The difference is whether the doer is named.
● In an active verb (فعل معروف), the doer is grammatically present as an explicit noun or an attached/hidden pronoun.
● In a passive verb (فعل مجہول), the doer is not named; the event or its receiver is brought forward.
شَرِبَ الْمَاءَ means “He drank the water.” The doer is a hidden pronoun, so this is still active.
شَرِبَ الْوَلَدُ الْمَاءَ means “The boy drank the water.” Here the doer is explicit.
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The difference is whether the doer is named.
● In an active verb (فعل معروف), the doer is grammatically present as an explicit noun or an attached/hidden pronoun.
● In a passive verb (فعل مجہول), the doer is not named; the event or its receiver is brought forward.
شَرِبَ الْمَاءَ means “He drank the water.” The doer is a hidden pronoun, so this is still active.
شَرِبَ الْوَلَدُ الْمَاءَ means “The boy drank the water.” Here the doer is explicit.