Characteristics of Arabic Prose Literature in the Early Islamic Period

Characteristics of Arabic Prose Literature in the Early Islamic Period

Characteristics of Arabic Prose Literature in the Early Islamic Period

Characteristics of Arabic Prose Literature in the Early Islamic Period 

Arabic Prose Literature was in its infancy if compared to the unprecedented development of poetic literature in the pre-Islamic period. This was because prose was not as popular as poetry in Arabia during that period. Another major reason for this was that all literature at that time was composed by word of mouth and was delivered orally. Therefore, the appeal that Arabic poetry could have on the emotions of the people was not possible through prose. In short, prose literature began to take shape in the pre-Islamic period and continued from the fifth century to 622 CE. This was followed by the early Islamic period in Arabic literature from the time of the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina, and with it, the rapid development of Arabic prose literature began. Early Islamic Arabic prose literature usually refers to hadiths, letters, treaties, commentaries, histories, speeches, etc. which were created out of necessity, not as a branch of literature.

A study of the prose literature created in the early Islamic period reveals the following characteristics–

(a) The prose literature of the early Islamic period was created and developed revolving around the religion of Islam preached by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet had to explain many surahs and verses of the Qur’an in order to make the Qur’an, the main book of this religion, easily understandable to everyone. As a result, Hadith was born and the Hadith was quickly spread abroad by the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad and those who met the Prophet. 

(b) Another major characteristic of Arabic prose in the early Islamic period is that it was simple and straightforward. There was no ambiguity in such prose.

(c) The scope of prose literature of this period was vast. This is because the Hadith dealt with all aspects of social life, political life, religious life, etc.

(d) Most of the prose works of the early Islamic period clearly stated the name, identity, etc. of the author, who narrated it from whom, to whom, etc.

(e) The prose of this period was free from all forms of exaggeration. The main statement was expressed directly.

(f) The prose of this period was completely grammatical which gave a universality to the Arabic language.

(g) The prose of the early Islamic period was free from rhetoric.

(h) The prose of this period was composed of its own Arabic words. They were not influenced by any other languages.

(i) The language of the Arabic prose of the early Islamic period was simple and straightforward, but the spoken speeches were noble and appealing. For example, the following is an excerpt from the last speech of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) at Arafat during the farewell Hajj:

In conclusion, prose literature that sprouted in the pre-Islamic period became a strong seedling with bright potential in the early Islamic period which later became a huge tree that made Arabic one of the major languages ​​of the world. 0 0 0.

Characteristics of Arabic Prose

Read More: A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)

Characteristics of Arabic Prose

Note: The article ‘Characteristics of Arabic Prose Literature in the Early Islamic Period’ originally belongs to the book entitled ‘A Brief History of the Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD -661 AD)’ by Menonim Menonimus.Characteristics of Arabic Prose

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