Ahmad Muharram
Ahmad Muharram, the renowned Egyptian poet, was born Ahmed ibn Hassan ibn Abdullah, with historians disputing the exact details of his birth. He is believed to have been born in the village of Iba al-Hamra, located in the Delingat region of the Buhaira Governorate, on January 20, 1877. This date corresponds to the 5th of Muharram in the year 1294 of the Hijri calendar. His birth in the month of Muharram is the reason the name ‘Muharram’ was added to his own. Throughout his life, poet Ahmad Muharram dedicated himself to the pursuit of knowledge, the study of literature, and the composition of poetry, remaining committed to his craft until his passing on June 13, 1945.
Academic Journey of Ahmad Muharram
Ahmad Muharram commenced his educational journey in his hometown of Delingat, where he frequented the local library and learned the basics of reading and writing. At the age of twelve, he successfully memorized the Quran. Subsequently, he attended the Al-Akkadin Primary School and later the School of Giza in Cairo. His thirst for knowledge led him to study under a group of scholars from Al-Azhar University, where he absorbed knowledge in Arabic language sciences, including grammar, prosody, and poetry, gaining a solid understanding in these and other related fields. Eager to expand his knowledge further, Ahmad devoted himself to studying and preserving the Arab literary heritage across various periods, continuing his pursuit of education and poetry until he emerged as a prominent figure in Arabic poetry.
Characteristics of Ahmad Muharram and His Poetry
Ahmad Muharram is distinguished by his free yet committed poetic personality. His poetry conveyed a spirit of nationalism intertwined with Islamic values, positioning him as a defender of Islamic unity and a staunch supporter of the Ottoman Caliphate. He warned against the dangers of fragmentation caused by colonial powers, such as Britain and France. Furthermore, he was among the poets who revitalized poetic forms that had suffered during the Ottoman era. Notably, he excelled in portraying Islamic heroism through depictions of battles, raids, and significant historical events, often drawing inspiration from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Notable Works of Ahmad Muharram
Before his death, poet and writer Ahmad Muharram produced a considerable body of work, with key highlights including:
- Poetry collections, notably: “The Sad Aqsa,” “The Glory of Islam,” “Policies,” and “Social Issues and Elegies.”
- Articles published in various magazines and newspapers, including “Anis Al-Jalis,” “Al-Miftah,” “Al-Istiqlal,” “Al-Thuraya,” “Al-Hilal,” and “Al-Muqtaf.”
- Critical research, including studies on modern poetry, opinions on women’s education and upbringing, critiques of poet Hafez Ibrahim, political essays, and a study of satirical poetry.