"عام"这一表述根据其所在经文的语境以及所要表达的律例或原则，大体可分为三类。71

The ‘aamm expression may be divided into three main categories in relationship to the context of the verses in which they occur and the laws or principles which were intended.71

首先是仍保持普遍性的“عام”（广义）表述。这一类的例子不多，因为大多数普遍性的内容都会以某种方式被限定。不过，可以在以下经文中找到一个例子：

First, there is the ‘aamm expression which remains general. This category does not have many examples because most generalities are specified in one way or another. However, an example can be found in the verse,

由于安拉的知识是绝对的。另一个例子可见于这段经文：

since Allaah’s knowledge is absolute. Another example can be found in the verse,

由于此项律例没有例外,无论是亲生母亲、继母、岳母,还是因哺乳(ridaa‘)而成为的母亲,都适用。

as there are no exceptions to this law, whether they be real mothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, or mothers by ridaa‘ (suckling).

其次是比喻性的"عام"（'āmm，一般性）：即这种表述的一般含义从未被意图，例如经文：

Second, there is the figurative ‘aam in which the general meaning of the expression was never intended; for example, the verse,

第一个表达“那些人”specifically指的是Nu‘aym ibn Mas‘ood，第二个则指Aboo Sufyaan以及古莱什军队，而非该表达字面所暗示的一般人群。75

The first expression “the people” refers specifically to Nu‘aym ibn Mas‘ood and the second refers to Aboo Sufyaan and the Qurayshee army, and not the generality which the expression implies.75

其三是特定的“عام”（广义词）：即广义表达的普遍性被某个限定性的词语或短语所限制。例如安拉在《古兰经》中的命令：

And third, there is the specified ‘aam, wherein the generality of the ‘aam expression is qualified by one of the specifying words or phrases. For example, Allaah’s command in the Qur’aan,

“all people”这一泛指的表述，由其后的形容性从句加以限定。

The generality of “all people” is specified by the adjectival clause following it