Abstract

In Arabic literature there are clear cut definitions of poetry and prose (nathr), distinguishing them from one another, so that prose cannot be confused with poetry though it may have homoeoteleuton (saj'), rhythm, metaphor or any other poetical techniques except metre and the intention (qasd) to write poetry. This delimitation is due to the special attitude the Arabs have to their language in as much as the Qur'dn was written in it. The revelation of the Qyr'dn in a highly rhetorical, rhythmical and rhyming prose which slips from time to time into metrical rhythm,' and the fact that the Qur'dn itself contains a denial that it is poetry emphasized even more the distinction between prose and poetry. Therefore, the Arab critics who were theologians in the first place, in deference to the pronouncement of the Qur'dn on the matter, added the factor of intention to the definition of poetry.2 In the 'Abbasid period, prose became highly rhetorical. It even adopted the rhetorical techniques of poetry by introducing al-Badi' (the art of metaphors). The rhymed prose (saj') gradually took the place of the unornate ('dri) prose which was common in the first Islamic period. This highly rhetorical and rhythmical prose lapses sometimes into metric rhythm and was larded with verses quoted from famous poets or with new ones invented by the author befitting the occasion.3 This type of prose became more and more sophisticated in the various types of rasd'il (pl. of risdla, epistle), in which

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call