to which the name continues to apply after some of their parts are lost. All composites whose parts are alike fall into this category, as do many whose parts differ. For a quantity measured by volume or weight may be called wheat, and it remains wheat after some is removed. The same applies to earth, water, and similar things.
Likewise, the terms worship, obedience, good, a good deed, beneficence, charity, knowledge, and similar expressions encompass many things. Each term applies whether these are few or many, and whether some parts have been lost while others remain. Similarly, the term “Quran” applies both to the whole and to part of it. Had more Quran been revealed than this, it would also have been called Quran. Earlier scriptures may also be called Quran, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“The Quran was made easy for David.”
Likewise, the terms utterance, speech, discourse, and similar expressions apply to both small and large amounts. The terms remembrance and supplication likewise apply to both little and much. Similarly, a mountain is still called a mountain even if many of its parts are lost. The terms sea and river continue to apply even when their volume diminishes. Likewise, the terms city, house, village, mosque, and similar expressions apply to an assembled whole; many of its parts may subsequently be lost, yet the name remains.
The same applies to the names of animals and plants. The term tree, for example, applies to the whole tree, including its branches and other parts. Some of it may then be cut away, yet the name remains. Likewise, the terms human being, horse, and donkey apply to the living being with its bodily structure intact; then