Bāb Al-Fāᐣ [Fāᐣ + Subjunctive] in Arabic Grammatical Sources

One of the most spectacular chapters in the Kitab Sibawayhi is the one which deals with the fa that is followed by the subjunctive. Not only is this chapter meticulously crafted and arranged, but is also based on the premise of a one-to-one relationship between form and meaning. What this study proposes to do is examine the theoretical basis of this chapter as well as its structure, and make observations on a number of techniques used by Sibawayhi in arranging and interpreting its material. It also aims at comparing Sibawayhi's analysis of this material with that of other grammarians in order to show how unique the text of the Kitab is, and demonstrate how the lively and engaging discussion which Sibawayhi presents contrasts sharply with the mostly uninspiring and pedantic approach that characterizes not only most of the later grammarians, but, in this case, early grammarians of the third and fourth centuries A.H.