The Meaning of the Word "Dhat"

The Shaykh : And know... that the word "dhat" is used to mean the very essence of a thing, but is this usage linguistic or an innovation? Some have said that it is an innovation and that in the language it is not used to mean the essence of the thing, but rather it is used to mean the side, the state, or to mean the possessor. Yes, so you would say, for example: "This is a woman of wealth," meaning a woman who possesses wealth. And you would say: Rather, Allah the Exalted said: "dhat baynakum," meaning the state between you, i.e., the state that is between you, so rectify it. And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: meaning on his side and in his direction. Yes. And Khubayb said: meaning on his side and in his direction. Yes, yes. However, it has been used in a common manner among the scholars until it became a customary term. In what context was it used? In contrast to the attribute. They used it to mean the thing itself and the essence of the thing, just as the Arabs say: "This is Zayd himself" or "This is Zayd in his own person." They say, "This is Zayd in his essence." And now it has become a common usage that is not denied. Yes, for this reason the author (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "in His attributes and His essence".