What is the meaning of 'twice' (ضعف) when used in legal stipulations or texts?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Bequests
Primary text
The term 'twice' (ضعف) signifies multiplying by two (two times). This interpretation is established by the Divine Utterance: 'giving its yield twofold' (Quran 2:265). Furthermore, the jurists agree on the meaning of 'twice' (ضعفين) in the context of punishment, referring to two times, as supported by the verse stating the reward is given 'twice' (Quran 33:31). It is deemed impossible for the reward for good deeds to be doubled while the punishment for immorality is tripled, as God intends to multiply good deeds over bad deeds.
Supporting text
Abu Thawr argued that 'twice' (ضعف) means four times the original amount, based on analogy (qiyas), asserting that the doubling of the singular implies doubling the dual. This view is rejected because it contradicts the explicit text of the Quran and the consensus of the exegetes (Mufassirun) among the Tabi'in and others. Additionally, some Arab linguists affirm that 'al-di'f' (the doubling/multiple) is used by Arabs to mean both two times and single time.