A Historical Study of the Compilation and Renewal in Arabic Grammar

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the historical development and processes of renewal in Arabic grammar (nahw), focusing on its compilation and modernization over time. The objectives of the research are to analyze the evolution of grammatical rules, to highlight the contributions of key scholars, and to explore the significance of revisiting and renewing Arabic grammar to facilitate comprehension of religious texts and legal sources. Although the spoken and written rules of any language emerge alongside the language itself, the role of linguists in explicitly applying grammatical principles in expressions is evident. Early Arabs communicated effectively through innate linguistic intuition without formal grammatical instruction, but after the revelation of the Qur’an, Muslims devoted efforts to disseminating Arab culture and codifying its sciences. From the era of Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi and Sibawayh al-Shirazi to the present, Arabic grammar has undergone extensive transformations and developments. The research employs a descriptive–analytical method, based on library and documentary sources, to trace the historical trajectory and scholarly contributions in this field. The results indicate that the compilation, explanation, and renewal of Arabic grammar have been essential for clarifying its purpose and significance, and that continued review and modernization are necessary to ensure accurate interpretation of religious texts and to prevent misunderstandings in jurisprudential and exegetical applications.