Damascus Commemorates Renowned Arabic Linguist Ahmed Ratib al-Naffakh
The Arab Cultural Center in the Al-Adawi district of Damascus hosted a lecture on Wednesday titled “Ahmed Ratib al-Naffakh: The Sheikh of Arabic in the Levant.” The event was part of the “Levant: Incubator of the Arabic Language” seminar series, which aims to celebrate prominent Syrian scholars and highlight their academic achievements.
Ayman al-Shawwa, a professor at Damascus University and a lecturer at the Umayyad Mosque, presented an overview of the intellectual journey of the late scholar Ahmed Ratib al-Naffakh (1927–1992). During the presentation, al-Shawwa emphasized the distinguished academic standing of al-Naffakh, who was recognized as a leading figure at both Damascus University and the Arab Academy of Damascus.
According to al-Shawwa, al-Naffakh was far more than a traditional researcher or instructor. He was defined by a rigorous scientific methodology in both academic research and teaching. This approach proved vital in shaping generations of scholars who have continued his legacy, including Dr. Mohammed al-Dali, Dr. Hassan al-Tayyan, and Dr. Nabil Abu Amsha.
The lecture covered the defining moments of al-Naffakh’s professional life. Al-Shawwa noted that his critical edition of the “Diwan of Ibn al-Dumaynah” remains a milestone in literary studies and linguistic editing. The discussion also addressed al-Naffakh’s significant contributions to the sciences of Quranic readings, his deep research into pre-Islamic literature, and the foundational academic standards he instilled in his students to ensure the integrity and precision of the Arabic language.
Mohammed Shalati, Assistant Director of Culture in Damascus and head of the Al-Mezzeh Cultural Center, stated that the event is part of a broader cultural initiative to spotlight figures who have enriched the Arab library with their profound scientific output. Shalati reaffirmed that the “Levant: Incubator of the Arabic Language” series will continue to highlight intellectual figures who have influenced scientific life in Syria. He specifically praised the research precision that characterized al-Naffakh’s body of work, noting that his book, “Quranic Readings,” remains a highly valuable reference for researchers today.
Born in Damascus in 1927, Ahmed Ratib al-Naffakh earned a degree in Arabic language from Damascus University. He later completed his master’s degree in Cairo, anchored by his notable critical edition of the Diwan of Ibn al-Dumaynah. He left behind a rich academic legacy, which includes the editing of numerous seminal texts and rare manuscripts, such as “Al-Qawafi,” “Ma’ani al-Qur’an” by Al-Akhfash, the index of Sibawayh’s citations, “Ma’ani al-Qira’at” by Al-Azhari, “Tabaqat al-Qurra’” by Al-Dhahabi, and “Jamal al-Qurra’” by Al-Sakhawi. These works remain essential references for students and researchers of the Arabic language and its literature.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
