What does Al-faʿl mean?

Islam > Glossary > Al-faʿl

Discover the meaning of the term Al-faʿl (فاعل) in Islamic vocabulary.

Definition Al-faʿl

Al-faʿl according to Kitab at-Ta'rifat (Al-Jurjani)

That to which the action, or its like, is ascribed, inasmuch as he performs it, that is, inasmuch as the action subsists through him, so that he leaves the rank of the objects whose agent is not named.

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

Among the grammarians: a noun to which the active action, or its like, is ascribed by the primordial consideration that gives it precedence, as 'Zayd struck' and 'Zayd grew tall' and 'Zayd died'.

Al-faʿl according to Maqalid al-'Ulum (As-Suyuti)

What in a thing is productive of effect.

Al-faʿl according to At-Tawqif (Al-Munawi)

That to which the action, or its like, is ascribed inasmuch as he performs it, that is, inasmuch as the action subsists through the agent; he then leaves the rank of the objects whose agent is not named.

Related terms: Al-faʿl