«وَأَثْنَيْنَا عَلَى خُلُقِهِ الْبَسْطِ»
And we praised his easy, open-hearted manner.
Athnaynā ʿalā means to praise. Al-basṭ evokes openness, ease and a lack of affectation. The guests’ companions do not take offence at his conditions; they admire the gracious form in which he presents them.
The exchange demonstrates how persuasive literary expression can win favour even when the speaker declines what is offered.
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The Kūfan Maqāmah: The Guest’s Condition and Abū Zayd Revealed
«وَأَثْنَيْنَا عَلَى خُلُقِهِ الْبَسْطِ»
And we praised his easy, open-hearted manner.
Athnaynā ʿalā means to praise. Al-basṭ evokes openness, ease and a lack of affectation. The guests’ companions do not take offence at his conditions; they admire the gracious form in which he presents them.
The exchange demonstrates how persuasive literary expression can win favour even when the speaker declines what is offered.