A Comparative Glossary of Dialectics/Disputation (Munāẓara)

Purpose

The purpose of this glossary is to assist in the translation of technical terms related to the traditional Islamic science of dialectics/disputation (munāẓara) by compiling the past translation choices of various translators. It is by no means comprehensive or systematic; the few source works were for the most part chosen on the basis of convenient and efficient glossary-to-glossary copying. Terms were incorporated selectively from the sources that are included.

How to Use

Search for the desired term by typing a portion of either the Arabic term or its transliteration (per the International Journal of Middle Eastern Studies). Note: be sure to use terms that will be common among the alternative morphological and syntactical renderings of the term in Arabic.

The following conventions are used:

• * indicates an extrapolation, usually with respect to the form of the term, i.e. that the author used the term in a different form
• ** indicates an old translation that the author replaced in a more recent work; only used when the author translates the same Arabic term in the same usage (this is only used in cases where we were aware of the discrepancy; there are no doubt many such translations that are not marked)
• ~ indicates that it is unclear for which among the different usages of the term the author intended the translation
• [ ] indicates that what is enclosed functions to identify the usage
• ( ) indicates that what is enclosed is a completion of the term and does not literally render any equivalent in the Arabic term; often the noun normally paired with an adjective