ came to signify exertion and expended energy, supporting the distinction between istiṭāʿa and iṭāqa.
Degree of Documentation
- Level: directly documented
- Meaning of the level: The atom rests on an explicit witness close to the wording of the claim.
- Limits of reading: The wording above is an analytical summary and should not be treated as a verbatim quotation unless the witness is reproduced textually.
Its Function in the Book
Its function here is definitional: it specifies a meaning or conceptual distinction on which Shahrur relies in constructing the idea.
Note to the Reader
The linguistic distinction serves a legislative function.