balāghah

Arabic literary element

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

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The term balāghah in Arabic literature refers to "correct style". This concept encompasses elements such as grammatical accuracy and the avoidance of plagiarism. The study and compilation of balāghah have a long history, with early works focusing on poetic devices and the principles of composition. This tradition continued through various influential texts that analyzed and expanded upon the elements of effective Arabic writing.1

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Arabic literature
Compilations and manuals
…explain the basic elements of balāghah (“correct style”), including such topics as grammatical accuracy and plagiarism. Al-ʿAskarī’s work was carried on and expanded in another important piece of synthesis, Ibn Rashīq’s Al-ʿUmdah fī maḥāsin al-shiʿr wa adabihi wa naqdihi (“The Mainstay Concerning Poetry’s Embellishments, Correct Usage, and Criticism”). The comprehensive…
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…explain the basic elements of balāghah (“correct style”), including such topics as grammatical accuracy and plagiarism. Al-ʿAskarī’s work was carried on and expanded in another important piece of synthesis, Ibn Rashīq’s Al-ʿUmdah fī maḥāsin al-shiʿr wa adabihi wa naqdihi (“The Mainstay Concerning Poetry’s Embellishments, Correct Usage, and Criticism”). The comprehensive…
Read More