Historical Evidences in Fourth-Century AH Linguistic Writings: Ibn Durayd’s Kitab al-Ishtiqaq as a Case Study (A Historical-Analytical Study)

Abstract

This study examines the presence of historical narrative in linguistic writings of the fourth century AH, taking al-Ishtiqāq by Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan ibn Durayd al-Azdī (d. 321 AH/933 CE) as a case study. The study aims to trace the historical material contained in this linguistic work and to clarify the nature of its presence and function within the lexicographical context. It adopts a descriptive-analytical approach through the collection, classification, and contextual analysis of historical references found in the text. The study concludes that historical narratives in al-Ishtiqāq were not presented for the purpose of independent historiography, but rather were employed as linguistic evidence serving the explanation of names and the authentication of genealogies. This grants the work scholarly value as a supplementary source for historical studies, provided that its material is subjected to comparison and critical evaluation.