The Use and Connotation of “Laisa” in Nahj Al-Balagha

Abstract

Abstract The present paper deals with the use of the unconjugated verb 'ليس' investigating its usage and interpretations in Nahej Al Balagha. It specifically aims at how Imam Ali manipulated this verb to negate the noun clause in this book in an attempt to show the correct use of this verb in prose writing in comparison with the Quran usage of this verb since Nahej Al Balagha is considered as one of the confidential and valid sources as far as language is concerned, and further, as one of the most exact Arabic prose sources besides Quran.