What is the difference between "al-'Aqar" (real estate) and "al-'Uqar" (alcoholic drink)?
If you are asking about the meaning of "العقار" (al-ʿaqār) with a fatha ( فتح ) and with a ḍamma ( ضم ), then "العقار" (al-ʿaqār) with a fatha refers to land and what is built upon it or palms. As for "العقار" (al-ʿuqaar) with a ḍamma, it refers to wine. This difference is considered one of the beauties of the Arabic language and indicates its richness and ability to express. Scholars have written books on words with different meanings based on variations in vocalization, such as the book Al-Iʿlām bi-Muthallath al-Kalām by Ibn Mālik. Moreover, the difference in the endings of words (nominative, accusative, and genitive cases) leads to a difference in meaning. So, your saying "ما أحسنَ زيدًا" (How handsome Zayd is!) is an expression of wonder, while "ما أحسنَ زيدٌ" (Zayd did not do good) is a negation of good from him, and "ما أحسنِ زيدٍ" (Which part of Zayd is the most handsome?) is a question about the most handsome part of him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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