Khassah versus 'Aradh 'Aam: Both Khassah and 'Aradh 'Aam are qualities that a species possesses, but not as part of its essential definition. The critical difference: Khassah belongs exclusively to this species; 'Aradh 'Aam does not.
Al-Khassah, defined: Al-Khassah is a Kulli that
- always belongs to this species — found in every member, no exception;.
- only belongs to this species — found in no other species; and.
- is not part of the essential definition — it is a necessary consequence of the essence, not the essence itself. The classic example is "Qabil lil-Dahk" (capable of laughter), the Khassah of Insan: always — every human is capable of laughter, no exception; only — no other animal has genuine laughter, only humans; not essential — laughter is not what makes you human, Natiq (rational) makes you human — laughter follows from rationality. Other examples: "Tama" (180°) is the Khassah of a triangle — always, only, but not the definition; "Khatam al-Anbiya" is the Khassah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — uniquely his, always his. Al-'Aradh al-'Aam, defined: Al-'Aradh al-'Aam is a Kulli that.
- may or may not belong to this species — it comes and goes;.
- also belongs to other species — it is not exclusive; and.
- is not part of the essence. "Abyad" (white) is an 'Aradh 'Aam for Insan: not always — not all humans are white; not exclusive — snow is white, paper is white, milk is white; not essential — being white or not white does not make you more or less human. Other examples: "Mutaharrik" (moving) applies to humans, animals, water, clouds; "Maridh" (sick) applies to humans, animals, plants; "Ghadban" (angry) is an accident in humans — it comes and goes.
Example
The decisive test — two questions: The decisive test — ask two questions. (1) Is it found in only this species?
First question: only this species? If no, it is 'Aradh 'Aam. If yes, ask (2) is it found in all members of this species?
Second question: all members? If no, it is 'Aradh 'Aam. If yes, it is Khassah.
Both conditions must hold: Both conditions must be met for Khassah.
Key Terms
- Khassah (الخاصة) — property/proprium
- 'Aradh 'Aam (العرض العام) — general accident
- Dawa'im (always), Khass (exclusive), 'Aradhi (accidental) — the three conditions of Khassah
Quran or Hadith
None on this slide.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A two-question flowchart (the decisive test): "Only this species?" → "All members?" → Khassah or 'Aradh 'Aam. To be drawn in Project Desk colours.
- Both Khassah and 'Aradh 'Aam are qualities that a species possesses, but not as part of its essential definition.
- The decisive test — ask two questions: (1) Is it found in only this species? (2) Is it found in all members? If yes to both, it is Khassah.
- Khassah: always + only this species, not the essence. 'Aradh 'Aam: may or may not belong, also in other species.