Tha'alibi's Approach In Explaining the Poem 'The Title of Wisdom' by Al-Busti

Abstract

This research addresses Al-Tha'alibi's methodology in explaining the poem of Abu al-Fath al-Busti, and he had three structured tools or mechanisms: abridgment, abstraction, and transformation, to turn the poetic verse into a proverb. We have previously discussed the concept of explanation and its function in ancient Arab heritage, as well as the mechanisms of commentators. This poem receives special attention from Shafi'i scholars because its author was Shafi'i in doctrine, and it organized the essence of his life experience and accumulated knowledge over the years.

The poem titled 'Al-Hikam' is the most famous long poem by Abu al-Fath al-Busti. It is a 'nuniyya' poem composed in the simple meter and includes a diverse collection of literature, wisdom, and advice. It attracted the interest of literary scholars, who transmitted, named, critiqued, and explained it.

The first to transmit it was Al-Tha'alibi in his book 'Nathr al-Nazm wa Hall al-'Uqd', placing it under the title 'A Chapter on Proverbs'. The first to name it was Ibn al-Salah, who said: 'He also has the nuniyya poem on proverbs called 'Title of Wisdom''. Taj al-Din al-Subki followed suit, saying: 'These two verses are from a good word by Abu al-Fath, called 'Title of Wisdom''. The poem’s names and descriptions varied among commentators, being called 'The Busti Poem' after its author, as well as 'The Eloquent Poem'.

Keywords: Al-Tha'alibi's approach, the poem of Abu al-Fath al-Busti, the concept of commentary, resolving difficulties, commentaries on al-Busti's poem, the title of wisdom.