Grammatical Terminology in The Works of Al-Kisā’ī, Al-Farrā’, And the Kufan School: A Comprehensive Study of Foundations and Principles

A (Descriptive Study)

Abstract

​"This research aims to trace grammatical terms used by Kufan grammarians in their works and compare them with their counterparts in the Basran school, providing multiple examples using a descriptive-analytical approach. The study focuses on prominent scholars such as Al-Kisā’ī (d. 189 AH) in the book attributed to him (Ma‘ānī al-Qur’ān), Al-Farrā’ (d. 207 AH) in his Ma‘ānī al-Qur’ān, Tha‘lab (d. 291 AH) in Majālis Tha‘lab, Ibn al-Anbārī (d. 328 AH) in Al-Mudhakkar wa al-Mu’annath, and Al-Ṭabarī (d. 310 AH) in Jāmi‘ al-Bayān ‘an Ta’wīl Āy al-Qur’ān.

​The research reached several conclusions, most notably: Kufan terminology lacked clear and fixed foundations, showing inconsistency in the application of grammatical terms across various grammatical concepts. Furthermore, grammatical concepts and underlying principles were clearer to early grammarians than the terms themselves. Additionally, the exact origins of grammatical terminology cannot be precisely determined due to the lack of surviving works representing the early emergence of grammar. Finally, the terminological divergence between the Basrans and Kufans stems from differences in the foundational principles and criteria adopted by each school."