Explanations from Mafuradat

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There is nothing similar to HimThe Path full of ups and downs

The origin of Mithl is Muthul meaning to stand up erect so when we duplicate something or etch something it is called “Tamthal” or that subject itself seems to be present. Then all comparison and similitude began to be termed as “Mithaal”

“Mathal” is also used for that which is similar and explanatory in nature.

Some Ulema opine that there is a difference between “Momathil” and “Masavi”. “Mamathil” are two things similar in origin and nature while “Masavi” is sued for two or more things similar in origin and nature. Being similar in quantity and weight of two or more things is enough to call them “Masavi”.

“Mathal” has been used to denote good attributes and also for strange and interesting tales. “Amthal” means sample and “Muthla’ is used for desecration of a dead human body.

The one who desecrates tells others that they will be subject to similar treatment if they commit the same crime. This is why “Matholaat” has been used for those punishments which are a source of awareness for others for it acts as a deterrent for others to commit the same crime. (1)

“Kofw” means similarity in status and station and the word “Mokafaat’ has been derived from it for it denotes similarities and comparability. “Ikfa’ means to upturn the vessel so that its overt and covert abilities seem the same.

Maqayis ol Loghata has mentioned two meanings for the same, one is the similarity between two things, and the second is disparity and dissimilarities but Raghib in Mafuradat says that both the words are attached to the same origin as mentioned above.

The origin of “Sifah” is “Wasf” which describes the pros and cons of any thing and is mostly used for positive and negative attributes.

Ibn Manzur in Lisan-ol-Arab says “Wasf” also denotes “to adorn” and Sifat has been used for adornment. Maqayis ol Loghata confirms the same but as we have mentioned earlier it has a vast meaning too. Some times the man servant is called “Waseef’ and the maid servant is termed as “Wasifa’ this because in the days of slavery they used to explain the attributes or qualities of the slaves before selling them.

 


 

1. Mafuradat Raghib, Maqayis-ol-Loghata, Lisan-ol-Arab and Majmaul Bahrain.

 

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