IBN FARHAT’S TREATISE «AL-FAṢL AL-MAʿQŪD FĪ MAʿĀNĪ ʿAWĀMIL AL-IʿRĀB» IN THE HISTORY OF THE ARABIC GRAMMATICAL TRADITION: STRUCTURE, METHODOLOGY, AND DIDACTIC ORIENTATION

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the linguistic legacy of the 17th-18th century Arab scholar Ibn Farhat, specifically his treatise “al-Faṣl al-maʿqūd fī maʿānī ʿawāmil al-iʿrāb” and to define its place in the historical development of Arabic grammatical thought. The methodology is based on comparative-historical and descriptive analysis. The study relies on the examination of two 18th-century manuscript copies held at the National Library of Israel and the Emaanlibrary online collection. The results of the study demonstrate that Ibn Farhat’s work represents a unique synthesis of the classical naḥw tradition and new didactic approaches. Unlike the concise treatises of Jurjani, the author emphasizes the semantic and logical interpretation of governing factors (‘awamil), utilizing a strict alphabetical order for navigational ease. It was found that Ibn Farhat, drawing on the authority of Ibn Hisham, adapted complex grammatical concepts for a broader audience, prioritizing practicality and clarity of presentation. The conclusions highlight the role of the treatise as an intellectual bridge between classical philology and the era of the Arab Renaissance (Nahḍa). The work proves the active participation of Christian Arab scholars in preserving the purity of Classical Arabic and advancing linguistic science outside traditional Islamic institutions. Ibn Farhat’s treatise is recognized as an important link in the rationalization of grammar and in laying the groundwork for the linguistic reforms of the 19th century.