Book Review: “مقدمة في الأدب العربي” (Introduction to Arabic Literature)
Author: Mufti Muhammad Najmus Saqib Nasry Al-Azhari
Reviewer: Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi
Coordinator: Online Darul Ifta & Lecturer, Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
Overview of the Book
The book “مقدمة في الأدب العربي” (“Introduction to Arabic Literature”) by Mufti Muhammad Najmus Saqib Nasry Al-Azhari is written in Arabic language and it is a compact yet profound academic work comprising 108 pages divided into 31 informative headings. The topics range from The Ten Principles of Arabic Literature and Elements of Arabic Literature to discussions on The Classes of Arabs, Literary Figures and Their Works, and Arabic Poetry and Its Kinds.
This systematic arrangement provides readers, especially students of Arabic, with a broad yet structured understanding of Arabic literature — its origins, development, and various dimensions.
Purpose and Approach
This book is not merely a collection of words, expressions, or literary classifications. Rather, it is an exploration of the evolution of meanings, the development of ideas, the refinement of styles, and the artistic maturity of Arabic literature through the ages.
Mufti Nasry’s writing reflects a balanced blend of simplicity and scholarly precision, aiming to make Arabic literature accessible to students and learners without compromising academic integrity. It serves as both an introductory manual for beginners and a valuable reference for advanced learners.
About the Author
Mufti Muhammad Najmus Saqib Nasry Al-Azhari hails from Darbhanga, Bihar (India) and is currently based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he serves as a Professor of Hadith and Arabic Language and Literature at Dar al-‘Uloom wal Iman.
A graduate of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow, Darul Uloom Deoband, and Al-Azhar University, Egypt, Mufti Najmus Saqib represents a rare combination of Islamic scholarship and modern literary insight. His academic background reflects a deep engagement with both linguistic and theological studies.
Other Academic Contributions
In addition to Muqaddimah fi al-Adab al-‘Arabi, the author has produced several valuable scholarly works, including:
- Muqaddimah fi al-Tafsir wa ‘Ulum al-Qur’an – An introduction to Qur’anic sciences.
- Shamil an-Nabi-by Imam al-Tirmizii – (Notes and authentication).
- Al-‘Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah – (Revised and Edited).
- Bushra (A compilation of cultural articles in Urdu language).
- Al-Iqna fi Hal Alfaz Abi Shuja – (Notes for Selected chapters of Words of Abu Shuja).
He also expresses his appreciation to the scholars (‘Ulama’) who supported and valued his work, and especially to Hafiz Idris Patel, the general secretory of his institution, for his encouragement and recognition.
Evaluation
Overall, “مقدمة في الأدب العربي” stands out as a lucid, scholarly, and purpose-driven text that successfully bridges the gap between classical and modern studies of Arabic literature. It demonstrates the author’s mastery over Arabic language and his pedagogical commitment to guiding students toward a deeper appreciation of Arabic as both a linguistic and cultural treasure.
The book’s academic precision, coupled with its accessible style, makes it an excellent resource for Arabic learners, teachers, and researchers alike. It is an admirable effort in presenting the vast ocean of Arabic literature in a concise and organized form.
May Allah bless the author with continued success and barakah in his knowledge and work! May Allah accept his sincere efforts in serving Islamic sciences, and make his writings a source of benefit, guidance, and inspiration for students and scholars across the world! May Allah increase him in wisdom, light, and acceptance — Ameen.
