What is the linguistic definition of 'Luqatah' (found property)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Lost-and-Found Property

Book 29 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

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.