Towards a systematic understanding of traditional commentary: Muhammad ibn Habib’s commentary on Jarir’s Diwan as a model

Abstract

This research aims to examine the methodology of commentator Muhammad ibn Habib in explaining Jarir's Diwan, by presenting a comprehensive critical analysis based on four main pillars: narrative, culture, language, and meaning. The research seeks to reveal how the cultural and intellectual environment in which the commentator grew up influenced his interpretations of the texts, It also examines the explanatory mechanisms he used to guide meanings and deconstruct the connotations of poetic texts. The research also aims to offer a modern reading of traditional explanatory methods by reevaluating the role of the explanator in creating meaning, not just interpreting it.

The research results demonstrate that the commentator Muhammad ibn Habib was not merely a conveyor of meaning, but rather an active and influential figure in shaping and directing meanings through his encyclopedic knowledge of verse interpretation. This reflects his approach to commentary and his interaction between poetic texts and the culture in which he grew up. He contributed to reformulating meanings based on his intellectual vision and the cultural thought inherited from his predecessors. Furthermore, the commentary he provided is not merely a linguistic interpretation, but rather an indication of the reconstruction of a new context for the poet's texts, allowing readers to interact with them across different time periods. Through this study, a new vision is presented for understanding the relationship between text and commentator, and thus a deeper understanding of traditional commentaries and their role in preserving and interpreting Arab heritage.