How are oaths interpreted concerning names with multiple meanings or applications?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
Names are categorized into six types regarding oaths. First, names with a single meaning (e.g., man, animal) are interpreted literally without dispute. Second, terms with both a religious (Shari'i) and linguistic meaning (e.g., Wudu, Prayer, Zakat), where the oath refers exclusively to the religious meaning upon being unrestricted. Third, names with a primary reality and a less common metaphor (e.g., lion, sea), where the oath defaults to the reality, as prophetic language favors the literal sense. Fourth, customary names where the metaphor has eclipsed the reality (e.g., Rawiyah meaning water-carrier animal vs. water bucket, or Zaineh meaning woman vs. the she-camel used for travel). In these cases, the oath pertains to the prevalent metaphor because it is what the speaker understands and intends, making it akin to the reality in other contexts.
Supporting text
The fourth category has two sub-types. The first involves common usage overpowering reality, like 'Rawiyah' or 'Zaineh.' The second involves customary usage specifying a part of the reality, like 'Dabbah' (animal), which conventionally refers only to horses, mules, and donkeys, despite its literal meaning encompassing all creeping things (Quran 11:6). Generally, the oath defaults to the customary usage.