A Juridical Analysis ofThe Meaning of Cinematic Images In The Light of Shaykh al-Ansari's Reasoning In Semantics

Reasoning (Ijtihad) in terms of semantics is a well-known method that Sheikh al-Ansari developed in his conceptualization of words, terms, and reasoning fiqhi rules. Knowing his method of reasoning as well as his intellectual basis and foundations can pave the way for understanding fiqhi issues. Through exploring the books of Sheikh al-Ansari, one can perceive his systematic method of reasoning in defining concepts, terms, and fiqhi subjects. In his tradition of reasoning, there is a step-by-step method for dealing with words, titles, and fiqhi terms. The method includes several stages: signifying the words, defining the terms, exploring the state of Islam, referring to common sense, and finally conceptual analyzing and understanding the meaning and examples of the subject. In this respect, by employing the principles of usul and fiqh, a jurist can analyze the meaning of the words and fiqhi subjects and present definitions of terms, which are sometimes different from the definitions reflected in the linguists' views, common sense, or texts. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and reasoning in semantics, I conclude that cinematic "image" is produced when light rays shine onto the movie screen. The rapid succession of still images creates a peculiar effect that causes a kind of illusion and audiences perceive motion. So, this is the audience's mind that infers motion from the changing pattern of light in the retinal image. Clarifying this issue can provide a clear picture for jurists to understand the fiqhi problems and decree fiqhi rules.