Is it permissible to refer to 'Isha' as al-'atamah?
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The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : Yes, this is a valid objection. It asks: If the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) sometimes referred to 'Isha' as al-'atamah, how do we reconcile this with his saying:Mishkat al-Masabih 631, 632 It is said that when something is prohibited, the intent is that it be used absolutely, meaning that this term be made a substitute for that one. However, if the other term is used occasionally, there is no harm. Yes, do not let them dominate you regarding the naming; that is, it means he does not name it anything but al-'atamah.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : No, "al-'Isha' al-Akhira" (the last 'Isha') is a correct, legislated name. This is because in our grammar, "al-Akhira" involves the deletion of the described noun, leaving only the attribute. Ibn Malik says: "And of the described and the descriptor, reason *** permits its deletion, and in the descriptor it is reduced" So our saying "al-Akhira" is like his saying:[Saba 34:11] meaning "complete armor," which implies the deletion of the relative pronoun.
The questioner : There is a statement by al-Nawawi regarding its naming as al-'atamah.
The Shaykh : Yes, this is a valid objection. It asks: If the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) sometimes referred to 'Isha' as al-'atamah, how do we reconcile this with his saying:
Do not let the Bedouin take away from you
لا يغلبنكم الأعراب على تسميتهمThe questioner : ...
The Shaykh : No, "al-'Isha' al-Akhira" (the last 'Isha') is a correct, legislated name. This is because in our grammar, "al-Akhira" involves the deletion of the described noun, leaving only the attribute. Ibn Malik says: "And of the described and the descriptor, reason *** permits its deletion, and in the descriptor it is reduced" So our saying "al-Akhira" is like his saying:
[Commanding him], "Make full coats of mail
أن اعمل سابغاتThe questioner : There is a statement by al-Nawawi regarding its naming as al-'atamah.