Ahmed Sahnoun (Algerian Writer and Poet)

Ahmed Sahnoun (Algerian Writer and Poet)

About Ahmed Sahnoun

Ahmed Sahnoun was an esteemed Algerian writer and poet, born in the village of Lissana in the Biskra province in 1907. He grew up in Algeria, where he received his education in Biskra. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was an infant, and he was raised solely by his father.

By the age of twelve, he had memorized the Holy Quran and studied the fundamentals of Arabic language and Islamic jurisprudence under the guidance of several scholars, including Mohamed Kheir Eddine, Mohamed Daraji, and Abdullah Ben Mebrouk.

Following his studies, he worked as a Quran teacher and later advanced to become the principal of the Free School in Algeria. In 1989, he founded the Islamic Call Association in Algeria and was an active member of the Muslim Scholars Association. He also contributed to the Al-Basair newspaper, where he published his poetry and religious articles.

Ahmed Sahnoun is recognized as a pivotal figure in the reform movement during the Algerian revolution and the Islamic movement in Algeria throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He fought passionately for Algeria’s liberation, advocating for freedom and independence to free his homeland from colonial rule.

He endured severe repression and was imprisoned in 1956. Ahmed Sahnoun passed away on the night of Monday, December 8, 2003, corresponding to the 14th of Shawwal, 1424 AH. His death left a profound sadness among the Algerian people and was an immense loss to the nation.

Artistic and Thematic Characteristics of His Poetry

Several factors influenced Ahmed Sahnoun’s literary work, allowing him to develop a distinctive style characterized by various artistic features, including:

• The conservative direction and traditional approach in Sahnoun’s poetry.

His poems primarily adhered to the classical Arabic form, with few exceptions like the muwashah. He maintained traditional poetic themes such as praise, pride, description, and elegy, avoiding the introduction of novel poetic forms while preserving beautiful classical expressions and imagery.

• The Islamic nature of Sheikh Ahmed Sahnoun’s literature.

Ahmed Sahnoun was renowned for his deep commitment to Islam and had memorized the Quran. His poetry remained true to Islamic teachings, covering themes like Quranic reflection, good character, patience, wisdom, and knowledge. His works often incorporated references from the Quran and Hadith in both vocabulary and structure.

• The reformist and advocacy perspective in Sheikh Ahmed Sahnoun’s poetry.

His poems served as a medium for guidance, reform, and advocacy for change.

• The predominant collective sentiment in his work.

Ahmed Sahnoun’s poetry and writings exhibit a collective sentiment, consistently referencing Islam, religion, piety, love for Algeria, patriotism, jihad, and sacrifice.

• The gravitas of Sheikh Ahmed Sahnoun’s subjects.

His poetry encompasses significant and profound themes pertinent to people’s lives, beliefs, and religions, steering clear of trivial or simplistic topics.

• Poetry colored by occasions.

He often commenced his poems with a brief introduction that indicated the occasion for which they were written, whether it was religious, personal, commemorative, or related to the reform movement.

• Freedom from adherence to a specific literary school or artistic style.

His poetry smoothly incorporates elements from various genres, including romanticism, realism, and classicism, among others.

• His rhetorical and moralistic style.

Sahnoun utilized rhetorical devices, including direct address and interactive structures involving questions, surprise, commands, and prohibitions.

His Poetic Achievements

Ahmed Sahnoun’s poetry and writings are numerous, with some of his most notable works listed below:

• A printed collection titled “Ahmed Sahnoun” published in 1971.
• Multiple poems featured in his study materials.
• Various poems published in Al-Basair magazine, including “The Student.”
• A manuscript of children’s poetry.
• A manuscript titled “Our Treasures.”
• “Snow on Christmas.”
• “A Tribute to the Liberation Army.”
• “Question and Hope.”
• “Al-Maari,” describing the life of Abu Ala al-Maari.
• “If I Remember a Lamp, I Weep with Sorrow.”

Additionally, the list includes:

• “To the Teacher.”
• “The Greatness of Muhammad.”
• “Here Islam Was Born.”
• “What a Wish That Revived the Desolate.”
• “Youth of the Tower.”
• “Come to the Mosque.”
• “Inspired by Tragedy.”
• “Palestine, We Answer the Call.”
• “We Are the Offspring of Guidance.”
• “To My Son, Hope.”
• “Little Bird.”
• “Salman, We Are the People of the House.”
• “The Exiled.”
• “Inspired by Tragedy.”
• “The Brothers are the Balm of Sorrows.”
• “Where Are You, O Songbird.”
• “What a Longing.”
• “O Hope of the Arabic Language.”
• “O Brother of Revelation.”
• And many other poems, including those written during his imprisonment.