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The question

What is the meaning of "if the Muslim servant performs ablution" and what does the word "servant" mean?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

The term "slave" (al-abd) is used to refer to a created being (general servitude) or a worshipper (special servitude). Ibn Taymiyyah stated that "al-abd" sometimes means one who is subjected, thus encompassing all creation, as in the verse: "There is none in the heavens and earth but that will come to the Most Merciful as a slave." And sometimes it refers to a worshipper. Ibn al-Qayyim said that servitude is of two types: general (the servitude of subjugation and ownership, which includes the righteous and the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever), and special (the servitude of obedience, love, and following commands). All creation are slaves by virtue of His Lordship (Rububiyyah), and those who obey Him and are His allies are slaves by virtue of His Godhood (Uluhiyyah). The word "slave" (al-abd) in the hadith can bear both meanings.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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