What does Asm al-tafḍiyl mean?

Islam > Glossary > Asm al-tafḍiyl

Discover the meaning of the term Asm al-tafḍiyl (اسْم التَّفْضِيل) in Islamic vocabulary.

Definition Asm al-tafḍiyl

Asm al-tafḍiyl according to Dustur al-'Ulama (Al-Ahmadnagari)

That is, a noun indicating the superiority of one thing over another. According to the grammarians, it is a noun derived from the verbal noun (masdar), coined for an entity that performs or undergoes the meaning of that verbal noun, qualified by an excess over another in the original meaning of that verbal noun, such as "afdal" (most virtuous), "akram" (most generous), "alouma" (most blameworthy), and "achhara" (most famous). The difference between it and the hyperbolic form (sighat al-moubalagha) is that its signified is an entity qualified by an excess over another, unlike the signified of the hyperbolic form, which is an entity qualified by an excess of the action in quality or quantity, without any excess over another being present; that is, the other is not taken into account therein. If you desire detail and precision, refer to our book Jami al-Ghamoud.

Asm al-tafḍiyl according to Maqalid al-'Ulum (As-Suyuti)

That which is derived from a verb for a qualified entity (with an excess over another).

Asm al-tafḍiyl according to At-Tawqif (Al-Munawi)

That which is derived for an act of a qualified entity with an excess over another.

Related terms: Asm al-tafḍiyl