SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Fourth century studies of I'jaz and their role in the development of Arabic literary theory of criticim are the main concern of this attempt, the general theme being an assessment of the evolution of the views expressed in this connexion. The period chosen for investigation is the culmination of a series of earlier stages pioneering these studies. Before dealing with fourth century studies of I'jaz, consideration is given to some of the earlier attempts in that direction, especially of the third century, as it was these which laid the foundation for later studies. In the latter century also this branch of study emerged primarily as an independent topic in Qur'anic studies. Some of the other theological questions which led to later controversies are also considered. From a purely literary standpoint, in addition to the early commentators' efferts, two outstanding authors-al-Jahiz and Ibn Qutaybah- also expressed strong opinions on the subject, though not necessarily under that title, and who greatly inspired later studies, have been chosen as representative of that century. Towards the end of that century, and whenl'jaz became a stabilized topic in Qur'anic studies, attempts are made to investigate the actual term itself and also the factors which directly affected fourth century studies. Few of the great controversies of the early fourth century have survived, but much can be reconstructed through the views directly inherited by the succeeding generations. The four authors with whom we shall be mainly concerned are; al-Rummani, al-Khattabi, al-Baqillani and al-Qadi 'Abd al-Jabbar, The first two in their terse treatises dealing directly with the literary aspects of the problem, the latter, both eminent theologians, covering a much wider field, both theological and literary. For most of these four, new materials are used, often revealing new dimensions to their conception of the problem.