The Arabic Manuscript: A Study of on the Concept, Types, and Methods of Scholarly Editin, and Its Rols in Writing History.

BENNASSE SOUKAYNA

(pp: 53-62)

Volume 7, Issue 3

Abstract:  Arabic manuscripts represent a vast and enduring facet of the Arab-Islamic intellectual legacy. Their study and scholarly editing demand a rigorous methodological approach rooted in critical textual practices and guided by academic standards. This necessity stems from the complex nature of manuscripts, which often include incomplete, deteriorated, or obscure content, thus posing numerous challenges to the editor. This paper explores the conceptual framework of the Arabic manuscript, offering a typological classification and outlining the key principles and protocols of scholarly editing. Special attention is given to the role of the editor in authenticating the text, identifying and correcting errors, bridging textual gaps, and providing critical annotations. Moreover, it highlights the significance of verified manuscripts as foundational sources for historical scholarship and heritage preservation. The study ultimately aims to contribute to the development of manuscript studies as a discipline by clarifying essential definitions, emphasizing methodological accuracy, and encouraging academic engagement with Arabic heritage texts.

 Keywords: Arabic Manuscript – Textual Criticism – Scholarly Editing – Heritage Preservation – Historical Sources.

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