Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi
Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi stands out as one of the most significant literary figures and philosophers of the 4th century AH. He is regarded as a rejuvenator and pioneer of his era in literature and mysticism. His vast cultural knowledge, sharp intelligence, and the beauty and variety of his expressive style characterize both his persona and his literary works. Al-Tawhidi was known for his dedication to attending scholarly and philosophical discussions while actively engaging with the literary community of his time.
His full name is Ali bin Muhammad bin Abbas Al-Tawhidi Al-Baghdadi. He is commonly known as Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi, with some reports suggesting his origins might be from Shiraz or Nishapur. His surname, “Al-Tawhidi,” reportedly derives from his father’s occupation, who sold a specific type of date in Iraq known as “Tumr Al-Tawhid.”
Birth and Upbringing
Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi was born in Baghdad in 310 AH. He grew up as an orphan after the death of his father and was raised by his uncle, who was often harsh and abusive. To support himself, he worked as a copyist, transcribing and selling books. While this profession did not provide him with sufficient means, it significantly enriched his knowledge and exposed him to the intellectual contributions of his era and the preceding generations. Nevertheless, his aspirations drove him to seek a higher profession, and he sought connections with influential figures, but unfortunately did not receive the opportunities he anticipated. This disappointment deepened his frustration with his contemporary society. Despite his wide-ranging interests and ambitions, he often exhibited a moody disposition and a high degree of self-importance, which impeded many of his efforts.
Abu Hayyan acquired knowledge through various methods, enhancing his experiences and skills. He engaged in discussions, attended lectures, and traveled to rural areas. He studied philosophy from the Alexandrian school and regularly associated with the leading scholars of his time to learn grammar, literature, and religious sciences. He aspired to emulate the expressive style of Al-Jahiz, with some regarding him as even more accomplished. Additionally, he delved into Greek literature after its translation into Arabic, believing that art represented one of the essential traits of an intellectual being. He viewed the artist as someone who imitates the nature crafted by God, while art itself expresses the inner feelings, thoughts, and desires of individuals, translating their emotions and reactions.
Works of Abu Hayyan
Al-Tawhidi produced numerous works, some of which have survived and been published, while others remain unpublished. Below are some of his notable published books:
The Book of Enjoyment and Companionship
This is considered one of Al-Tawhidi’s most engaging and beneficial works, providing rich insights into the social, cultural, and intellectual environment of his time.
The Book of Insights and Treasures
This collection includes various wisdoms, anecdotes, poetry, history, language, and mysticism gathered by Al-Tawhidi over fifteen years from his readings and observations.
The Book of Conversations
This book features over a hundred excerpts from dialogues Al-Tawhidi had with scholars on various topics, showcasing a refined literary formulation.
The Book of Issues and Insights
This work reveals the concerns prevalent in Al-Tawhidi’s time, containing numerous inquiries covering literature, language, philosophy, and psychological, moral, and social issues.
The Book of the Ethics of the Two Ministers
Written following his disagreements with the ministers Ibn Al-Amid and Al-Sahib ibn Abbad, this book describes and satirizes their conditions, becoming one of the most renowned works of satire in Arabic literature, filled with rich literary beauty. It is known by various titles, including The Defamation of the Two Ministers.
The Book of Divine Signs and Spiritual Breaths
This book presents a summary of Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi’s experiences in piety and mysticism, featuring metaphorical expressions along with numerous significant allusions, marking it as one of the prominent texts in mysticism and literature.
Additionally, he authored some letters and essays, including The Friendship and Friend, a Letter on the Science of Writing, and a Letter on Life.
The Fate of Abu Hayyan’s Books and His Death
Through his writings, Al-Tawhidi expressed his experiences of sorrow and the anguish resulting from deprivation and despair. He felt deep pain and sadness due to poverty, harsh living conditions, and the cruelty of people who overlooked him and the knowledge he had documented. Unfortunately, no one attended to his grievances, intensifying his sense of hopelessness. He ultimately burned his books, stating, “I mostly gathered them for people seeking validation, to gain status among them, and to establish my reputation. I have been deprived of all that… I have become estranged in circumstances, language, beliefs, and companionship, finding solace in solitude, resigned to silence, accustomed to confusion, enduring pain, and hopeless about all that you see.”
Many criticized his drastic decision concerning his books, to which he replied that his suffering justified his actions. He pointed out that other writers and scholars had made similar choices in history; some, like Waddad Al-Tayi, threw their works into the sea, and others, like Abu Amr ibn Al-Ala, buried his books underground. Al-Tawhidi passed away in 414 AH, yet his legacy continues to resonate today, securing his position among the distinguished figures in literature, language, and philosophy of the prosperous eras that preceded us.
References
- ↑ Ahmad Murad (15-8-2012), “Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi: The Philosopher Who Burned His Books at Over Ninety Years Old”, www.alittihad.ae, retrieved on 20-4-2018. Edited.
- ^ “Profile of the Writer: Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi”, www.adab.com, retrieved on 20-4-2018. Edited.
- ↑ Jamal Al-Ghitani (1995), “Summary of Al-Tawhidi” (1st ed.), Cairo: Supreme Council of Culture, p. 5. Edited.
- ^ Muhammad Metwali (24-3-2017), “Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi: The Philosopher Who Burned His Books”, www.ida2at.com, retrieved on 20-4-2018. Edited.