The Fundamental Discourses of “ Ilm al-Arūḍ” : In the context of modern Urdu poetry

Abstract

This research article explores the fundamental concepts of prosody (ʿIlm al-ʿArūḍ) in the context of Urdu poetry, particularly Urdu Nazm. The study traces the linguistic and technical meanings of ʿArūḍ, its historical evolution from Arabic to Persian and subsequently to Urdu, and examines the contributions of classical scholars such as Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi, who is regarded as the founder of Arabic prosody. The article highlights how Persian and Urdu literary traditions adapted Arabic metrical systems according to their linguistic and cultural requirements, resulting in the emergence of new poetic meters and rhythmic patterns. The research critically analyzes the traditional prosodic system (Mutadāwal ʿArūḍ) and identifies its technical complexities, inconsistencies, excessive classifications, and theoretical redundancies. It further discusses the reformative efforts of prominent scholars and critics including Nazm Tabatabai, Azmatullah Khan, Hafiz Mahmood Shirani, Gyan Chand Jain, and others who attempted to simplify or reconstruct Urdu prosody in accordance with the phonetic and rhythmic nature of the Urdu language. A comparative discussion between Arabic-Persian prosody and the Indian Pingal system has also been presented, emphasizing their mutual influences and structural differences. The article argues that although Urdu prosody inherited its foundational framework from Arabic and Persian traditions, it gradually absorbed indigenous Indian rhythmic elements as well. Furthermore, the study examines the emergence of modern Urdu free verse and blank verse, showing how contemporary poetic expression moved toward greater rhythmic flexibility while retaining internal musicality and aesthetic coherence. The article concludes that Urdu prosody should neither be abandoned nor replaced entirely; rather, it requires balanced reform, simplification, and critical refinement so that the classical tradition may harmoniously coexist with modern poetic sensibilities.