Some Arabic dual expressions function as conventional idioms rather than literal color descriptions. Here al-aswadayn means dates and water. The morphology alone says “two black things”; context and the edition’s commentary identify the provisions.
The phrase hadāhum bi-l-aswadayn connects leadership of a travelling group with its supplies. The preposition bi- introduces the means or accompanying provisions.
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al-Ḥārith ibn Ḥillizah: Failed Refuge, Royal Power, Tribal Assembly and Mirage (verses 37–46)
Some Arabic dual expressions function as conventional idioms rather than literal color descriptions. Here al-aswadayn means dates and water. The morphology alone says “two black things”; context and the edition’s commentary identify the provisions.
The phrase hadāhum bi-l-aswadayn connects leadership of a travelling group with its supplies. The preposition bi- introduces the means or accompanying provisions.