Authors

  • Muxlisabonu Ishanxanova
    International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71337/inlibrary.uz.ijai.107874

Abstract

This article investigates the innovative dimensions of Ibrahim Yaziji's methodology for teaching Arabic grammar during the Nahda period (the Arab Renaissance). It scrutinizes the underlying reasons for reforming traditional linguistics, which was often characterized by its complexity and disengagement from the living language. A central focus of the analysis is Yaziji's commitment to maximizing the simplicity of presentation, evidenced by his clear language and his reform of cumbersome terminology. The study examines the integration of morphology and syntax in his works, as well as his selective approach to the scope of grammatical material. Particular attention is given to his re-evaluation of the classification of parts of speech and the category of manṣūbāt, which demonstrates a more semantically oriented analysis. The systematic unification of related topics and the reliance on practical examples are highlighted as significant pedagogical innovations introduced by Yaziji. The article concludes that his contributions culminated in the creation of a more accessible, logical, and contemporary system for learning the Arabic language, which profoundly influenced the subsequent development of Arabic linguistics.

 

 

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ANALYSIS OF IBRAHIM YAZIJI'S INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO ARABIC

GRAMMAR IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NAHDA

Muxlisabonu Turgunovna Ishanxanova

International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan

ishankhanovamuxlisabona@gmail.com

УДК: 81; 930.2

ORCID:

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0221-0556

Abstract:

This article investigates the innovative dimensions of Ibrahim Yaziji's methodology

for teaching Arabic grammar during the Nahda period (the Arab Renaissance). It scrutinizes the

underlying reasons for reforming traditional linguistics, which was often characterized by its

complexity and disengagement from the living language. A central focus of the analysis is

Yaziji's commitment to maximizing the simplicity of presentation, evidenced by his clear

language and his reform of cumbersome terminology. The study examines the integration of

morphology and syntax in his works, as well as his selective approach to the scope of

grammatical material. Particular attention is given to his re-evaluation of the classification of

parts of speech and the category of manṣūbāt, which demonstrates a more semantically oriented

analysis. The systematic unification of related topics and the reliance on practical examples are

highlighted as significant pedagogical innovations introduced by Yaziji. The article concludes

that his contributions culminated in the creation of a more accessible, logical, and contemporary

system for learning the Arabic language, which profoundly influenced the subsequent

development of Arabic linguistics.

Keywords:

Arabic grammar, Arab Renaissance, grammatical simplification, morphology,

syntax

Introduction

The Nahda (Arab Renaissance), spanning the 19th and early 20th centuries, was a period of

profound intellectual, cultural, and social transformation across the Arab world. A crucial

aspect of this renaissance was the re-evaluation and modernization of traditional sciences,

including Arabic linguistics. Within this domain, many distinguished scholars sought to update

established grammatical theories, aiming to make them more accessible and relevant to the

demands of the new era. Among these pioneers, Ibrahim bin Nasif bin Abdullah al-Yaziji

(hereafter Ibrahim Yaziji) holds a prominent position, as his works significantly contributed to

the evolution of Arabic grammatical thought. To fully comprehend his innovative approach, we

must examine various facets of his work in the context of the Nahda's linguistic trends

[Dolinina].

Linguistic Landscape of the Nahda Era and the Impetus for Reforms

In the period preceding and accompanying the Nahda, the study of Arabic grammar was often

characterized by excessive detail, convoluted terminology, and at times, a disconnection from

the living language. Traditional grammatical texts, though possessing a deep theoretical

foundation, could present considerable challenges for students due to their complexity and lack

of clear pedagogical direction [Daniel L. Newman, p. 473]. Ibn Farhat, for instance, criticized

earlier grammatical works for their opacity, stating:


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"I omitted tiresome interpretations and flawed counter-arguments. When I saw that

Ibn al-Hajib concealed understanding with his detailed narratives, and Ibn Hisham

shattered [any] illusions [of language mastery] with his intentions, and Ibn Malik

subjugated minds with his excesses, [I realized] that this was only an exaggerated

study and an elaborate investigation. Or [perhaps], they pursue a goal that does not

concern us, and we do not need it. Therefore, they are in one valley, and we are in

another." [Ibn Farhāt, L. 2a].

Against the backdrop of growing interest in education, the spread of printing, and the

development of national consciousness, there emerged a need for more accessible and practical

Arabic language manuals. Nahda intellectuals recognized the importance of language as a tool

for cultural revival and national unity, which spurred their efforts to reform its teaching and

learning methodologies [Daniel L. Newman, p. 475]. Among such works, Maṭāliʿ al-saʿd li-

muṭāliʿ al-jawhar al-fard fī uṣūl al-naḥw wa al-ṣarf¹ ("A Guide to the Fundamentals of

Morphology and Syntax (based on 'The Unique Pearl')") by Ibrahim bin Nasif al-Yaziji holds a

special place. This book systematically presents the fundamentals of Arabic grammar and

morphology. It serves as a sharḥ (commentary) on the renowned qaṣīda "al-Jawhar al-fard"

("The Unique Pearl"), penned by his father, the linguist and poet Nasif al-Yaziji², whom

Krymsky described as a "highly knowledgeable expert in Arabic philology" and "the most

renowned for establishing language norms for new Arabic literature" [Krymsky, pp. 336, 350].

Thus, Ibrahim Yaziji continued his father's philological work, but with an awareness of

new scientific trends. His knowledge of European languages and familiarity with comparative

linguistics allowed him to approach his research more scientifically, even leading him to revise

his father's works [Krymsky, p. 529]. This exemplifies how science evolves and how new

generations of researchers can build upon the work of their predecessors while introducing

novel knowledge and methodologies.

As an Arabic language instructor, he actively combated illiteracy and fully comprehended

the significance of linguistic knowledge. His words on the importance of language in society

resonate:

"Undoubtedly, language is a reflection of the state of a nation, a picture of its life, a

measure of its morals and customs, a record of its knowledge, arts, and literature. And if it does

not keep pace with the needs of its speakers, and does not convey to their minds what arises in

their thoughts, with sufficient clarity and precision, it becomes weak, and its speakers will be

forced to seek another language that would better express their thoughts and satisfy their needs.

[...] We see how in modern life language is used carelessly and inaccurately, its rules are

violated, its richness is ignored, its expressive capabilities are not fully utilized, and foreign

elements penetrate it, which distort its purity and clarity. [...] It is for this reason that it is so

important to care for language, to study it, to perfect it, and to protect it from everything that

can weaken and distort it. For language is one of the most important elements of national

identity and cultural heritage." [SābāʿĪsá Mīkhāʼīl, pp. 83-85].

This awareness of the dynamics and problems associated with the contemporary state of the

Arabic language undoubtedly became one of the key reasons that prompted Ibrahim Yaziji to

actively engage with issues of the Arabic language and its reformation during the Nahda. As a

distinguished linguist, man of letters, and public figure, he profoundly understood the

importance of language as the foundation of national identity and progress. He saw the

necessity of modernizing Arabic, purifying it of excessive archaisms, and adapting it to the

needs of modern life, science, and culture. His efforts were directed towards ensuring that the


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Arabic language would once again become a powerful and effective instrument for expressing

thought, advancing education, and strengthening national identity in an era of significant

change.

Integration of Morphology and Syntax as a Key Trend

One notable development in Nahda linguistics was the drive towards integrating the

study of morphology—the science of word inflection and formation—and syntax—the science

of sentence and phrase construction, the foundations of which were laid by Ibn Farhat. In

classical Arabic grammatical tradition, these two disciplines were often treated separately,

which could hinder a holistic understanding of the linguistic system. Ibn Farhat explained his

motivation for this integration:

"I hastened to lift the veil that hung over the Arabic language, for some reason and for some

time. I composed a text consisting of an introduction, three chapters, and a conclusion. I

gathered the principles of Arabic morphology and syntax that were scattered across different

books. I highlighted what we needed and removed what was strange to us [...]." [Ibn Farhāt, l.

2a].

Furthermore, Ibn Farhat also noted that one of the goals of compiling his book was to include

all necessary rules of Arabic grammar, which one needs to know, in one book in a concise form

[Ibn Farhāt, l. 2].

Nahda scholars, following Ibn Farhat, including Ibrahim Yaziji, Butrus al-Bustani, Faris al-

Shidyaq, and others, recognized the interconnectedness between word structure and its function

in a sentence. They sought to present grammar as a unified system where morphological

changes directly influence syntactic relationships.

Attempts at Simplifying Arabic Grammar

The most prominent and significant feature of Ibrahim Yaziji's innovative approach was

his unprecedented commitment to clarity and simplicity of exposition. Many classical

grammatical texts were characterized by complex and abstract language, replete with

specialized terminology that could be unintelligible even to adequately educated readers.

Moreover, an analysis of excerpts from Ibrahim Yaziji's works in comparison with those of his

contemporaries, such as Faris al-Shidyaq⁴, reveals a noticeable difference in style. Yaziji

eschewed excessive theorization and complex philosophical argumentation, preferring clear and

concise formulations supported by lucid examples. This orientation towards accessibility had

immense pedagogical significance, making the study of Arabic grammar more appealing and

effective for a broad range of students. His works contributed to the democratization of

linguistic knowledge, making it accessible beyond a narrow circle of specialists. One of his

methods was to consolidate topics and reduce explanations. For instance, instead of elaborately

discussing each type of manṣūbāt (accusative case) in a separate section, he unified them into a

single chapter. For each type, he provided the most fundamental definition and a brief example,

literally "a couple of sentences."

This is evident in his treatment of the direct object (al-mafʿūl bihi):

Yaziji immediately presents the essence: the direct object is that towards which an

action is directed.

And he immediately provides a simple and understandable example: "I hit Zayd" ( تُبْ رَرَ

ادًبْ رَ - ḍarabtu Zaydan) [Ibrāhīm Yāziji, p. 54].


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That is, he doesn't delve into various types of direct objects, their nuances of usage, or any

complex rules. His goal is to provide a basic understanding of what a direct object is so that the

student can quickly grasp it and move on.

Such an approach to simplifying grammar was likely aimed at making the study of Arabic less

cumbersome and more accessible for beginners. Instead of detailed immersion into every aspect,

Yaziji offered a more general and concentrated exposition of grammatical material.

Another aspect of Yaziji's simplification concerned the terminology of the Arabic

language. Traditional grammatical terminology, developed over centuries, often featured

complexity, unwieldiness, and difficulty in memorization, which created obstacles for language

learners and did not align with modern pedagogical approaches focused on clarity and

simplicity. During the Nahda era, there was a drive towards the unification and standardization

of the Arabic language and its grammatical system, and the reform of terminology became part

of this process.

The reform of terminology involved several directions: simplifying complex terms, using more

descriptive terms, introducing new terms, and clarifying the meanings of existing terms. The

goal was to make grammatical concepts more accessible, understandable, and effective for

teaching and learning.

Ibrahim Yaziji was one of the prominent scholars actively involved in this reform. His

work, Maṭāliʿ al-saʿd, contains examples of his commitment to simplification and clarity. In

particular, he used the more compact and clear term "ةَرابلا عفَلا َئامَ" (explicit nominative

pronouns) instead of the complex and cumbersome term "ةعوفَملا ةلصتملا َئامضلا" (attached

nominative pronouns). This demonstrates his endeavor for greater transparency and ease of

understanding grammatical concepts.

Another such example can be found in the following two passages from different

grammatical works, where the authors present grammatical topics from different perspectives:

And among the types of noun is the generic noun (سنجلا مسا). This is what denotes a

thing and everything similar to it, and it is divided into a specific noun (نيع مسا) and

an abstract noun (ىنعم مسا). And both of them are divided into a non-qualitative noun

(ةفص َيغ مسا) and a qualitative noun (ةفص وه مسا). A non-qualitative noun, for

example, "man," "horse," "knowledge," and "ignorance." And a qualitative noun,

for example, "rider," "sitting," "understood," and "hidden" (pronoun). [Mufaṣṣal, 5]

And here is how Yaziji explains the same topic:

A noun is either explicit (َهاظ) or a pronoun (َمضم), as you have learned. An

explicit noun is either definite (ةفَعم) – this is what refers to a specific named

individual (هنيعْ), like Zayd. Or it is indefinite (ةَكن) – this is what refers to a general

designation (هسنج يف عئاش) within its genus, like "man," as it does not refer to any one

man to the exclusion of others." [Ibrāhīm Yāziji, p. 37].

An analysis of the two excerpts reveals the following:

The first striking difference is the starting point of classification. Yaziji begins with the

fundamental division of nouns into explicit (ẓāhir) and implicit (muḍmar). This primary

division is based on the method of referring to an object (direct mention or pronoun). In

contrast, Zamakhshari begins with the category of the generic noun (ism al-jins), which he

defines as a general name for a thing and everything similar to it. This division focuses on

semantic generality.

The level of detail at the initial stage is also noteworthy. Yaziji immediately subdivides

explicit nouns into definite (maʿrifa) and indefinite (nakira), providing clear definitions and


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examples for each category. Zamakhshari, at the first stage, subdivides the generic noun into a

specific noun (ism ʿayn) and an abstract noun (ism maʿnā). He then further subdivides these

categories into a non-adjectival noun (ism ghayr ṣifa) and an adjectival noun (ism huwa ṣifa).

Moreover, there is a difference in the focus of classification. Yaziji's classification at the

initial stage is more oriented towards the referential function of the noun (whether it refers to a

specific object or a class of objects). In contrast, al-Zamakhshari's classification at the initial

stage is more oriented towards the semantic nature of the noun (whether it denotes a concrete

object or an abstract concept), and then on its grammatical function (whether it is an adjective

or not).

Both scholars aim to systematize knowledge about nouns, but they choose different starting

points and use different criteria for their primary classification. Yaziji begins with the most

fundamental grammatical distinction (explicit vs. implicit) and then proceeds to definiteness.

Zamakhshari begins with a semantic category (generic noun) and then delves into the

distinctions between concrete and abstract, as well as between nouns and adjectives.

These differences may reflect different pedagogical approaches or different theoretical

perspectives on which aspects of noun classification are most important or fundamental.

Yaziji's approach may seem simpler and more direct for beginners, while al-Zamakhshari's

approach offers a more branched and semantically rich classification from the outset.

One of the key features of the author's innovative approach in presenting grammatical

material is the unification of interconnected grammatical topics within a single paragraph. This

methodological decision allows the reader to perceive the material more holistically, to see

direct connections between various aspects of grammar, and to avoid fragmented study of

individual phenomena. Such an approach contributes to the formation of a more systemic

understanding of the subject. Thus, in analyzing the nominal sentence, he integrated the

consideration of factors determining the case forms of the subject and predicate, in synchronic

unity with the syntactic structure. Unlike previous studies, which were characterized by discrete

analysis of morphological and syntactic aspects, this author demonstrates their systemic

interdependence [Ibrāhīm Yāziji, pp. 50-52].

Selective Approach to Morphology and Syntax

In his treatment of morphology (ʿilm al-ṣarf), Ibrahim Yaziji exhibited a distinct

selectivity, focusing on the most crucial and fundamental aspects. In the early stages of Arabic

grammar's development, particularly in the works of authorities such as Sibawayhi (8th century

CE)⁵, the primary focus was on describing grammatical phenomena based on a meticulous

analysis of the Quranic text and Bedouin poetry, considered to be the purest forms of Arabic.

The classification of parts of speech was more general, and many forms originating from verbal

roots could be discussed within the context of verbal paradigms due to their morphological

connection to the verb and their ability to express action or state.

Ibn Farhat, being one of the earlier authors after the classical period, likely adhered to

this established tradition. Ibn Farhat asserted that 9 linguistic units (tisʿat ashyaʾ) are derived

from the maṣdar [Ibn Farhāt, l. 14b]:

Derived forms from maṣdar:

1. Past Tense رَ رَرَ | (يَاملا) |

2. Present-Future Tense تَ رَبضرْ | (عراضملا) |

3. Imperative Mood بَ رَبَرا | (َملا) |

4. Negative Imperative Mood بَ رَبضرَ رَ | (يهنلا)


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5. Active Participle بَ ررارَ | (لعافلا)

6. Passive Participle بَو تَبضرم | (لوعفملا)

7. Noun of Time and Place بَ رَبضرم | (ناكملاو نامزلا مسا)

8. Noun of Instrument بَ رَبضرم | (ةللا مسا)

9. Noun of Unity/Kind (عونلاو ةَملا مسا) According to the author, it is not formed from the maṣdar.

His consideration of nouns of place and time, as well as active and passive participles,

within the chapter on the verb, was likely driven by the following factors:

Morphological Connection: These forms are derived from verbal roots through

derivational processes and retain certain morphological patterns characteristic of verbal

derivatives.

Semantic Connection: They carry meaning derived from the original verb (action, state,

time, place of action).

Functional Proximity: In some contexts, participles can perform functions close to verbs

(e.g., in nominal sentences denoting a continuous action).

Ibrahim Yaziji, living considerably later, demonstrated a more differentiated view on the

Arabic grammatical system. Ibrahim Yaziji was one of the first to discuss the noun of place and

time, active and passive participles, and the noun of instrument in the chapter on nouns, while

earlier authors, such as Ibn Farhat, considered them in the chapter on verbs [Ibrāhīm Yāziji, p.

29]. His relocation of nouns of place and time, as well as participles, to the chapter on nouns

indicates that Ibrahim Yaziji adopted an innovative approach to the classification of parts of

speech, identifying nouns of place, time, participles, and instruments as a distinct category

specifically associated with nominal semantics. Traditionally, these forms were treated within

the verbal system due to their derivation from verbal roots and their retention of some verbal

characteristics, such as indicating tense or voice (in the case of participles).

The relocation of these categories to the chapter on nouns signifies a shift in emphasis in

Yaziji's linguistic analysis. He likely focused on their nominative function—their ability to

denote concepts of place, time, object or subject of action (through participles), and instrument

of action (noun of instrument). This may indicate a more semantically oriented approach by

Yaziji, where the classification of parts of speech is based less on morphological origin and

more on their primary function in a sentence—their ability to act as nominal phrases and denote

specific entities or characteristics. Thus, by singling out these categories in the chapter on nouns,

Yaziji emphasized their status as lexical units denoting specific concepts, even despite their

connection to the verb. This was a significant step in the development of Arabic grammatical

tradition, offering a new perspective on the structure and functions of parts of speech.

Furthermore, Yaziji's innovation lay in his broader view of the manṣūbāt category. He

expanded this category to include nouns in the accusative case that originally functioned as

subject (mubtadaʾ) or predicate (khabar) in a nominal sentence but changed their case under the

influence of the following grammatical factors [Ibrāhīm Yāziji, p. 53]:

Kāna (رنارَ) and its sisters (akhawātuhā), which render the predicate of a nominal

sentence accusative. For example: ليرمرج تسبْطَلا رنارَ - The weather was beautiful. ( تسبْطَلا -

the name of kāna; دليرمرج - the khabar kāna in the accusative case).

ʾInna (طنرإ) and its sisters (akhawātuhā), which render the subject of a nominal sentence

accusative. For example: بروتن رمبلرعبلا طنرإ - Indeed, knowledge is light. (رمبلرعبلا - the name of ʾinna

in the accusative case; بروتن - the khabar ʾinna in the nominative case).

In contrast, Ibn Farhat did not include these in the manṣūbāt. Moreover, Ibn Farhat, when

discussing nouns in the accusative case (تاْوصنملا), divided them into true accusative nouns (aṣl)


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and those appended to true accusative nouns (mulḥaq bi-l-aṣl). He listed the following as true

accusative nouns:

1. Absolute object (al-mafʿūl al-muṭlaq);

2. Direct object (al-mafʿūl bihi);

3. Accusative noun denoting place or time of action (al-mafʿūl fīhi);

4. Accusative noun denoting the reason for action (al-mafʿūl lahu);

5. Accusative noun of concomitance (al-mafʿūl maʿahu) [Ibn Farhāt, l. 87a-93b].

After meticulously examining the above categories, the author proceeded to elucidate the nouns

appended to true accusative nouns, which included:

1. Noun after a vocative particle (al-munādā);

2. Exception (al-istithnāʾ);

3. Circumstantial adverb (al-ḥāl);

4. Specification (al-tamyīz);

5. Comparative and superlative degrees (afʿal al-tafḍīl);

6. Kam as an interrogative and predicative pronoun (kam al-istifhāmiyya wa al-

khabariyya);

7. Metonymy kadha;

8. Cardinal numbers from 11 to 99;

9. Warnings (al-taḥdhīr), such as رَبْركلا رو رَاطْرإ (Beware of lies);

10. Inducements (al-ighrāʾ), for example, ادًبْ رَ رَبيرلرع (Stick to Zayd) [Ibn Farhāt, l. 94a-108a].

Thus, Yaziji's innovation specifically lay in his expansion of the traditional understanding

of manṣūbāt, incorporating into this category the predicate of kāna and the name of ʾinna (and

their sisters), which, though in the accusative case, result from the grammatical influence of

these particles on an originally nominal sentence (subject and predicate).

Yaziji evidently adopted a broader perspective on the manṣūbāt category, basing it not

solely on the original function of the word, but also on its actual case state in the sentence under

the influence of specific grammatical factors. This distinguished his approach from Ibn Farhat's

more conservative view.

Analyzing Ibrahim Yaziji's methodology in Maṭāliʿ al-saʿd, it should be noted that, similar to

Ibn Farhat in Bahth al-maṭālib, he includes a syntactic analysis of individual sentences in the

concluding section of his study. However, a methodological distinction is that Ibrahim analyzes

examples that directly illustrate the theoretical material from preceding paragraphs.

Ibrahim titles this section "Grammatical Analysis of Examples from Sentences" (iʿrāb

shawāhid al-naḥw). The subsequent structure of the section is characterized by thematic

organization according to grammatical phenomena, where each paragraph corresponds to a

specific aspect of grammar. The author explicitly indicates the relevant page, for instance:

"Example of the subject of a verbal sentence" (shawāhid al-fāʿil (ṣafḥa 47)).

Conclusion

Ibrahim Yaziji's innovative approach to Arabic grammar emerged as a notable

phenomenon within the context of the Nahda era. His commitment to simplifying the language

of exposition, reforming terminology, integrating morphology and syntax, and adopting a

selective approach to grammatical material contributed to greater accessibility and

systematization of knowledge about the Arabic language. His re-evaluation of the classification

of parts of speech and the category of manṣūbāt reflects his pursuit of a more semantically

grounded analysis of grammatical phenomena. The methodical unification of interrelated topics


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and the analysis of examples illustrating theoretical material are also vital elements of his

pedagogical innovation. Overall, Ibrahim Yaziji's contribution to the development of Arabic

grammatical thought lay in his endeavor to make language learning more logical,

comprehensible, and responsive to the needs of the new era, profoundly influencing the

subsequent development of Arabic linguistics. The primary distinguishing feature of Ibrahim

Yaziji's innovative approach to Arabic grammar was his consistent and purposeful

simplification of both the language of exposition and the very structure of the presented

material. His departure from complex terminology and excessive detail, the unification of

related grammatical topics, and his reliance on clear, concise explanations with concrete

examples made the study of Arabic more accessible and effective for a broad range of students

during the Nahda. This commitment to clarity and simplicity was Yaziji's key contribution,

facilitating the democratization of linguistic knowledge and laying the groundwork for the

further modernization of the Arabic grammatical tradition.

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(Journalism 1870-1914). Moscow: Nauka, 1968.

3. Krymsky A. E. History of New Arabic Literature. Moscow: Nauka GRVL, 1971.

4. Levin Z. I. Development of Main Trends of Socio-Political Thought in Syria and Egypt.

Moscow, 1972.

5. Newman, Daniel L. "The Arabic literary language the Nahḍa (and beyond)". Oxford

Handbook of Arabic Linguistics. Oxford. Pp. 472-494.

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Naḥw wa Ḥurūf al-Maʿānī. Dār al-Maʿārif liṭ-Ṭibāʿah wa an-Nashr Sūsah – Tūnis.

9. Ibn Farhat. “Bahth al-Maṭālib wa Ḥass al-Ṭālib”. Manuscripts in the collection of the

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10. al-Shaykh Ibrāhīm ibn al-Shaykh Naṣīf al-Yāzijī al-Lubnānī. Kitāb Maṭāliʿ al-Saʿd li-

muṭāliʿ al-jawhar al-fard fī uṣūl al-ṣarf wa al-naḥw. Bayrūt. 1888.

11. Jurjī Zaydān. Tarājim mashāhīr al-sharq fī al-qarn at-tāsiʿ ʿāshar. al-Juzʾ al-thānī. Hindāwī,

2011.

12. Zamakhshari. Mufaṣṣal fī al-naḥw. Broch J. B. (ed.). Christianiae: Libraria P.T. Mallingii,

1859.

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