Tikrit University

Morphological Thought of Al- Akhfash in Al- Alusi’s Exegesis Ruh al-maani

Document Type : Original Article

Author

University of Kirkuk, College of Arts, Department of Arabic Language

Abstract
Morphology is considered one of the most prominent branches of linguistic studies upon which Qur’anic exegetes have relied to clarify the meanings of the sacred text; for a proper understanding of the Qur’anic verses cannot be achieved without examining the inflection and structures of words. In this regard, al-Akhfash al-Awsat (Said ibn Masadah) stands out as one of the eminent scholars of the Basran school, having enriched grammatical and morphological scholarship with precise opinions that left a significant impact on the works of grammarians and Qur’anic commentators alike. As for al-Alusi (Shihab al-Din Mahmud), in his exegesis Ruḥ al-Maani, he frequently cited the views of leading grammarians and morphologists, foremost among them al-Akhfash, on issues related to vowel alternation and substitution, plural patterns, verbal nouns, derivation, nisba (attribution), and other topics directly relevant to the linguistic interpretation of the Qur’an. The importance of this study lies in its aim to identify al-Akhfash’s morphological opinions within al-alusis exegesis and analyze al-alusis stance toward them—whether he adopted them, opposed them, or cited them neutrally. It also seeks to highlight the influence of the Basran school on al-alusi’s interpretation through an analytical reading of his texts and to demonstrate the value of al-Akhfash’s contributions to understanding Qur’anic meaning.

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Volume 9, Issue 4, Part 1
Autumn 2025
Pages 1-25

  • Receive Date 24 September 2025
  • Accept Date 03 December 2025
  • Publish Date 01 December 2025