صیغ لمنتھی الجموع وقضایاھا اللغویۃ والنحویۃ في "مشکاۃ المصابیح" لمحمد بن عبداللہ التبریزيؒ The Forms of Conclusive Plurals and Their Linguistic & Grammatical in 'Mishkat al-Masabih' by Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Tabrizi Section Islamic Literature

Abstract

In Arabic grammar, the plural form is a fascinating aspect, with various classifications and nuances. One of these intriguing forms is the "finite plural form," a term used to describe plurals that have specific characteristics distinguishing them from others. This type of plural typically ends with a specific pattern, often consisting of two or three letters with a consonant in the middle, following the alif Kasara. A distinctive feature of the finite plural is its resistance to further morphological changes. Unlike other plural forms, which may undergo additional transformations, the finite plural remains unchanged due to its unique structure. An example often cited is "Aklab," the plural of "Kalb," which, when pluralized, becomes "Akalib," effectively undergoing pluralization twice. Grammarians often categorize these plurals as those that prevent further morphology, as they lack counterparts in other plural forms. They typically feature a third alif followed by either two or three letters, sometimes with a sukun in the middle, such as "mosques," "lamps," or "animals."Another defining characteristic is the presence of a kasrah followed by an additional alif, known as a kasrah alif, followed by a kasra letter. Examples include "playgrounds," "nights," "my days," "sins," and "materials." These plurals exhibit a specific pattern, often with one or two initial letters preceding the distinct structure. In total, there are nineteen weights assigned to finite plural formulas, each following a specific pattern such as فَعَالِلٌ، فَعَالِیْلٌ،أفَاعِلُ، أفَاعِیْلُ،تَفَاعِلُ، تَفَاعِیْلُ،مَفَاعِلُ، مَفَاعِیْلُ،یَفَاعِلُ، یَفَاعِیْلُ،فَوَاعِلُ، فَوَاعِیْلُ، فَیَاعِلُ، فَیَاعِیْلُ،فَعَائِلُ، فَعَالَی، فَعَالِی، فُعَالَی، فَعاَلِیٌّ. These weights further illustrate the intricacies and systematic nature of Arabic grammar, particularly concerning plural forms.