A second juristic distinction asks in what respect the figurative sense replaces the literal one: with respect to the word itself, or to the legal effect obtained through it.
«المجاز خلف عن الحقيقة في حق اللفظ عند أبي حنيفة»
For Abu Hanifa, the figurative sense replaces the literal sense at the level of the expression.
Abu Hanifa treats metaphor as a substitute at the level of expression, leaving room for an appropriate figurative use even when the literal relation cannot be realized. Abu Yusuf and Muhammad emphasize replacement at the level of legal effect, with different results in particular cases.
«وعندهما خلف عن الحقيقة في حق الحكم»
For the two companions it replaces the literal meaning with respect to the legal ruling.
The available substitute sense of an expression and the resulting legal effect are distinct analytical questions; the following example exposes their difference.