Humor Techniques in Arabic Maqamat
The maqama is a distinct genre within Arabic literature that resembles narrative art but maintains its own unique structure and style. In ancient times, maqamat and poetry were characterized by a culture of luxury, pleasure, and humor. As time progressed, however, people increasingly turned to humor as a means of escape from reality or to satirize their circumstances. Various techniques of humor can be observed in the maqamat, including the following:
Wit and Irony
Wit serves to amuse and bring joy; it can sometimes involve mockery, belittling, or moral lessons. For instance, Al-Hariri’s maqamat feature many techniques, prominently including satire and humor alongside moral teachings. Humor emerged as a fundamental element of lightheartedness, with notable humorous maqamat such as the Kufic, the Rahba, and the Shirazi.
In this context, irony seeks to highlight foolishness to elicit laughter, having both social and psychological implications. Its characteristics include digression and metaphor, aimed at conveying an opposing meaning through non-literal expression. Additionally, figures of speech such as metaphor are employed, allowing irony to operate by presenting statements that are out of context to mock the interlocutor.
As mentioned in the Shirazi maqama: “Harith ibn Hammam narrated: I was passing through Shiraz and saw a gathering that stopped passersby. I couldn’t bypass it, nor could my feet step over it. So, I took a detour to taste the essence of its jewels and to see how its fruits blossomed. Suddenly, the people were solitary, and those approaching them were welcomed. While we were engaged in delightful banter, sweeter than the melodies of birds and more pleasant than grapes, a man in tattered clothes approached, nearly at the age of two decades. He greeted us with a fluent tongue, revealing the clarity of his speech…”
Satire
Satire represents a comedic style with various approaches, primarily aimed at sharp critique. For example, Al-Hamadhani composed his maqamat during a time when his society faced difficult circumstances in economic, political, and military domains. He utilized a satirical and humorous style, serving as a balm to the community’s struggles.
Consequently, Al-Hamadhani wove together terminology that sought to address the societal collapses affecting his community, combining humor and satire with an undercurrent of sorrow for those around him. In his satire, he critiqued corruption and trickery, exemplified by the folly of a character named Abu Ubaid, whom Isa ibn Hisham easily deceived, putting him in an embarrassing predicament.
As illustrated in the Baghdadi maqama: “I craved the dessert while in Baghdad, and with no money to spend, I ventured to seize an opportunity until I found myself in Karakh. Suddenly, I encountered a man straining to drive his donkey, at the same time adjusting his garment. I declared: ‘We have indeed captured a prize! Welcome, Abu Zayd! From where have you come? Where are you staying? When did you arrive? Come to my home!’ He responded, ‘I am not Abu Zayd, but rather Abu Ubaid.’ I replied, ‘Yes, curse be upon the devil, and may forgetfulness be far away, for the passage of time and the distance have made me forget you, but how is your father?….’