Grammatical Issues Where Abu Hayyan Contradicted Ibn Asfour in His Book "Al-Tadhyil wa Al-Takmil"

Abstract

This study explores the grammatical disagreements between two notable Andalusian grammarians: Ibn ʿUsfūr and Abū Ḥayyān al-Andalusī. It highlights that syntactic disputes are not new to Arabic grammar, but have existed since its early development, as evident in the historical debates between the Basran and Kufan schools. Such divergences are seen as a sign of vitality within the discipline rather than a flaw.

The study examines various grammatical issues where the two scholars disagreed, including topics related to nominatives, accusatives, genitives, and the use of particles. By analyzing their interpretations and grammatical reasoning, the research identifies four primary causes of divergence: reliance on transmitted evidence (Qur'anic readings, poetic and prose citations), differences in analogical reasoning, varying hermeneutical approaches, and adherence to fixed grammatical principles.

The findings also show that neither grammarian strictly adhered to the Basran or Kufan methodologies, but rather reflected the independent traits of the Andalusian school. Furthermore, their disagreements significantly influenced the syntactic analysis and semantic interpretation of classical Arabic texts, including the Qur'an and Arabic poetry.