Q: Write a Note on Life and Literary Works of Taha Hussain. Introduction
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Q: Write a note on life and literary works of Taha Hussain. Introduction: Taha Hussein (1889- 1973)was one of the most influential Egyptian writers and intellectuals. He was a figurehead for the modernist movement in Egypt and was considered dean of contemporary Arabic literature and a pioneer of enlightenment. LIFE: Born in AI-Minya province, Upper Egypt, on November 14th, 1889 he became blind due to illness at a very early age of two years. He went to an Islamic kuttab (a traditional school where children learn to read, write, and recite the Quran), and then was sent to Al-Azhar University, where he was educated in religion and Arabic literature. He studied under Nalino and Javedi in criticism. He also learnt French language. In 1914 he got the degree of Ph.d by writing Zikraa Abi Al-Aalaa. He traveled to France on scholarship. He studied history and Greek literature and composed thesis on Ibne Khuldoon. He served as Arabic professor in jamia Al-ahlia. In 1950he became education minister. His Literary Works: Taha Hussein's works can be divided into three categories: 1) Scientific study of Arabic literature and Islamic history: In this book, he brought some .(ال جاه لي ال ش عر ف ي) In 1962, Taha wrote On Pre-islamic poetry different and opposite ideas and views against rigid and conservative ideas and became criticized by many literary persons namely Mustafa Sadiq Al-Rafie and Mamen Al-Aziz. After was banned by Egyption Parliament due .(ال جاه لي ال ش عر ف ي) some time On Pre-islamic poetry to its novel and odd ideas. A year later, he published a presumably softened version of the book under a different title, Fī al-adab al-jāhilī. 2) Creative literary works with social content combating poverty and ignorance, , ال كروان دعاء The Call of the Curlew, ب ؤسال شجرة He wrote many novels like The Tree of Misery etc. The true Promise is his famous and monumental novel inال حق ال وعد The True Promise which he proved by historical incidents and evidences that Allah‟s promise is true. In his novels, he expresses an astounding sensitivity, insight and compassion in that age for a person with his background. His arguments for justice and equality are supported by deep and honest understanding of Islam. Equally remarkable are his sympathy with his downtrodden compatriots and his understanding of the deepest emotions and thoughts of woman as girl, lover, wife and mother. 3)Political articles: Taha Hussain became the editor-in-chief of a newspaper “Al-katib-al-Misri” and wrote many political articles which were published in the same newspaper. He also produced “The in which he wrote stories of suppression of ”اﻷر ض ف ى ال م عذب ون Sufferers: Stories and Polemics Egyptions during political demise in Egypt. He also remained editor of newspaper “ASSIASIAH” . In 1925 he wrote “Qadat ul Fikr”(leaders of thought) and mentioned some western thoughts and behaviors. Greek Influence on Taha’s Work: A great influence of Greek culture can be seen on Taha‟s works. He issued "Selected Pages" from Greek Dramatic poetry (1920), "The Athenian System" in 1921, and "Leaders of Thought" in 1925. “The Athenian System” was an incomplete attempt at an expose of Greek poets and their works. “Leaders of Thought” was a meticulous translation of one of the most important texts of Greek history of civilization. He deals with the religious impact on thought in the Middle Ages, then moves on to the Modern Ages of multi influences. His Prominent literary Works: Among his most prominent works are: a collection of essays on literary criticism (اﻷرب عاء حدي ث) Wednesday talk • (ال جاه لي ال ش عر ف ي) On Pre-islamic poetry • اﻷر ض ف ى ال م عذب ون The Sufferers: Stories and Polemics • أدي ب A Man of Letters, a novel • اﻷي ام (The Days (3-Part Autobiography • • An Egyptian Childhood م صر ىف ال ث قاف ة م س ت ق بل The Future of Culture in Egypt • ال بؤس شجرة The Tree of Misery • ال كروان دعاء The Call of the Curlew • The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Faiza Dar For This Useful Post: ASF SRAA (Friday, January 25, 2013), comm786 (Tuesday, March 05, 2013), osman saleem (Wednesday, September 05, 2012), roijen (Sunday, July 15, 2012), sara bhittani (Monday, August 20, 2012), Sharafat Ali (Monday, November 05, 2012), Tassawur (Wednesday, July 18, 2012), Zara Sheikh (Tuesday, September 04, 2012) #2 Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 55 Thanks: 76 Faiza Dar Member Thanked 95 Times in 41 Posts Q:Explain the significance of pre-Islamic poetry and its importance in understanding the language of Quran. Pre Islamic Poetry: Pre-Islamic poetry is the master piece of pre Islamic literature. Indeed poetry is considered history of pre Islamic Arabs. In pre Islamic era the best poetry was used to be hanged with the wall of Kaaba. Hammaad –The Rhapsodist has collected some of the Qasaids in the volume named as ― “Mualqaat. Its Significance: Pre Islamic era was the age when poetry had reached the apex of its brilliance. The poet was the most respectable person in tribe. To safeguard the honor and respect of the tribe, the poets were always at the forefront. Ahmad Hassan’s view: Ahmed Hassan Zyat in his book ―Tarik h Adab Arabi has mentioned that ― “Whenever there emerged a poet in a tribe, it was taken as a blessing of Providence. The appearance was celebrated as the people of other tribe used to congratulate the tribe in which the poet was emerged”. Clement Huart’s view: Clement Huart in his book ―Literary History of Arabs has mentioned that “there were many poets the evidence of whom was the final say in order to decide to encamp or decamp a certain place. The booty which was collected in fights with other tribes was distributed by no person other than the poet.” Poetry as source of depiction of pre Islamic conditions: Another significance of pre Islamic poetry is that it depicts the social, political, cultural and moral condition of the society of Arabs before the emergence of Islam. Through this poetry of Dour-e-Jahlia, we know that Arabs were racially prejudiced without any central government or authority. The ordinary Arab out of the love for his tribe did not leave any stone unturned. Relevance to Quran: The poetry was given so much importance that Allah bestowed on the Holy Prophet(PBUH) His miracle in the form of a lucid and eloquent Holy Quran. It is an established fact that the miracle bestowed by Allah to different Prophets were according to the art, which was at its apex in that era. Poetry was most significant thing in the pre Islamic era. So Quran is the miracle of Allah, to show and answer the eloquent and lucid poets of Arabs. Importance of Pre Islamic Poetry In Understanding Holy Quran Socio Economic Culture: The interpretation of Holy Quran sometimes require a peep into the socio economic setup of that era and the poetry of that era is very good depiction and manifestation of the socio economic circumstances of that time. So, poetry was consulted to know thecustoms and traditions of that era. Understanding of Ghraib: There are many strange words or Gharaib in the Holy Quran which were alien to Arabs because these were no more in use in there day to day life. However these words were used by the poets in their poetry. So, in order to understand these Gharaibs , the interpreters and Mufasareen used to consult the pre Islamicpoetry. To understand Waduhaa the Mufasareen sought help from Pre Islamic poetry. Explanation of Ayats: Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas was asked to explain some Ayats of the Holy Quran, He made allusion to the pre Islamic poetry to make it comprehendable for the people who asked him to explain them. Source to understand Grammar: The pr Islamic poetry was the master piece in the Arabic literature therefore this poetry provided as being a source for the grammar and it was used as a guideline. Source to know the superiority of Quran: Pre Islamic poetry also shows when it is compared with the Holy Quran that Holy Quran is the best of the lot and superior in its style, eloquence and lucidity than the pre Islamic poetry. The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Faiza Dar For This Useful Post: Dr.Ehsan ilahi (Sunday, June 02, 2013), Habibbodla (Tuesday, February 12, 2013), salman habib (Tuesday, November 06, 2012), Sharafat Ali (Sunday, November 18, 2012),Tassawur (Wednesday, July 18, 2012), Zara Sheikh (Tuesday, September 04, 2012) #3 Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 55 Thanks: 76 Faiza Dar Member Thanked 95 Times in 41 Posts Q: Write a note on modern trend in Arabic literature. How and when Arabic literature was revived? Arabic literature which was facing its downfall for the last five centuries was revived in Egypt. After the invasion of Napoleon, Arabs especially Egypt came in direct contact with French or west. Now all the trends which were introduced in Arabic literature were determined by this very fact. This revival of Arabic literature is called “Al-Nahdat Al-Adab” . During the 20th century the Arabic literature was affected by the political turmoil and upheavals which were taking place in the Arab world. A cursory look at the trends in all genres will make the situation and picture more clearly to us. 1-Poetry:- Poetry was an area in which the new trends were emerged during 20th century.