Suppose a human and a horse are both white. Whiteness may be common to them, but it is accidental, not an element of their essence. Therefore “white” is not an appropriate answer to mā huwa about humans and horses. The question asks for common essential content, not a coincidental color, location or temporary condition.
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Essential commonality versus accidental similarity
Mā Huwa: Asking What a Thing Is
Suppose a human and a horse are both white. Whiteness may be common to them, but it is accidental, not an element of their essence. Therefore “white” is not an appropriate answer to mā huwa about humans and horses. The question asks for common essential content, not a coincidental color, location or temporary condition.