Second Discussion

Praise and gratitude each have a broader scope than the other in a different respect.

Praise is broader with respect to the grounds for which it is offered: it may be offered for all attributes, whereas gratitude is offered only for kindness shown. Gratitude is broader with respect to its means of expression: it is expressed through belief, speech, and action. Praise is expressed through action, speech, or belief.

Shaykh and Imam Zayn al-Dīn Ibn al-Munajjā al-Hanbalī raised the following objection:

This distinction concerns only that to which praise and gratitude relate. The fact that either is offered for such-and-such or expressed through such-and-such is external to its essence, so this does not constitute a distinction in their essential nature. Definitions address only intrinsic attributes, not what lies outside them.

Shaykh al-Islam Taqī al-Dīn Ibn Taymiyyah replied:

Concepts are of two kinds: independent and relational.

The definitions of independent concepts do not include their relations. As for relational concepts, there must be included in