Maqṭūʿ

The term Maqṭūʿ (Arabic: مَقطُوع, meaning "severed" or "cut off") refers to several distinct concepts across different fields, primarily within Islamic studies, calligraphy, and literature. Understanding its specific meaning requires context.

1. Islamic Studies (Hadith): In the context of Hadith (narrations about the Prophet Muhammad), Maqṭūʿ refers to a narration whose chain of transmission is incomplete. Specifically, it's a Hadith where the Tabi'i (successor of the Prophet's companions) is the highest authority mentioned. The chain is "cut off" before reaching a Companion (Sahabi) of the Prophet. This affects the reliability and authenticity of the Hadith, generally placing it in a lower category than Sahih (authentic) or Hasan (good) Hadith. Whether a Maqṭūʿ narration is acceptable depends on its content and whether it is supported by other evidence. It is distinct from Munqati', where the chain is broken elsewhere in the isnad, and Mursal, where a Tabi'i directly narrates from the Prophet without mentioning a Companion.

2. Arabic Calligraphy: In Arabic calligraphy, Maqṭūʿ is the name of a specific calligraphic fragment or exercise. Typically, it is a piece of calligraphy containing unconnected letters or short words used to practice and demonstrate various letterforms and their connections. This is especially common in teaching calligraphy. The piece is "cut off" in the sense that it doesn't form a complete sentence or coherent thought; it is designed solely to showcase calligraphic skill.

3. Arabic Poetry: In Arabic poetry, Maqṭūʿ can refer to a short, fragmentary poem. This poem is usually independent and doesn't necessarily form part of a larger work. The "cut off" aspect relates to its brevity and self-contained nature. Such poems often express a single idea or emotion.

4. General Usage: More broadly, Maqṭūʿ can simply denote something that is incomplete, fragmented, or severed in a literal or figurative sense within the Arabic language. Its precise meaning depends on the surrounding context.