Samples of Ibn Al-Jabban’s Linguistic Views As Transmitted in “Al-Majmuʿ Al-Mughith” by Al-Madini

Abstract

This research examines the linguistic contributions of Abu Mansur Muhammad Ibn Al-Jabban, a scholar whose recognition has been less pronounced compared to several of his contemporaries. The core objective is to identify and delineate specific instances of his linguistic views, as transmitted through Abu Musa Al-Madini’s book “Al-Majmuʿ Al-Mughith Fī Gharib Al-Qurʾan Wa Al-Hadith”, to illuminate and analyze these samples through a systematic scholarly methodology, and to clarify the impact and significance of Ibn Al-Jabban’s perspectives within the broader context of linguistic scholarship. Given the nature of this topic,  the research adopts descriptive, analytical, and comparative methodologies. The findings demonstrate, inter alia, Ibn Al-Jabban’s consistent reliance on grammatical evidence - particularly aural transmission (Sama`) - when addressing morphological matters. Furthermore, the diverse cultural environments of Rayy, Isfahan, and Baghdad demonstrably shaped his linguistic approach that combined rigorous auditory verification with a discernible receptivity toward loanwords and external linguistic influences. The study further establishes Ibn Al-Jabban’s demonstrable command of and familiarity with specific non-Arabic languages.