Reasons for the Emergence of Ascetic Poetry
The emergence of ascetic poetry can be attributed to several key factors:
Political Turmoil and Conflicts
Political strife and turmoil played a significant role in the rise of ascetic poetry, especially during the Umayyad era, which was characterized by numerous internal conflicts and revolts, particularly following the assassination of Caliph Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him). This environment led many individuals to turn towards piety and withdraw from worldly pleasures.
Repentance to God Almighty
During the Abbasid period, ascetic poetry developed and spread at an unprecedented pace, largely due to the moral decadence that marked the era. Specialized poets emerged, expressing their renunciation of worldly life through their verses. This style of poetry began to incorporate philosophical and wisdom elements.
Supplication to God Almighty
For some poets, asceticism culminated in a profound yearning to express their love for God and engage in divine supplication. They expanded upon this poetic theme through works that highlighted spiritual love, as exemplified by the verses of al-Hallaj.
Flourishing of Scholarly Pursuits
The thriving intellectual movement during the Abbasid era intensified the focus on ascetic poetry. Many ascetics sought knowledge from various texts and translations, imbued with wisdom, morals, and philosophies that resonated with Islamic teachings represented in the Quran and Sunnah. These ideas were beautifully crafted into poetic verses.
Examples of Ascetic Poetry
Here are some notable examples of ascetic poetry:
Asceticism in Umayyad Poetry
Examples from Umayyad ascetic poetry include:
- The poem “I Learned What Excess Is Not Part of My Nature” by Urwah ibn al-Azwah.
In this poem, he writes:
No good comes from greed that leads to disgrace,
And the frugality of life is sufficient for me.
I do not undertake actions that would harm me,
Nor is my honor or faith diminished by them.
How many a poor soul you know to be rich in spirit,
And many a wealthy one who is spiritually impoverished.
If an enemy assails me, even if I sought him,
He could not take even a fraction of me when he attacks.
And from a brother who turned away, I said to him,
Your estrangement from me will only lead to my sorrow.
I will speak of what was appropriate for me,
And I will keep silent about what does not concern me.
I seek no connection from one who desires to part,
Nor will I show leniency to one who does not crave my tenderness.
- The poem “In the Name of the One Who Sent Down the Chapters” by Ubaidullah ibn Utbah.
He writes:
In the name of the One from whom the chapters were revealed,
And praise be to Allah. Now, O Umar,
If you know what you gain and what you leave behind,
Be cautious; caution might benefit you.
Be patient with predestined events and accept them,
If fate brings you what you do not desire.
For no one’s life remains happily serene,
Without one day facing its darkened fate.
Ask people about what you are ignorant of,
If you are blind, perhaps the light will guide your sight.
A person might repent after a mistake,
And days and lessons will judge the ignorant.
Surely, piety is the best provision you carry,
And goodness is the finest gift bestowed upon humanity.
Asceticism in Abbasid Poetry
Examples from the ascetic poetry of the Abbasid era include:
- The poem “Glory be to the Knower of the Unseen.”
Abu al-Atahiya is regarded as the leader of ascetic poetry in Arabic literature, particularly during the Abbasid period, and his verses in this genre are among the finest. He states:
Praise be to the Knower of the Unseen,
How marvelous is the management of affairs.
Illusions wither while the heart’s fruits are plucked,
Until when, O soul, will you be deluded by false hopes?
O soul, repent before you can no longer repent,
And seek forgiveness for your sins,
For the Merciful is the Forgiver of sins.
Indeed, calamities are relentless,
And death is the sole certainty,
Yet mankind’s struggles in pursuit of piety
Are the best earnings they can muster.
Rarely does a person,
Uphold his integrity and escape from flaws.
- The poem “O Lord, If My Sins Are Abundant” by Abu Nuwas.
In this verse, he expresses:
O Lord, if my sins are abundant,
Then I know Your forgiveness is even greater.
If only the good are allowed to hope in You,
Then who will the guilty turn to for refuge?
I call upon You, my Lord, as You have commanded, in humility,
If You push my hand away, who will show mercy?
My only means of supplication to You is hope,
And in Your beautiful forgiveness, I submit.
Ascetic Poetry in the Andalusian Era
Notable ascetic poetry from the Andalusian period includes:
- The poem “O My Sins, You Have Weighed Heavily on My Back” by Ibn Hamdis.
In this work, he reflects:
O my sins, you have weighed heavily on my back,
My excuse has failed; how can my justification be accepted?
Each time I repent, I return again,
Due to various forms of wrongdoing and neglect.
My steps have grown heavy, and my gait falters,
The night’s darkness has consumed the dawn’s light.
The silence of death creeps into my movements,
And in its ashes, my embers have dimmed.
As I carry on, I consume my sustenance,
Yet time consumes my very life.
Whenever a moment passes profitlessly,
I find loss where there should be gain.
Each time a moment passes with profits,
The knowledge of my state remains a mix of secrecy and clarity.
Direct my heart to mend its corruption,
And heal my fractures with Your compassion.
Save me from the wrongdoings of my tongue,
And those whispers that plague my thoughts.
- The poem “I Reside in the Dwelling of Mortality” by Amiyah al-Dani.
He writes:
I have dwelled in the abode of mortality,
Knowing that I will return to the abode of eternity.
What is most significant is that I will end up,
Before a Just Judge who will never wrong.
Alas, I wonder how I will greet Him afterward,
When my provisions are scarce and my sins are plenty.
If I am to be judged for my sins,
Then I am indeed deserving of the fiery torment of the sinners.