f-i-q-h
FIQH is Islamic jurisprudence - the human understanding and interpretation of divine Islamic law (Sharia). In word games, it's a precious Q-without-U word worth 19 base points, making it essential knowledge for competitive players!
19
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
FIQH (Arabic: فقه) refers to Islamic jurisprudence - the human understanding and application of Sharia (divine law) through scholarly interpretation. It encompasses the practical aspects of Islamic law derived from religious precepts.
In word games, FIQH is a strategic powerhouse worth 19 base points in Scrabble. As one of the precious Q-without-U words, it's essential for clearing difficult Q tiles without needing the scarce U.
"Fiqh" derives from the Arabic root f-q-h (ف-ق-ه), meaning "to understand" or "to have deep comprehension." Originally, it simply meant understanding in general, but by the 8th century CE, it had specialized to mean understanding of Islamic law specifically.
The word entered English dictionaries in the 20th century as Islamic studies became more prominent in Western academia. Major dictionaries including Merriam-Webster and Oxford now recognize it, making it valid for word games.
"The journey of 'fiqh' from specialized Arabic legal terminology to accepted English word reflects our increasingly interconnected world."
Fiqh represents the human effort to understand and apply divine guidance to daily life. Unlike Sharia (divine law itself), fiqh is the scholarly interpretation that can vary between schools of thought and evolve with new circumstances.
Major Schools (Madhabs):
Contemporary fiqh councils address modern issues like bioethics, digital transactions, and space travel, showing how Islamic jurisprudence adapts to new realities while maintaining core principles.
Only about 40 Q-without-U words are recognized in major English dictionaries, making each one precious for word games. FIQH joined this exclusive club as Islamic terms gained recognition in English.
The study of fiqh requires years of training. A "faqih" (practitioner of fiqh) typically studies for 7-10 years to gain expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, similar to legal education in other traditions.
In competitive Scrabble, knowing FIQH can be game-changing. Players often hold Q tiles hoping for U, but FIQH lets you score immediately - potentially saving 2-3 turns of waiting.
Fiqh influences the daily lives of over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, governing everything from prayer times to business contracts, making it one of the world's most widely applied legal systems.
"The university's Islamic Studies department offered an advanced course on fiqh, exploring how classical jurisprudence applies to contemporary issues."
"The scholar explained how fiqh differs from Sharia - one being human interpretation, the other divine law itself."
"Holding that Q tile finally paid off when I spotted FIQH - 19 points without needing a U!"
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 19 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 3
Essential for Q management. Can turn a stuck Q from liability to asset instantly.
Memorize the Core List
FIQH, QI, QAT, QOPH, QADI, QAID, QANAT, QINTAR, QWERTY - knowing these saves games.
Q Tile Management
Don't automatically wait for U. Check for Q-without-U opportunities first.
Cultural Word Advantage
Many Q-without-U words come from Arabic, Chinese, or Hebrew - learn the patterns.
Short & Sweet
Medium Power
Arabic Origins
Other Origins
If you draw F-I-Q-H early, consider playing it immediately. The 19 base points often outweigh waiting for a 7-letter bingo, especially if you lack good vowels.
FIQH's unusual letter combination makes it hard for opponents to build off. Use this to block high-scoring areas while scoring well yourself.
In competitive play, Q-without-U knowledge separates intermediates from experts. Practice until FIQH, QI, and QAT become automatic when you see Q.
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like FIQH