Grammatical Reasoning in Abu al-Walid al-Waqqashi’s Commentary on Al-Muwaṭṭaʾ: A Study of Opinions that Depart from the Established Grammatical Doctrine

Abstract

This study examines the grammatical reasoning of al-Waqqashī through his book Commentary on al-Muwaṭṭaʾ, focusing on his views that diverge from the mainstream grammatical tradition. It particularly highlights his use of Prophetic hadith as a source of grammatical evidence in establishing and interpreting linguistic rules. The research aims to identify the main features of his grammatical methodology and the extent of his intellectual independence. It analyzes several grammatical issues in which he opposed the majority of grammarians, such as the “ʾakalūnī al-barāghīth” construction, the use of lukaʿ outside vocative contexts, the occurrence of ʾan in the predicate of laʿalla, ellipsis of the subject, and the addition of particles. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical method, relying on textual analysis and comparison with both Basran and Kufan grammatical traditions. It concludes that al-Waqqashī demonstrated notable originality and scholarly boldness, expanding grammatical evidence to include hadith alongside Qur’anic and poetic sources, while occasionally inclining toward Kufan positions. The study underscores the importance of al-Waqqashī in the development of Arabic grammar and highlights his contribution to incorporating hadith into grammatical argumentation.