Science, syntax, and superiority in eleventh-century Christian-Muslim discussion: Elias of Nisibis on the Arabic and Syriac languages
Elias of Nisibis, an eleventh-century bishop of the Nestorian' Church of the East, was a Christian author fluent in Syriac and Arabic. Elias composed works on a variety of topics including theology, history, grammar, and lexicography. His Arabic work the Book of sessions (Kitāb al-majālis) rel...
| Published in: | Islam and Christian-Muslim relations |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic/Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Routledge
[2011]
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| In: |
Islam and Christian-Muslim relations
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| Further subjects: | B
Ethnography
B Nestorians B Dialogues B textual analysis of the Qur'an B Grammar B Social Interaction B Church of the East B Christian exegesis of the Qur'an B Language B Comparative Religion B refutations B Apologies B Disputations |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (doi) |
| Summary: | Elias of Nisibis, an eleventh-century bishop of the Nestorian' Church of the East, was a Christian author fluent in Syriac and Arabic. Elias composed works on a variety of topics including theology, history, grammar, and lexicography. His Arabic work the Book of sessions (Kitāb al-majālis) relates discussions that he had with the Muslim vizier Abū al-Qāsim al-Maghribī on seven different occasions. The sixth discussion focuses on the merits of Arab and Syriac sciences and compares their languages with reference to syntax, lexicography, and written script. This article contextualizes and outlines the sixth dialogue, arguing that the text does not accurately reflect Elias' understanding of Syriac and Arabic grammar and sciences. Rather, the discourse has three purposes: to recognize scientific achievements by Syriac scholars, to strengthen the rational arguments for the Christian faith, and to recommend that Muslims should evaluate matters, including their interpretation of the Qur'an, through the use of scientific knowledge. The article offers conclusions on Elias' understanding of the relationship between reason and revelation, his views on language, and scientific learning in the Syriac tradition. |
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| ISSN: | 0959-6410 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Islam and Christian-Muslim relations
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1080/09596410.2011.560433 |