Sibawayh's Opinions on the Accusative Case in Al-Mahdawi's Book of Al-Tahseel

Abstract

This study aims to examine al-Mahdawī’s موقف (position) toward the views of Sībawayh concerning the accusatives (al-manṣūbāt), as presented in his book al-Taḥṣīl li-Fawāʾid Kitāb al-Tafṣīl. This is achieved by collecting Sībawayh’s opinions cited in the work, then analyzing al-Mahdawī’s selections and his methodological approach in presenting and discussing these views in terms of accuracy of transmission, modes of explanation, and patterns of reasoning and analogy. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical method: it begins by compiling مسائل (issues) related to the accusatives, then refers back to Sībawayh’s Kitāb to verify their original formulations, comparing them with al-Mahdawī’s نقل (transmission), while evaluating the precision of his نقل and the validity of his analogical reasoning. It further investigates how al-Mahdawī engages with Sībawayh’s text—whether through exposition, justification, or preference. The findings indicate that al-Mahdawī largely agrees with Sībawayh and generally follows his approach, diverging only in a limited number of cases that reflect a degree of independent judgment. The study also shows that al-Mahdawī frequently prioritizes his own opinions when supported by argumentation, and that he relies extensively on al-Naḥḥās’s Iʿrāb al-Qurʾān, demonstrating the influence of later grammatical and exegetical sources. Moreover, the study highlights al-Mahdawī’s awareness of earlier grammatical tradition and his effective use of it in shaping his views, albeit with instances of interpretive effort that merit further scrutiny. In light of these findings, the study recommends further research into al-Mahdawī’s موقف toward the views of other prominent grammarians, particularly al-Farrāʾ and Abū ʿAlī al-Fārisī, given their significant impact on the formation of his grammatical orientation.