more apparent than another. The second is where one of its possible meanings is more apparent than another. The first category, in which no possible meaning is more apparent than another, is treated like indeterminate wording: a command expressed in such terms cannot properly be obeyed until it has been clarified.
The other category is where one possible meaning is more apparent than another. Examples include commands, which may convey obligation, recommendation, permission, or astonishment. According to most of our scholars, however, they more apparently convey obligation and are therefore understood accordingly. Likewise, general expressions may be intended either specifically or generally. Their general meaning is more apparent, however, so most of our scholars understand them accordingly unless evidence establishes a restriction of their scope. Ruling by analogy falls under this kind of discourse, since we have established its authority through the general wording of His saying, Exalted is He:
“So take heed, O people of insight.” [al-Hashr: 2]
The same applies to other similar expressions. These also include expressions of restriction, such as “only” and the like. Their apparent meaning is to affirm the ruling for what is expressly mentioned and deny it for everything else, so they are understood accordingly, although they may sometimes affirm the ruling for what is expressly mentioned without denying it for anything else.
Section
The Sunnah is divided into four categories:
A Sunnah that none but a disbeliever rejects. Such a person is called upon to repent; if he repents, he is spared, otherwise he is put to death. This consists of what has been transmitted through so many independent channels that it necessarily yields certain knowledge, such as the prohibition of wine, the fact that there are five obligatory prayers, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded the call to prayer, and that the direction of prayer is toward the Kaaba, and similar matters.
A Sunnah that none but the people of deviation and denial reject, since Ahl al-Sunnah have unanimously agreed upon its authenticity and interpretation. Examples include the hadiths concerning intercession, seeing Allah, punishment in the grave, and similar matters.
A Sunnah that establishes certain knowledge and requires action, even though some among Ahl al-Sunnah disagree concerning it. Examples include the hadiths concerning wiping over leather socks and the prohibition of even quantities of fermented drinks insufficient to cause intoxication.