The Difference Between *Hatta* and *Ila* in Indicating a Limit
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Question:
We say: Is there a difference between the two particles in the issue of a thing, between *ila* and *hatta*, in the saying of Allah the Exalted, “and he was not among those who observe,” and in the saying of Allah the Exalted, “until he finds me in the path of good, so that he may be among the Muslims”?
Answer:
There is no difference between them; both are particles of limit. Both are particles of limit. *Hatta* comes for the limit, and *ila* comes for the limit.[Al-Baqarah 2:187], meaning *ila*. Here, *hatta* carries the meaning of *ila*: “until it becomes clear to you.” Yes.
We say: Is there a difference between the two particles in the issue of a thing, between *ila* and *hatta*, in the saying of Allah the Exalted, “and he was not among those who observe,” and in the saying of Allah the Exalted, “until he finds me in the path of good, so that he may be among the Muslims”?
Answer:
There is no difference between them; both are particles of limit. Both are particles of limit. *Hatta* comes for the limit, and *ila* comes for the limit.
It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.
وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ
Source
قناة «العلامة الدكتور صالح الفوزان»، 14 من 175 /شرح بلوغ المرام/الطهارة/الوضوء/صالح الفوزان/الحديث/كبار العلماء — youtube.com (44:30)
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.