What is the proper linguistic meaning of the term 'double' (Dhi'f) in legal contexts?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Bequests
Primary text
The correct interpretation is that 'double' (*dhi'f*) means twice the amount, or two portions. This is evidenced by the Quranic verses: 'We would surely make you taste double [the punishment] in life and double [the punishment] in death' (Quran 17:75), and 'So those will have a recompense of double for what they did' (Quran 34:37). Furthermore, those who give charity seeking only the Face of Allah, they are the ones who are 'magnified' or 'doubled' (Quran 30:39). Historical precedent supports this, as it is narrated that Umar doubled the Zakat tax upon the Christians of Banu Taghlib, taking ten from two hundred. When questioned by Hudhayfah and Uthman ibn Hunayf regarding over-burdening the land, Uthman stated that even if he doubled the levy, the land could bear it.
Supporting text
Some scholars, including Al-Azharī, hold that 'double' means the equivalent amount and anything above it. Additionally, some linguists, like Hisham ibn Mu'awiyah, report that Arabs use 'double' (*al-dhi'f*) in the dual form (*mithna*) when they mean two times, but using it in the singular form (*al-dhi'f*) can still imply the dual amount, which must be followed even if it deviates from strict grammatical analogy. Abu Ubaydah Ma'mar ibn al-Muthanna stated that 'double' of something is its like, 'double of it' (*di'fahu*) is its two likes, and 'three of its doubles' (*thalathatu ad'afihi*) means four of its likes.