Is the term 'Ayim' applicable to men?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Bequests

Book 31 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The term 'Ayim' applies to both men and women who do not have spouses, based on the practice reported concerning Hafsa bint Umar and Umm Uthman. The general ruling derives from the application of the term to both genders in certain contexts.

Supporting text

The prevailing authoritative position holds that common usage (al-'Urf) designates this term specifically for women, thus restricting the application of related rulings primarily to them, despite potential linguistic extension.