Introduction to BALAAGHA
Art of Eloquence
Lesson One
From AL-BALAAGHA AL-WAADHEHA
Modifications by
Sheikh Safdar Razi
Introduction
 BALAAGHA 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’aan
 Qur’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 BALAAGHA
 The 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 - Outline
 The 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.
3.
4.
SAJE’
IQTIBAAS
Beauty of the beginning and the end
B.
Beautification due to the meaning;
1.
TAWREEYAH
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
TIBAAQ
ALMOQAABALAH
AL-LAFF WAL-NASHR
HOSN ATTA’LEEL (good justification)
Expression through exaggeration
Wise method
Emphasizing the praise with condemnation and opposite