Abu Hilal Al-Askari (Abbassid Writer and Poet)
Below is a brief overview of the Abbassid writer and poet Abu Hilal Al-Askari:
Who is Abu Hilal Al-Askari?
Abu Hilal Al-Askari, whose full name is Al-Hassan ibn Abdullah ibn Sahl ibn Said ibn Yahya ibn Mehran Al-Askari, is regarded as one of the foremost figures in rhetoric and Arabic linguistics during the fourth Islamic century. He is well-known as a critic, literary figure, and poet, making significant contributions to the Arabic language. The exact date of his birth remains uncertain, while it is documented that he passed away in 395 AH.
Born in the town of Askarmukram, located between Basra and Fars, Abu Hilal hailed from the Khur of Ahvaz. He grew up in a culturally rich environment that nurtured a love for knowledge and language. He acquired his education from his father and his uncle while also engaging in the textile trade alongside his scholarly pursuits.
Notable Poetry
Here is a selection from Abu Hilal Al-Askari’s poetry, as referenced in Yaqut Al-Hamawi’s “Mu’jam Al-Buldan”:
If my wealth is like that of one who gathers the Persians,
And my condition among you is akin to that of a coward or an imbecile,
What benefit do I derive from authenticity and wisdom,
If my hands gain nothing in knowledge and judgment?
Who among people examines my state,
Without cursing paper, ink, and pen?
His Life
Abu Hilal Al-Askari spent most of his life in Askarmukram, the city of his birth. It is believed that he did not leave this city except for a brief period during his youth, which he mentions in his poetry. It should be noted that historical accounts do not delve deeply into Abu Hilal’s personal life.
There is a notable lack of historical documentation about the nature of his life and upbringing, suggesting that the poet did not receive significant recognition for his scholarship during his lifetime. However, he achieved fame posthumously, as his literary and linguistic contributions enriched the Arabic language, earning him veneration from scholars and recognition for his eloquence.
His Most Famous Works
Here are some of the renowned works authored by Abu Hilal Al-Askari:
- Kitab Al-San’atein.
- Diwan Al-Ma’ani.
- Kitab Al-Awwal.
- Kitab Al-Talakhis fi Ma’rifa Asma’ Al-Ashya.
- Kitab Jumhurah Al-Amthal.
- Kitab Ma’ani Al-Adab.
- Kitab Al-Tabsira.
An Overview of Kitab Al-San’atein by Abu Hilal Al-Askari
Kitab Al-San’atein, authored by Abu Hilal Al-Askari, addresses both writing and poetry. In the introduction, the poet emphasizes the paramount importance of rhetoric, clarifying its standing among various fields of knowledge. According to Abu Hilal Al-Askari, knowledge of rhetoric holds the second most significant position after the knowledge of God Almighty, stating: “After the knowledge of God, the most deserving of learning and retaining is the science of rhetoric and understanding eloquence.”
It is noteworthy that Abu Hilal Al-Askari intended his work, Kitab Al-San’atein, to complement Al-Jahiz’s “Al-Bayan wa Al-Tabyin,” showcasing a stronger literary inclination over a mere argumentative or logical approach.