Built, not guessed: A perfect definition is built, not guessed. The five-step method, as given by the slide title, works through examples including Wajib, Nabi, Triangle, and 'Adl (justice).
The five steps, in order: The steps, as used throughout the course, are: first identify the Jins Qarib (the nearest genus) of the thing; then identify the Fasl Qarib (the nearest essential differentia); then combine them into the formula Jins Qarib + Fasl Qarib; then test the definition with the two conditions of Topic 4.4 (does it include all members, and does it exclude all non-members?); and finally refine it until it passes both tests. The examples on the slide include Wajib (a ruling), Nabi (a prophet), Triangle (a shape), and 'Adl (justice) — showing that the same method works for law, theology, mathematics, and ethics alike.
Example
Nabi and Triangle, defined: "Nabi" = Insan (Jins Qarib) + Maw'ul Ilayhi (Fasl Qarib, one to whom Allah sends revelation). "Triangle" = plane figure (Jins Qarib) + three-sided (Fasl Qarib).
Key Terms
As in Topic 4.1–4.2.
Quran or Hadith
None known from the slide title.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A five-step flowchart: Jins Qarib → Fasl Qarib → Combine → Test (Jami'iyyah + Mani'iyyah) → Refine. To be drawn in Project Desk colours.
Note: This topic is based on the slide filename and course method; the exact five steps on Slide 23 were not read. Verify against the slide before publication.
- A perfect definition is built, not guessed.
- "Nabi" = Insan (Jins Qarib) + Maw'ul Ilayhi (Fasl Qarib, one to whom Allah sends revelation). "Triangle" = plane figure (Jins Qarib) + three-sided (Fasl Qarib).