Why is ʿILMU ʾSH-SHIʿR Important?
ʿIlmu ʾsh-Shiʿr (علم الشعر), which translates to “The Science of Poetry,” is a cornerstone of the Islamic literary tradition. It encompasses the rules and aesthetics of Arabic poetry, more than a thousand years old, remaining an integral form of cultural and religious expression throughout the Islamic world.
Etymology and Background
The Arabic term ʿIlmu ʾsh-Shiʿr (علم الشعر) breaks down into “ʿilm” (science/knowledge) and “al-shiʿr” (poetry). The artful usage of words in semi-formal structures reflects a strong oral tradition inherited from the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah). Poetry played a significant role in Arabian society, serving as a means of recording events, propagating values, and aesthetically pleasing expressions.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Islamic poetry shares common thematic tropes with other literary traditions, such as love, valor, and faith. Unlike many Western poetic traditions, where rhyme is optional and meter more varied, Arabic poetry often adheres to strict rhythmic and metric frameworks (arud). Also, it bridges closely with religious and mystical dimensions manifested in genres like Sufi poetry.
Synonyms
- Arabic Poetry (الشعر العربي)
- Islamic Poetics
- Classical Arabic Poetry (الشعر العربي الكلاسيكي)
Antonyms
- Prose (النثر)
- Free Verse (الشعر الحر)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Qasida (قصيدة): A form of Arabic ode, often expressing praise, satire, or reflection on moral issues.
- Ghazzal (قصيدة): Love lyric poetry, particularly rich in Persian and Indo-Islamic cultures.
- Ruba’i (رباعي): Quatrain, notable in Persian literature.
Exciting Facts
- Ancient Arab poets were known as “shaʿīr” (شاعر), playing a role akin to historians.
- The “muʿallaqāt” (المعلقات) were a selection of pre-Islamic poems that were worthy of being hung on the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Poetry competitions were a significant aspect of social and cultural life in early Islamic societies.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds.” - Percy Bysshe Shelley
- “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” - Prophet Muhammad (a common hadith emphasizing the importance of learning, illustrating the spirit behind ʿIlm al-Shiʿr.)
Suggested Literature
- “Classical Arabic Literature” by G. J. H. van Gelder - An encompassing survey of pre-modern Arabic literature.
- “Revised Edition of Arberry’s Poetry and Prose of al-Jahiz” by A. H. Arberry - Extensive classical works, his critical studies are fundamental.
- “The Penguin Anthology of Classical Arabic Literature” by Robert Irwin - A collection of the most influential works of Arabic poetry.
Inspirational Farewell
May the words of the past illuminate your present with wisdom, and may every verse you read or write bring you a step closer to understanding the beautiful complexity of human emotions and divinity.
