What does 'Ajz mean?

Islam > Glossary > 'Ajz

Discover the meaning of the term 'Ajz (عجز) in Islamic vocabulary.

Definition 'Ajz

'Ajz according to Dustur al-'Ulama (Al-Ahmadnagari)

Capacity’s absence for the possible without interdiction’s hindrance: capacity’s absence for the possible in itself hindered by other no impotence: Allah cannot annihilate the effect its complete cause existing. Said not He impotent thereof: far from Him! Understand and retain: it leaves impotence in many sophisms. Know impotence in Allah impossible, need necessary to impotence, consensus establishing need a defect impossible in Allah, being proof of possibility and advent: who said His impotence unbeliever. If said: you should say the mu’azilites unbelievers, saying His impotence, for saying the sinner’s obedience…

'Ajz according to Mu'jam al-Mustalahat al-Fiqhiyya

Lexically: verbal noun of ’ajiza; said: impotent in the matter, impotent; so-and-so deemed impotent related other than firmness, as relating impotence. Ajz: weakness; ta’jiz: discouraging. In al-Misbah: the thing rendered him impotent: escaped him. In ar-Raghib’s Moufradat: ajz at root lagging the thing; become by usage lacking capacity’s name to act, capacity’s contrary. Terminology: ar-Rafi’i said: ajz we mean not impossibility only, but ruin’s fear too; the imam’s chosen defining ajz a pain attaching carrying off his fervor. Usulists say: ajz an existent attribute opposed capacity, opposed nonexistence and aptitude.

'Ajz according to Maqalid al-'Ulum (As-Suyuti)

What is deferred for punishment after only.

'Ajz according to At-Tawqif (Al-Munawi)

Its origin lagging the thing, its gaining when the matter impotent, delayed; become by usage lacking capacity’s name to act.

'Ajz according to At-Ta'rifat al-Fiqhiyya (Al-Barkati)

Capacity’s contrary. Said: capacity’s absence.

Related terms: 'Ajz