Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning
Vol 9, No 3 (2026): Ijaz Arabi: Journal Of Arabic Learning

The Morphological Change Of The Word Istihalah

Iqbal Hamdan (The National University Of Malaysia (UKM))
Lily Hanefarezan Asbulah (The Research Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).)
Hakim Nabila Zainal (The Research Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the concept of istiḥālah (transformation) as a multidisciplinary concept that integrates Arabic linguistics and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). This concept is generally considered a legal sublety that seeks to purify substances, but this study establishes that istiḥālah is in reality, rooted in the very foundations of Arabic linguistics, based on the triliteral root ḥ-w-l (ح–و–ل), which means transition or change. The study is also based on the application of the istafʿala (استفعل) pattern, which is not limited to "requesting" (ṭalabbut also includes other forms of transformation (taḥawwul),enhancement, intensification, and resultative states (mutāwaʿa). The study also discusses the application of this concept in Islamic jurisprudence, where the debate between "complete" (tāmmah) and "incomplete" (fāsidah) transformation is addressed in modern food science. The study also discusses the flexible application of this concept in Ḥanafī law, where the disappearance of a substance's original essence is required, Unlike the rigid rule of Shafi'i that demands spontaneous and absolute metamorphosis, the study emphasizes the significance of linguistic interpretation in establishing the Halal status of vinegar, gelatin, and food additives such as E471. In conclusion, it appears that the level of metamorphosis is the ultimate determinant of Halal integrity in contemporary times.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijazarabi

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Ijaz Arabi; published twice a year since 2018 (April and October), is a multilingual (Bahasa, Arabic, and English). This journal is published by the Arabic Department, Faculty of Education and Teachers Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim ...