inshāʾ

The term inshāʾ refers to a genre of Arabic literary prose that developed significantly during the Abbasid period (750–1258 CE). Initially, it focused on the techniques of secretarial correspondence, but it evolved to encompass a broader range of elegant prose.1

Early Islamic literature saw a shift in the perception of poetry. While Arabs had a long-standing admiration for powerful language, the advent of Islam led many to shun poetry as it could be associated with pre-Islamic pagan ideals. The Quran itself, considered the supreme manifestation of literary beauty, condemned poets who erred or spoke falsely.23

During the Abbasid era, influenced by foreign cultures, Arabic literature flourished. Literary prose began to develop with translations and original works. Figures like Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ introduced fables and ethical writings, while al-Jāḥiẓ explored diverse subjects in his prose. The development of inshāʾ saw the application of poetic devices to prose, resulting in a more ornate style characterized by puns, riddles, and rhymed prose. This rhetorical artistry reached its peak in the maqāmah, a form of rhymed prose narratives.1