The muqaddima tradition in the science of naḥw (The case of Khalaf al-Aḥmar)

This study examines the muqaddima tradition—an important genre of scholarly writing within Arabic language and grammatical sciences—specifically in the context of the science of naḥw. Focusing on Muqaddima fī al-naḥw by the early grammarian Khalaf al-Aḥmar, the research aims to identify the emergence of the muqaddima genre, its function in teaching naḥw, and Khalaf al-Aḥmar’s role in the formation of this tradition. The study first addresses the life, scholarly personality, and intellectual milieu of Khalaf al-Aḥmar, evaluating his connection to the Basran school of grammar, his competence in the transmission of poetry, and his mastery of linguistic material. It then examines the historical development of the science of naḥw, demonstrating how linguistic problems that arose with the spread of Islam laid the groundwork for the emergence of this discipline. Subsequently, the historical trajectory of the muqaddima tradition is discussed. The general place of the muqaddima in scholarly works, its transformation as a genre, and its use across different fields of knowledge are analyzed; thereafter, the emergence and pedagogical function of muqaddimas specifically within the science of naḥw are evaluated. In this context, muqaddimas are identified as texts intended to present the fundamental rules of naḥw to beginner-level students in a clear and systematic manner. Muqaddima fī al-naḥw, which constitutes the core of the study, is analyzed in terms of content, style, and teaching method. It is observed that the topics are addressed through classification and exemplification, that evidentiary citation (istishhād) is limited to the Qur’an, poetry, and examples of eloquent usage, and that causal (ʿilla) discussions are avoided due to pedagogical considerations. These features clearly demonstrate the instructional and introductory nature of the work. As a result, Muqaddima fī al-naḥw is identified as a pioneering and inspirational work for the muqaddima tradition in general and for grammatical muqaddimas in particular. Khalaf al- Aḥmar’s work served as a model for later muqaddimas in terms of systematic organization, pedagogical simplicity, and methodological awareness in the teaching of naḥw. In this respect, the study offers a comprehensive evaluation of the history of naḥw and the muqaddima tradition.