We shall explain the hadith, then return to the matter at hand. We say (1), seeking Allah’s guidance:

The phrase “ghayr makfiyy” (“never adequately recompensed”) has been transmitted in two forms: with and without a hamza.

The reading with a hamza has been judged erroneous, since the word is a passive participle. It is derived either (2) from kifāyah (sufficiency), in which case its proper form is ghayr makfiyy, like marmiyy and maqdiyy; or from mukāfāh (recompense), whose passive participle is mukāfā (3), like murāmā from rāmāhu and musā‘ā from sā‘āhu.

Alternatively, it is derived from kafa’tu al-inā’—with a hamza—meaning “I overturned the vessel.” Its passive participle would then be makfū’, like maqrū’ from qara’tu (“I read”) (4).

Or it is derived from kafāhu, yakfīhi (“to suffice him”), whose passive participle is makfiyy, like marmiyy from ramaytu (“I threw”).

The correct reading is without a hamza.

There is then (5) disagreement over whether this describes the food and refers back to it (6), or (7) whether it is a circumstantial qualifier of the name of Allah, thus describing Him (8) in meaning. There are two views: