Browse Tag
Kufa
9 posts
Kufa (الكوفة): A historic city in Iraq, known for its significant role in early Islamic history and as a center of learning and culture. It was the capital of the Rashidun Caliphate during the reign of Ali ibn Abi Talib.
The ‘Hunted Infinitive’: The المَصْدَرُ الْمُتَصَيَّدُ and the Hidden Logic in Arabic Sentences
Why is the Qur'anic verse لَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا both eloquent and a grammatical puzzle? The answer is the 'hunted infinitive' (المصدر المتصيد), a brilliant principle that finds hidden logic where none is written. This article breaks down how the concept resolves a classic paradox in Arabic.
Why Is كَأَنَّ a Sister of إِنَّ but لِأَنَّ Is Not?
This article delves into a fascinating Arabic grammar question: Why do classical grammarians list كَأَنَّ as a sister of إِنَّ, but not بِأَنَّ or لِأَنَّ? We explore the nature of the particle كَ, analyze common use cases, and examine examples from the Qur'an and classical poetry to find answers and invite further discussion.
The Number 8 in Arabic: Grammar and Spelling
The number 8 in Arabic is tricky! This article breaks down its special grammatical rules, including why the masculine form is unique, how to correctly use 18, and why 800 often sounds the same. Master this challenging area of Arabic numbers.
“If only I were happy with my fate, I would be free” | Yehia Moldan | 9273 Roots #24
Yehia Moldan is a Palestinian writer and graphic designer who takes Arabic calligraphy to a new level. Now based in Sweden, he discusses his favorite historical novel about Ibn Khaldun, the beauty of the word for "reflection", and the classical poetry that inspires his modern art.
The 5 Greatest Arabic Grammarians of the Classical Era
This subjective list ranks the top five Arabic grammarians from the classical Islamic era. It covers giants like Sibawayhi (al-Kitab) and Ibn Mansur (Lisan al-Arab), detailing their pivotal roles in shaping Arabic grammar and lexicography.
Arabic Calligraphy 101: Basics, Tools, History & Styles
Arabic calligraphy is a unique Islamic art form with a rich history. This article covers the basics, from traditional tools like the reed pen and special ink to the evolution of styles like Kufi and Diwany, contrasting it with Japanese shodō.
“I’ve been driven half-crazy by the sheer number of untranslatable expressions” | Brian Powell | 9273 Roots #18
As the translation manager for Industry Arabic, Brian Powell has been "driven half-crazy by untranslatable expressions." He discusses the beautiful complexity of his job, why he loves the word برزخ (barzakh) for its Sufi meaning, and the "Elizabethan exuberance" of Egyptian Arabic.
“I would describe myself as an Arabist in the making” | Badrul Aini Sha’ari | 9273 Roots #2
Badrul Aini Sha'ari, an Arabist and Arabic news officer in Kuala Lumpur, discusses his dedication to the language in Southeast Asia, from translation to journalism.
The Question of the Wasp: The Legendary Arabic Grammar Debate That Ended in Tragedy
The "Question of the Wasp" (المسألة الزنبورية) details one of the most famous grammar disputes in Arabic history, involving the esteemed grammarians Sibawayhi and al-Kisa'i. This article dissects their debate over the correct case (nominative or accusative) of a pronoun in a specific sentence, showcasing the depth and complexity of classical Arabic linguistic analysis.
