What is the linguistic definition of 'Luqatah' (found property)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Lost-and-Found Property
Primary text
Al-Khaleel ibn Ahmad defines 'Luqatah' with a Fath on the Qaf (Luqatah) as the noun for the one who finds (the property), based on the linguistic pattern where the 'fa'lah' form denotes the actor, analogous to 'hamzah' (slanderer) or 'dahkah' (laughter). Conversely, 'Luqṭah' with a Sukun on the Qaf denotes the found property itself, similar to 'dahkah' meaning that which is laughed at. Al-Asma'i, Ibn al-A'rabi, and Al-Farra' state that 'Luqatah' with a Fath on the Qaf also refers to the found property.