Does the Qur'an use the name "village" (القرية) for places whose people are known for stinginess, and "city" (المدينة) for places whose people are known for generosity?
The texts of revelation mention that the names "village" (قرية) and "city" (مدينة) are used for the same entity. In Surat Al-Kahf and Surat Yasin, both words are used to refer to the same place.
Al-Shawkani, Al-Qurtubi, and Ibn Kathir indicated that this usage demonstrates the linguistic permissibility of applying the name "city" to a "village," which was common among Arabs at the time of the Quran's revelation.
As for the distinction between "village" and "city," it is a customary distinction based on common usage among people, rather than a linguistic one. "Village" (قرية) refers to any place where buildings are connected and settled, and this term applies to cities and other settlements. Thus, the distinction between them is merely a conventional اصطلاح (term/convention).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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