An Outline of a Plagiarism Controversy from the Abbasid Era: Al-Sarī l-Raffāʾ vs. the Khālidī Brothers

Abstract One of the bitterest plagiarism controversies recorded in medieval Arabic sources concerned poet al-Sarī l-Raffāʾ and two poets known as Khālidī brothers. Based on surviving evidence, this article examines closely dispute between both parties Iraq Syria fourth/tenth century various ways which it engaged others, including very prominent figures Abbasid era. Attention is paid to development steps taken by each side prevail over other. The present shows how victory brothers was structurally facilitated absence formal legal mechanisms procedures address allegations period.