The difference between the terms: (al-ikhtiyar and al-tarjih) in meaning and usage

Abstract

In every field of study, there are bound to be differences among scholars regarding the terminology of that field, even if only on certain details. Consequently, a scholar or researcher must make a specific choice or give preference to one of the differing opinions. The terms “chose” or “preferred.” Do these two terms have the same meaning? Or does each of these terms have its own specific meaning? Or is there a difference between the general and the specific? To answer these questions, the researcher compiled the most significant opinions of scholars regarding the meaning of the terms and how they are used, employing an inductive and descriptive approach. The researcher also sought to compare the two terms and clarify the relationship between them, using an analytical and comparative approach. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal use of the two terms; because some scholars use them interchangeably, which may cause the research to lack precision and clarity; therefore, it was necessary for the researcher carefully select the terms through which to express his ideas; because this lends eloquence to the expression, and increases the ability to convince the reader of what the researcher has chosen or preferred.