Who is Abu Nawas?
Name and Lineage
His full name is Al-Hasan ibn Hani al-Hakami, renowned as Abu Nawas. He is considered one of the most significant poets of the early Abbasid era. Born in Ahvaz, Iran, specifically in the town of Bastan Matarid, which is part of Khuzestan, a region located to the west of Iran near the Iraqi border. Some accounts suggest that his father was of Arab descent from Damascus, while his mother was Persian. Other narratives indicate that he was of Persian origin, with his father being a freedman of the Persian lineage of Al-Jarrah ibn Abdullah al-Hakami.
Birth and Early Life of Abu Nawas
The exact date of Abu Nawas’s birth remains a subject of debate among historical sources. Some indicate he was born in 141 AH, while others suggest 145 AH, and a few cite 139 AH. His upbringing took place in Basra, where he moved later in life, and after the death of his father, his mother sent him to work as a shop assistant with a perfumer in the local markets. It was from this point that he began attending intellectual and literary gatherings.
An Overview of Abu Nawas’s Life
Abu Nawas’s Scholarly Pursuits
In Basra, Abu Nawas began to immerse himself in the company of scholars while fulfilling his duties at the perfumery. He frequently attended the gatherings of the renowned reciter, Amr ibn al-Ala, where he learned the intricacies of language and other fields, such as Arab history and genealogy. Subsequently, he associated with the libertine figures of his time, including Walbah ibn al-Habbab, Khalaf al-Ahmar, and Mut’i ibn Iyad, adopting their hedonistic lifestyle. He also delved into Arab and Persian literary traditions, and it is said he spent about a year in the desert studying the nuances of language from the Bedouins.
His connection with Walbah ibn al-Habbab began when Walbah visited the perfumery where Abu Nawas worked. Recognizing the young man’s intelligence, Walbah inquired about his name and subsequently brought him to Kufa and then to Baghdad. Abu Nawas was thrilled to accompany Walbah upon learning of his fame in poetry, feeling that his dreams and aspirations were being realized through this new friendship.
Abu Nawas’s Relationship with the Caliphs
Upon arriving in Baghdad, Abu Nawas mingled with prominent figures such as the Barmakids and the family of Al-Rabi, while also composing praise for Caliph Harun al-Rashid. However, he soon found himself imprisoned by al-Rashid due to his mockery of the Quraysh tribe. During his time at the caliph’s court, he became enamored with several beautiful concubines, notably one named Jinan, and had numerous amusing anecdotes with the caliph himself, his wife, and their son, Al-Amin. Despite his initial success, he ultimately struggled to gain favor at the court of Harun al-Rashid. After being released from prison, he traveled to Egypt and befriended its governor, Al-Khasib, whom he also praised before eventually falling out of favor and returning to Baghdad, longing for its lively social atmosphere.
During the reign of Al-Amin, the son of Harun al-Rashid, Abu Nawas attempted to re-establish himself at court by composing poetry in his honor. Unfortunately, this relationship was also short-lived, as he was imprisoned once again due to a dispute with Al-Ma’mun.
The Poet Abu Nawas
Characteristics of Abu Nawas’s Poetry
Abu Nawas is recognized as one of the foremost poets of the Abbasid period. His poetry is characterized by innovative vocabulary that reflects humor and wit, as well as delicacy and beauty. His verses often depicted a hedonistic lifestyle, mirroring the carefree and indulgent behavior prevalent in his environment. It can be said that his work presents a satirical perspective, revealing his pursuit of pleasure in life.
Abu Nawas and Wine
Abu Nawas had an enduring affinity for wine, often composing poetry about it. One of his famous lines includes:
“So pour me some wine and tell me it is wine,
And don’t make me drink in secret if it can be public.”
Some critics have attributed the inconsistent quality of certain poems to the fact that he often composed them in states of inebriation. However, it has also been noted that Abu Nawas later renounced alcohol and repented from his former reckless lifestyle, as various accounts suggest.
When Did Abu Nawas Pass Away?
The circumstances surrounding Abu Nawas’s death are varied among historians. Some claim he died in 199 AH at approximately the age of 54, while others suggest he was 58. A few accounts indicate his passing occurred in 196 AH in Baghdad. Notably, during the final year of his life, he repented to God and ceased engaging in misconduct. His transformation was reflected in his poetry, where he expressed his regret over past actions:
“Suffering has overcome me, both externally and internally,
And I see myself dying a slow and painful death.
Woe to me for the nights I squandered in play and revelry,
And for the severe disobedience I showed to our Lord.
O God, grant us forgiveness and mercy.”