Al-Jahiz’s Method of Writing: An Analysis of Risalah fi al-Sharib wa al-Mashrub

Abstract

One of the most important figures for Arabic prose writing in the history of Arabic literature is al-Jahiz (d.255/868 or 869). His works touched many aspects of daily life of the society particularly during the first phase of the Abbasid period. Risalah f? al-Sharib wa al-Mashrub (Essay on the Drink and Drinkers)2 is one of his important work, in which he shed some light on the issue of drinking nab?dh, which was widely taken during that period by people from all walks of life especially after their meal. As a result, there was a severe controversy among the scholars and the jurists as to whether or not nab?dh belonged to the category of khamr (wine) and whether the consuming of this kind of drink is allowed or forbidden. However, al-Jahiz, as most prolific figures, had his personal view concerning this sensitive issue. The purpose of this essay is to show the method of thinking of this great Muslim prose writer who lived during the Abbasid period which is known as the richest intellectual and literary age of the Arabs.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n29p68