Prominent Writers of the Modern Era
The modern era has produced a notable collection of poets who significantly impacted the literary landscape, both in poetry and prose. Among those whose literary contributions have left a lasting impression are:
Mahmoud Sami Al-Baroudi
Born in 1838, Mahmoud Sami Al-Baroudi hailed from the Mamluk dynasty and was of Circassian descent. An orphan, he dedicated himself to self-education in his home due to a lack of support. He later enrolled in a military school in 1845, but upon failing to secure a job, he immersed himself in reading works of literature and heritage. Al-Baroudi began to critique poets and emulate their styles, adopting classical methods in his own poetry. Notable lines from his works include:
Connection of the imagination with the distant is a meeting,
Had I the power to keep my eyes closed.
Oh, you who forsake me without any sin in love,
Wait! Your abandonment and fate are the same.
You have ignited your gaze in hearts,
And from the eyes comes suffering for the souls.
It is a glance — so grant me favor with its sister,
For wine is a cure for the pain of intoxication.
Ahmed Shawqi
A prominent figure in modern poetry, Ahmed Shawqi was born in 1871 and earned the title of “Prince of Poets.” His poetry serves as a historical and political record. Shawqi followed the footsteps of classical poets and advocated for support of the Ottoman state, expressing his sorrow over its decline and using his pen to engage in political discourse. His poetry is renowned for its unparalleled eloquence. A few of his prominent lines are:
The ships were overwhelmed by the waters,
Carried by the hopes of those they bear.
The sea, in its tumultuous waves, engulfed them,
The sky grew larger as the heavens expanded.
And the rebels witnessed the snares of the earth,
As traps spread out before them endlessly.
Amidst mountains, waves rose in response,
They surged as though they were covered in darkness.
And there was a roar, as the horses prepared,
And the defenders were stirred up in battle.
Moustafa Sadiq Al-Rafei
Recognized as one of the most prominent prose writers of the modern era, Al-Rafei was born in 1880 in the Arab Republic of Egypt, with roots tracing back to Tripoli, Lebanon. Although he composed poetry, he gained recognition primarily for his prose. Al-Rafei captivated his contemporaries with his eloquent expressions and left behind a rich legacy of works, including “The Inspiration of the Pen,” “Under the Banner of the Quran,” and “The Moon’s Discourse,” among others.
His writing is known for its complexity, often requiring deep contemplation for comprehension. In his works, he ardently defended and elucidated Islam. Noteworthy excerpts from his writings include:
“How desperately we Muslims need to understand our holidays in a new light. We should receive them and approach them from their essence, so that they become joyful and productive days that awaken strong qualities within us, renewing our souls with meaning. Unlike how they currently arrive, grim and devoid of purpose, with their greatest achievement being the renewal of attire, scheduling leisure time, and a superficial smile steeped in pretense. The holiday embodies the meaning within the day, not merely the day itself. As people grasp this significance, they will embrace the day. In Islam, the holiday was the day of the faithful idea; yet it has morphed into a day of frivolous thoughts.”