Arabic-L:TRANS:al-aqrab bi-al-aqrab response

[Dilworth Parkinson]

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Arabic-L: Thu 09 Jan 2003
Moderator: Dilworth Parkinson <dilworth_parkinson at byu.edu>
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1) Subject:al-aqrab bi-al-aqrab response

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1)
Date:  09 Jan 2003
From: "Dr. M Deeb" <mdeeb at gpu.srv.ualberta.ca>
Subject:al-aqrab bi-al-aqrab response

     The precise meaning of the preposition "bi" in the uncontexualized
fragment: "al-aqrab bi 'l-aqrab" is something of a wild goose chase, is
it
not?!  This preposition happens to have sixteen (16) functions in Arabic
grammar.  Depending on the context, which I hope Mr. DeCaen will kindly
provide at a later date, the "bi" in the given phrase would very likely
suggest  "compensation or equivalence."

     Accordingly, if "al-aqrab" denotes "the most immediate in blood
relation," then the phrase: "al-aqrab bi 'l-aqrab" would possibly mean
that
these two close blood relatives (consanguines, if you wish) are to be
jurisprudentially treated on equal footing.

     Perhaps a fitting closure would be: "Wa 'Allaahu A at lam" (God knows
best!)
                                                         M. Deeb

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2)
Date:  09 Jan 2003
From: karmanal <karmanal at aucegypt.edu>
Subject:al-aqrab bi-al-aqrab response

Hi,
As a native Arabic-speaker and an Arabic Teacher for foreigner, I
should think
that this phrase should be: al-'qrab f-al-'aqrab, which means the
closest,
then the closer. It refers either to the local positions, or to the
family
relations. From an Islamic point of view, for example giving away the
charity
-zakaah- the closest relative deserves it more than the closer one.
However,
using the preposition (bi-) here doesn't sound right.
In other context: 'al-3ayin bi-'a3ayin, means in revenge, an eye for an
eye.
That's what I understand of these too prepositions.
Dr. Manal Hassan
AUC in Cairo.

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End of Arabic-L:  09 Jan 2003