بالقياس على البروتوكول
bil-qiyas ala al-protocol
By analogy with the protocol
Literally: By measurement upon the protocol
In 15 Seconds
- Applying established rules to a new, similar situation.
- A formal way to justify actions based on precedent.
- Common in legal, diplomatic, and high-level corporate settings.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you apply the rules or logic of a pre-existing system to a new, similar situation. It is like saying, 'Let's follow the established playbook for this new scenario.'
Key Examples
3 of 6In a high-level corporate meeting
سنقوم بتعيين الموظفين الجدد بالقياس على البروتوكول المتبع في القسم التقني.
We will hire the new employees by analogy with the protocol followed in the technical department.
A legal discussion regarding a new law
يمكننا التعامل مع هذه القضية بالقياس على البروتوكول القضائي السابق.
We can handle this case by analogy with the previous judicial protocol.
Organizing a formal gala
سيتم ترتيب الجلوس بالقياس على البروتوكول الدبلوماسي الرسمي.
Seating will be arranged by analogy with the official diplomatic protocol.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Qiyas' is deeply linked to the 'Usul al-Fiqh' (Principles of Jurisprudence). It represents the intellectual effort (Ijtihad) to find solutions for modern problems while staying true to traditional roots. In the Gulf, protocol is extremely rigid in royal courts (Diwans). Any deviation from established protocol is seen as a major diplomatic slight, making 'analogy' a safe way to handle new guests. In countries like Lebanon and Syria, the influence of French administrative law means that 'protocol' is often used in corporate and legal structures to denote standard operating procedures. Egypt has a long history of bureaucracy (the 'Mugamma'). 'Protocol' here often refers to the complex, multi-step procedures required for government paperwork.
The 'Illah' Secret
To sound like a true expert, mention the 'Illah' (the reason/cause) when using this phrase. E.g., 'بالقياس على البروتوكول لوجود نفس العلة' (By analogy with the protocol because the same cause exists).
Don't Overuse
Using this more than once in a speech makes you sound like a robot. Save it for your strongest argument.
In 15 Seconds
- Applying established rules to a new, similar situation.
- A formal way to justify actions based on precedent.
- Common in legal, diplomatic, and high-level corporate settings.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the ultimate 'copy-paste' for logic. You use it when a situation arises that doesn't have its own specific rules yet. Instead of panicking, you look at a similar, already established system—the protocol. You then apply those same rules to your current problem. It is about consistency and following a precedent. It suggests that if it worked for 'A,' it should work for 'B' because they are similar.
How To Use It
You will usually find this phrase at the start of a justification. It acts as a bridge between an old rule and a new action. You are basically saying, 'I am doing this because that is how we do things around here.' It sounds very professional and intellectually grounded. Use it when you want to sound like you have a solid reason for your decision. It is not just a guess; it is a calculated move based on history.
When To Use It
This is a high-level phrase. Use it in a boardroom when discussing new company policies. It is perfect for legal contexts or formal administrative writing. You might use it in a high-stakes meeting to settle a debate about procedure. It also works well in academic papers or diplomatic discussions. If you are organizing a massive event and a weird problem pops up, use this to decide how to handle it. It brings order to chaos.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this while hanging out at a café with friends. It will make you sound like a robot or a very stiff lawyer. Avoid it in casual texts or when talking to your siblings about dinner. Using it in a low-stakes environment like 'ordering pizza' would be quite hilarious. It is too heavy for everyday chores. If the situation is emotional or spontaneous, this phrase will feel cold and out of place.
Cultural Background
The concept of القياس (Qiyas) is deeply rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and Arabic logic. It is one of the primary methods used to derive new rulings from established ones. Historically, scholars used analogy to solve modern problems that weren't explicitly mentioned in ancient texts. Today, this intellectual heritage lives on in modern Arabic bureaucracy and law. It reflects a culture that deeply values tradition, consistency, and logical continuity.
Common Variations
You might hear قياساً على (analogous to) which is a bit more flexible. Another one is بناءً على البروتوكول المتبع (based on the followed protocol). If you want to be even more formal, you could say وفقاً للمقاييس البروتوكولية. However, بالقياس على البروتوكول remains the gold standard for formal administrative reasoning. It carries a weight of authority that other variations sometimes lack.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly for high-register Arabic. Using it correctly demonstrates a high level of education and professional fluency. Be careful to use the preposition `على` after `بالقياس`.
The 'Illah' Secret
To sound like a true expert, mention the 'Illah' (the reason/cause) when using this phrase. E.g., 'بالقياس على البروتوكول لوجود نفس العلة' (By analogy with the protocol because the same cause exists).
Don't Overuse
Using this more than once in a speech makes you sound like a robot. Save it for your strongest argument.
Examples
6سنقوم بتعيين الموظفين الجدد بالقياس على البروتوكول المتبع في القسم التقني.
We will hire the new employees by analogy with the protocol followed in the technical department.
The speaker is using an existing department's rules as a template for a new one.
يمكننا التعامل مع هذه القضية بالقياس على البروتوكول القضائي السابق.
We can handle this case by analogy with the previous judicial protocol.
Using legal precedent to solve a current case.
سيتم ترتيب الجلوس بالقياس على البروتوكول الدبلوماسي الرسمي.
Seating will be arranged by analogy with the official diplomatic protocol.
Applying strict diplomatic rules to a social but formal event.
خلصها بالقياس على البروتوكول القديم، لا تعقد الأمور.
Finish it by analogy with the old protocol; don't overcomplicate things.
Even in a text, it sounds serious and authoritative.
هل يجب أن أدفع الفاتورة بالقياس على البروتوكول التقليدي؟
Should I pay the bill by analogy with the traditional protocol?
Using such a stiff phrase for a date creates a funny, mock-serious effect.
سنتصرف في هذا الموقف بالقياس على البروتوكول الذي وضعه جدي.
We will act in this situation by analogy with the protocol established by my grandfather.
Treating family traditions with the weight of a formal system.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition to complete the formal phrase.
قرر المدير معالجة المشكلة بالقياس ____ البروتوكول.
The phrase 'بالقياس على' is a fixed idiomatic structure in formal Arabic.
Which sentence uses the phrase in the correct register?
Choose the most appropriate context for 'بالقياس على البروتوكول':
This phrase is reserved for formal, legal, or diplomatic contexts like border demarcation.
Complete the diplomatic dialogue.
المسؤول أ: كيف سنرحب بالرئيس الجديد؟ المسؤول ب: سنرحب به ________.
In a diplomatic setting, 'بالقياس على البروتوكول الرئاسي' is the only appropriate formal response.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesقرر المدير معالجة المشكلة بالقياس ____ البروتوكول.
The phrase 'بالقياس على' is a fixed idiomatic structure in formal Arabic.
Choose the most appropriate context for 'بالقياس على البروتوكول':
This phrase is reserved for formal, legal, or diplomatic contexts like border demarcation.
المسؤول أ: كيف سنرحب بالرئيس الجديد؟ المسؤول ب: سنرحب به ________.
In a diplomatic setting, 'بالقياس على البروتوكول الرئاسي' is the only appropriate formal response.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is a loanword (mu'arrab), but it is fully accepted in formal and official Arabic.
Yes, if you are explaining how you would handle a new task based on your previous experience. It sounds very professional.
The plural is 'بروتوكولات' (brutukulat).
Related Phrases
قياساً على ذلك
similarBased on that analogy / By extension
على غرار
similarIn the style of / Following the pattern of
بموجب القانون
specialized formUnder the law / In accordance with the law
خلافاً للبروتوكول
contrastContrary to the protocol
