The Literary Contributions of Al-Jahiz During the Second Abbasid Period
Al-Jahiz significantly enriched the Islamic Arabic library with a remarkable collection of literary works characterized by eloquence, high verbal standards, and profound meanings. His writings encompassed various genres, including prose, poetry, and letters that offered insights for rulers, caliphs, and kings on numerous topics. As one of the most renowned authors of the second Abbasid period, some of Al-Jahiz’s prominent works include:
Al-Jahiz’s Literary Works
Among the key literary books authored by Al-Jahiz are the following:
The Book of Misers
In this intriguing work, Al-Jahiz delves into the characteristics of people’s generosity and stinginess across various regions, illustrating his points with imaginative anecdotes and exquisite literary style. The first chapter discusses the people of Khorasan, recounting tales involving an Iraqi and a Mawlawi in a joint cooking endeavor, as well as the story of a divorce stemming from dishwashing duties and the grievances of communal dining.
Additionally, he shares stories about the people of Basra, such as a tale regarding a donkey and water, the narrative of Maryam the artisan, amusing incidents related to coins, and a humorous take on bran water. He then provides a detailed account of individuals distinguished by their miserly traits, supported by delightful stories.
The Insight into Trade
Formally titled “The Insight into Trade: A Description of Exquisite Goods and Precious Gems from Various Regions,” this book addresses valuable minerals like gold and silver, discussing methods for assessing and identifying whether these metals are genuine or counterfeit. Al-Jahiz further examines precious stones and gems, detailing their value, prices, and characteristics.
Moreover, he explores delightful scents and perfumes, discussing their attributes and prices, including items such as musk and amber. In the latter part of the book, he highlights goods that are unique to different regions, alongside a discussion of birds renowned for their uniqueness, including falcons and hawks.
The Book of Eloquence and Distinction
This work is regarded as the crown jewel of Al-Jahiz’s writings, structured in three parts. He discusses deficiencies in eloquence such as stuttering and speech impediments, before delving into the tools of rhetoric and the concept of eloquence itself. Al-Jahiz also provides insight into the notable eloquent figures in Arabic literature, along with renowned eloquent speeches.
Furthermore, he addresses Arabic oratory and the various categories of poets, alongside customary practices in Arabic rhetoric and related knowledge.
The Book of Literary Letters
This single-part book consists of a series of structured and eloquent advice presented in the form of literary letters. These letters include topics such as keeping secrets, the dynamics of envy, the essence of nobility versus deceit, and critiques of arrogance.
Additional letters discuss boastfulness among youths, a treatise on teaching methods, praises for merchants, and criticisms of rulers, alongside reflections on brevity in expression and the value of speech over silence, as well as correspondence on themes like seriousness, jest, hostility, and envy.
The Book of Political Letters
This compilation features Al-Jahiz’s exploration of political traits among nations and governors, articulated in a compelling literary manner. The work is divided into four sections, discussing the virtues of the Turks, commendable and reprehensible behaviors, along with addressing pride among certain races, messages dedicated to social interactions, and letters written to notable figures of his time.
Furthermore, Al-Jahiz’s literary contributions also include:
- The Book of Animals.
- The Book of the Magic of Eloquence.
- The Book of the Crown.
- The Book of Virtues and Contrasts.
- The Book of Kings’ Advice.
- The Book of Evidence and Consideration on Creation and Governance.
- The Book of Quranic Issues.
- The Book of Articulating Speech.
- The Book of Idols.
- The Book of the Compilation of Kings.
- The Book of Regions.
- The Book of Autocracy and Consultation in Warfare.
Al-Jahiz and Poetry
In addition to his literary and rhetorical prowess, Al-Jahiz also made notable contributions to poetry. It is recorded that he authored thirty-two poems, including:
- Do you hope to be, even in your old age?
- They were once our friends who have long departed.
- A perplexity among matters dark as night.
- Do not look upon me, even if I appear to insist.
- In my heart, I hope to see him amend his affairs.
- If my gifts stop at seeing him.
- If the color of his face changes its hue.
- A beauty mark adorns a lovely face.
- I visited a maiden from the Banu Hilal.
- When he thrived among his companions.
- If there were men who came before me, I’ve seen.
- The cup holds a right I cannot see.
- Let dignity speak of what you behold.
- My envy has grown, and so has my solitude.
- The son of Yahya, Abdallah, has secured my trust.
- The lineage of the horseman is condensed.
- The raven of separation has left with a shorn head.
- O likeness to the falcon in cheek’s hue.
- When distance erased the field of connection.
- Distance has torn the fabric of passion.
- I planted his love in a triangular patch of earth.
- The distance has kneaded the flour of affection.
- O luminous one of distance, may the pure white remain.
- Should distance take away from the body its sustenance.
- My heart has become restless for love.
- I drank a cup of love mutually shared.
- I drank deeply of connection; distance beckons.
- Distance has led my heart’s children to demise.
- My cheeks bear marks of tears shed.
- Life is most pleasing when encountering the wise.
- Distance has led my heart’s children to demise.