CIBF: How to Become a Grammarian?

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its eleventh seminar, titled "How to Become a Grammarian: From Al-Ajrumiyyah to the Book?" by Fawzi Konate, an Al-Azhar graduate and scholar from the Ivory Coast.

During the seminar, Konate emphasized that one is not born a grammarian; knowledge is acquired through learning. He highlighted the significance of studying Arabic grammar, categorizing learners into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each level follows specific educational guidelines, representing the ancient Azharite method as a educational ladder in the field of Arabic grammar.

Konate explained that beginners should start with the study of "Introduction to Al-Ajrumiyyah," particularly with the commentary of Al-Kafrawi, followed by Sheikh Khalid Al-Azhari's explanation and the commentary of Abu al-Naja. After completing "Al-Ajrumiyyah," beginners should proceed to study "Qatr al-Nada" with explanations, especially Ibn Hisham's commentary. Then, they should move on to "Shudhur al-Dhahab" with Sheikh Zakariya Al-Ansari's explanation.

He added that intermediate students transition to the next stage by studying Ibn Malik's "Alfiya," progressing through five commentaries: Ibn al-Nazim's, Abu Hayyan's, Al-Marradi's, Ibn Aqeel's, and Al-Masalik's. Once a student completes these commentaries, they advance to the highest stage, studying Ibn Malik's "Tasheel al-Fawa'id wa Takmil al-Maqsad" with Ibn Malik's own explanation, followed by Abu Hayyan's commentary known for its annotations and completion, Nazir al-Jaish's commentary, Al-Marradi's, and Ibn Aqeel's.

Konate emphasized that one is recognized as a grammarian only after reading and comprehending Sibawayh's book "Al-Kitab" with both its text and commentary, starting with the explanation of "Al-Sirafi," followed by "Al-Rumani" and "Al-Ta'liqa" by Abu Ali Al-Farsi.