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Beirut, Lebanon – The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB) proudly announces the publication of volume 72 (2024; issues 1-2) of
al-Abhath journal. Since its founding in 1948,
al-Abhath has served as a leading peer-reviewed platform for scholarly work on the Arab and Middle Eastern world. This latest volume continues this tradition, presenting five major research articles that explore topics across cultural, literary, linguistic, historical, and musical studies.
Editors Ramzi Baalbaki and Bilal Orfali noted, “With each issue,
al-Abhath reaffirms its commitment to fostering scholarship that not only examines the past but also informs present-day cultural and intellectual discussions." They invite readers to engage with the profound insights provided in this volume, which reveal the vibrant intersections of history, literature, and musical heritage in the Arab world.
Highlights of Volume 72 include:
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Musical Heritage: Carl Davila's article,
“Al-Ḥāʾik's Notebook, Part II: Managing a Medley of Musical Manuscripts," delves into Moroccan Andalusian music, examining historical manuscripts and exploring the evolution of
al-āla, a classical Andalusian musical tradition. Through his analysis, Davila reveals shifts in musical repertoires and the significance of manuscript transcription in preserving this rich heritage.
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Islamic Historiography: In
“Sīra and Exegesis, Qur'ān 30:1–5: An isnād-cum-matn Study," Maher Jarrar offers a meticulous analysis of early Qur'anic exegesis and
sīra (biographical) traditions. Through this textual study, Jarrar illuminates how early scholars applied narrative structures to maintain textual integrity and authority.
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Classical Arabic Literature: Mathias Hoorelbeke's
“The Two Exiles: A Reading of Comfort of the Stranger and Consolation of the Artful by ʿAlī b. Aḥmad b. Maʿṣūm" investigates themes of estrangement in two classical texts. His intertextual approach sheds light on how these works reflect the broader social and philosophical currents of their time.
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Lexicographical Heritage: Iman Abou Harb's
“Semantic Fields in the Arabic Lexicographical Tradition: A Comparative Study of Lexical Organization in Arabic Lexica" explores the nuances of Arabic lexicography, comparing classical dictionaries to underscore the flexibility and richness of Arabic vocabulary, and the methods of Arab lexicographers in dealing with semantic fields.
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Qur'anic Influence in Literature: In his article,
“The Presence of the Qur'ānic Text in Literary Borrowings: An Approach to Concepts, Canons, and Representations," Haitham Sarhan examines how Qur'anic allusions influence Arabic literary composition, navigating themes of originality and reverence.
This volume also includes a section dedicated to book reviews, offering critical perspectives on recent publications in Arabic studies. These reviews provide valuable insights for scholars and students and highlight emerging voices in the field.
By presenting works from distinguished scholars, al-Abhath continues to solidify its position as an essential resource for academics, students, and readers interested in the complexities of the Arab world's intellectual legacy. This latest volume invites readers to engage deeply with topics that bridge the region's past and present, reaffirming al-Abhath's role as a cornerstone of scholarly dialogue in Arab and Middle Eastern studies.