Introduction to BALAAGHA

Art of Eloquence

Lesson One

From AL-BALAAGHA AL-WAADHEHA

Modifications by

Sheikh Safdar Razi

IntroductionBALAAGHA means eloquence, beautification of the word or the meaning, presenting it in a better artistic and poetic method or in a metaphorical or rhetorical meaning.

The Holy Qur’aan

Nahjul Balagha – Peak of Eloquence - Imam Ali (as)

Qur’aanQur’aan challenged the Arabs with its eloquence.

The Arabs couldn’t challenge the beauty that the Qur’aan brought or its unique form and style.

Qur’aan presented an art that is unique, as it is neither poetic nor NATHER (literature/khutbah).

It was its own style.

Intro to BALAAGHAThe method of BALAAGHA creates an attraction for the listener.

For example if there was a disparity in two meanings used in a metaphor, then the more disparity the meanings has, the more metaphorical beauty it possesses given that the metaphor is comprehended by the listener.

They say: The more disparity in the meaning, the sweeter it sounds. In the case of condemnation a stronger message is indicated.

Ex: He is a skunk, because he stinks.

Examples IN the lessons of BALAAGHA: Similarity in description or simile (TASHBEEH) and Metaphors (MAJAAZ).

Intro to BALAAGHA - OutlineThe Book is divided into three sections.

A. AL-BADEE’ - Eloquence due to beautification of the structure of the word or the structure of the meaning.e.g. Due to the usage of the related words in the structure of the sentence.

B. AL-BAYAAN – Eloquence due to the use of words having a secondary meaning related with the original meaning, such as similes or metaphors. In this section the focus is on beauty the speech while looking at the secondary meanings and metaphors.

C. AL-MANAE’ (Abstract): Study of the meanings indicated by various types of sentences.Whether the sentences hold the meaning of predication or appealing (requirement), expanded sentence, or summarized sentence.

Index of Science of AL-BADEE’A. Beautification due to words;

1. AL-JINAAS - Complete and Incomplete

2. SAJE’

3. IQTIBAAS

4. Beauty of the beginning and the end

B. Beautification due to the meaning; 1. TAWREEYAH

2. TIBAAQ

3. ALMOQAABALAH

4. AL-LAFF WAL-NASHR

5. HOSN ATTA’LEEL (good justification)

6. Expression through exaggeration

7. Wise method

8. Emphasizing the praise with condemnation and opposite