ABSTRACT

With the ancient Arabs the art of the spoken word played an overwhelming role: how strong was the power of the Word had been pointed out by Goldziher. That the verbal art also had been of importance at the appearance of Islam finds its expression in the doctrine that the Qur’ān is mu’jis, a view that is not put forth as a dogma, but is claimed to be a comprehension which only presupposes a sufficient knowledge of Arabic. Practitioners of the art of the spoken word in pre-Islamic times were the poet, shā’ir, and the rhetorician, khaṭīb. In Islam the poet maintained his influence in public life, and as the one who stimulated the Prince; and likewise poetry entered the service of religion. This fact, however, failed to provide the poet with any preferential position within Islam. Otherwise with the rhetorician. He obtained a position as the one who in continuance of the Prophet’s function as a leader addressed the congregation from the minbar during Friday’s service. Besides this official preacher, al-khaṭīb, the congregation, however, at an early period got another pulpit orator, who more at his liberty might instil needed teachings and influence people’s turn of mind. The term of wā’iẓ is the best to characterize his profession, but the two above mentioned terms are employed also. Even his activity has its roots in the old Arabian community.