The phenomenon of ittisāʿ in classical Arabic

This study examines the linguistic phenomenon of ittisāʿ, a significant element of Arabic grammar, within the framework of classical naḥw methodology and the theory of ʿillah (grammatical causality). It also aims to trace the practical reflections of theoretical knowledge through examples of usage found in the Qur'ān. In this context, the fundamental concepts of Arabic grammar are first explained, followed by a systematic analysis of how ittisāʿ is employed in classical sources. The study further explores the relationship of this phenomenon with core grammatical structures such as ḥadhf (ellipsis), taqdīm-taʾkhīr (word order variation), majâz (figurative language), tadmīn (semantic inclusion), the iḍāfa (construct phrase) system, verbal nouns (masdar), and adverbial structures (zarf). This analysis is not confined to a purely grammatical perspective; it also demonstrates that ittisāʿ functions as a rhetorical device, enhancing expressive power and enabling iʿjāz—the Qur'anic style of inimitable conciseness and eloquence—thereby highlighting its role as a sub-discipline of balāghah (rhetoric). In the subsequent stage of the research, selected Qur'anic verses were subjected to grammatical analysis to observe the practical application of ittisāʿ. These analyses revealed that ittisāʿ plays an effective role in achieving conciseness, conveying deeper meanings with fewer words, and enhancing stylistic eloquence within the Qur'anic discourse. Moreover, it was observed that classical naḥw literature often refers to the concept of ittisāʿ either under different terminologies or indirectly under related rhetorical categories such as majâz, hadhf, and kinâyah (allusion). This suggests that ittisāʿ is not merely a grammatical construct but also an integral part of the rhetorical system, thereby necessitating a clearer delineation of its conceptual boundaries. The study thus aims to systematically establish the place of ittisāʿ within the theoretical framework of naḥw and ʿillah, while also contributing to the understanding of the grammatical and rhetorical dimensions of the Qur'anic iʿjāz style. Given the absence of any dedicated academic study on the subject in the current literature, this thesis seeks to define the theoretical scope of ittisāʿ and to organize the scattered discussions found in classical sources into a coherent system—ultimately offering an original and comprehensive contribution to the field of Arabic grammar.