the word hajj (pilgrimage) encompassed every act of seeking a destination, but only a particular act indicated by the expression itself, without any change to the language. When the poet says:

“Behold the many encampments of ‘Awf,
Who seek al-Zibriqān’s saffron-dyed sibb,”

he is speaking in accordance with the language, while qualifying his expression by referring specifically to seeking al-Zibriqān’s saffron-dyed sibb.

Clearly, that particular act of seeking is indicated by the possessive construction. Likewise, the particular pilgrimage Allah commanded is indicated either by the possessive construction or by the definite article. Thus, when someone says, “The pilgrimage is obligatory upon you,” the definite article identifies the known referent, making clear that pilgrimage to the House is intended.

Likewise, “zakah” names that by which the soul is purified and grows. The soul’s purification and growth consist in the increase of its goodness and the removal of its evil. Kindness to people is among the greatest means of purifying the soul, as Allah Most High says:

“Take charity from their wealth to purify them and cleanse them thereby.”

Abstaining from indecencies likewise purifies the soul. Allah Most High says:

“Were it not for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, not one of you would ever have been purified.”

The foundation of its purification is affirming Allah’s oneness and devoting one’s religion sincerely to Him. Allah Most High says:

“And woe to those who associate partners with Allah, who do not give zakah.”

According to the Quran commentators, zakah here means affirming Allah’s oneness. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, explained the obligatory amount and called it “the obligatory zakah.” Thus, when the word zakah is used with the definite article, it refers to this obligation because it is the known referent.

Some terms have been given new meanings through customary usage, yet those who use them attribute this change to the Lawgiver. One example is tayammum. Allah Most High says:

“Then seek clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with it.”

Here, the word tayammum is used in its familiar linguistic sense of seeking something out: He commanded seeking clean earth, then commanded wiping the face and hands with it. In the customary usage of the jurists, the word tayammum came to include this wiping; but this is not