The introduction closes by identifying three connected disciplines: ʿIlm al-Maʿānī (علم المعاني), ʿIlm al-Bayān (علم البيان), and ʿIlm al-Badīʿ (علم البديع).
DisciplineCentral concern
MaʿānīConstructing speech suited to the circumstance
BayānExpressing a meaning through varied degrees of clarity
BadīʿDevices that enhance an expression's beauty
A study of correct, contextually apt speech prepares for comparing expressive forms and embellishments. The next level begins the formal definition and topics of ʿIlm al-Maʿānī.