📚 The Art of Literary Composition: ʿILMU ʾL-INSHĀʾ (علم الانشاء) 🌟
Definition
ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ (علم الانشاء): ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ is the traditional Islamic art of literary composition. This term encompasses the skills and principles necessary for creating well-organized and eloquent written works. It is derived from combining the words “ʿIlmu” (knowledge or science) and “Inshāʾ” (composition or construction).
Etymology
The term ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ (علم الانشاء) originates from:
- ʿIlmu (علم): From Arabic, meaning “knowledge” or “science”.
- Inshāʾ (انشاء): From Arabic, meaning “composition”, “construction”, or “development”.
Background
In medieval Islamic golden age, ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ was critical for scholars, poets, and administrators, enabling them to communicate effectively and beautifully. This discipline was not merely about writing grammatically correct sentences but also about understanding and applying stylistic techniques to convey deeper meanings and evoke certain emotions.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
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Arabic vs. Persian Literary Composition: Arabic and Persian literary traditions, both revered in the Islamic world, have their nuances. While Arabic literary composition often emphasizes rhythm and linguistic precision, Persian poetry is noted for its rich metaphorical language.
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East vs. West: The Islamic approach to ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ places strong emphasis on moral and philosophical dimensions, akin to the classical rhetoric of ancient Greece but distinct in its cultural and religious context.
Synonyms
- Arabic Prose (النثر العربي)
- Arabic Rhetoric (البلاغة العربية)
- Literary Craftsmanship
Antonyms
- Non-literary language
- Slang
- Vernacular speech
Related Terms with Definitions
- Balāgha (بلاغة): Rhetoric, the art of eloquence and persuasive speaking or writing in Arabic literature.
- Nathr (نَثْر): Prose, straightforward and structured narrative language as opposed to poetry.
- Shiʿr (شِعْر): Poetry, the composition of verses with a specific meter and rhyme.
Exciting Facts
- Historically, mastering ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ was a prerequisite for scholars and officials within the Islamic Empire.
- The precepts of ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ have influenced modern Arabic literature and continue to be taught in Islamic educational institutions.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī: “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”
- Al-Jāḥiẓ: “Literature is the garment which one covers his soul with, ornamenting it for those who contemplate its beauty.”
References
- Al-Jurjani, ʻAbdul Qahir: “Dala’il al-I’jaz” – an exploration of Arabic eloquence and structure.
- Said, Edward W.: “Orientalism” – discusses cultural representations which affect literary composition.
Suggested Literature
- “The Art of Arabic Literature in the Classical Period” by Shawkat M. Toorawa
- “An Introduction to Classical Arabic Literature” by I. Abdel-Latif
- “Rhetoric in Classical Arabic Prose” by Hussein Abdul-Raof
In exploring the depths of ʿIlmu ʾl-Inshāʾ, we recognize the rich tapestry of Islamic scholarly tradition and its timeless devotion to the art of expression. May you be inspired to delve deeper into this beautiful discipline and harness the power of words to convey profound truths with eloquence and grace.
Warm regards,
Sarah El-Hashimi
Inspirational Thought: “Let your writing be a beacon of light in a world yearning for understanding and wisdom.”
