Specification of general terms (takhsis)

Takhsis is confining a general term to some of what it covers by a proof that shows this. ¹

To specify a person with a thing is to prefer him with it over others. For most usulis, takhsis is confining a general term to some of what it covers by a proof that indicates this, whether the proof is independent or not, and whether it accompanies the term or not. For the Hanafis it is confining the term to some of its individuals by an independent accompanying proof; this excludes istithna and an attribute, since their confinement rests on a non-independent proof, and excludes abrogation, which comes by a later proof. ¹

• Abrogation (naskh): lifting an earlier ruling by a later one. Takhsis does not lift a ruling; abrogation lifts a ruling after it has been established. ¹
• Qayd: narrowing the spread of an absolute term by joining it to a word showing a condition, attribute or state. Takhsis applies to general terms, to narrow their reach. ^{1 2}
• Istithna (exception): excluding part of a plurality with illa or one of its equivalents. Most usulis count it as a specifier; for the Hanafis it confines the term without specifying it. ²

Takhsis is possible by reason and occurs by induction. It may reduce a term to one individual when the term is not plural, or to at least the smallest plural when it is. The Hanafis allow specification by reason as well as by wording. ² The usulis differ on whether a general term remains general in what is left. The sounder view is that it remains a literal term for what is left, the view of the Hanbalis, many Hanafis and Shafi'is. ² Most usulis hold that the general term remains a proof after specification, whether the excluded items are known or not. Al-Karkhi held that it is no proof at all. ³ The fuller treatment is in the usul appendix.