What does Al-sfaha mean?

Islam > Glossary > Al-sfaha

Discover the meaning of the term Al-sfaha (سفاهة) in Islamic vocabulary.

Definition Al-sfaha

Al-sfaha according to Mu'jam al-Mustalahat al-Fiqhiyya

Derived from as-safah (lightness), which originally means lightness of the body, whence the saying « zamam safih » (an unstable rein), meaning highly agitated, and « thawb safih » (a fragile garment), with loose and poor weaving. It was used to denote lightness of the soul due to a deficiency of reason in worldly and otherworldly matters, hence the phrase « safiha nafsahu » (he made his soul foolish). Its origin is « safiha nafsahu », then the verb was diverted from it following the pattern of the verse ﴿ batorat ma'ishataha ﴾.

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

Haste in uttering foul speech or committing a foul act.

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

Frivolity of opinion in contrast to what is required of one in terms of firmness and strength, as stated by Al-Harali.

Related terms: Al-sfaha