Classical Arabic Literature: Exploring Timeless Masterpieces

The course “Classical Arabic Literature: Exploring Timeless Masterpieces” offers a captivating journey into the rich and diverse world of classical Arabic literature. This comprehensive study delves into the literary masterpieces that have significantly shaped the Arab cultural landscape throughout history.

Spanning over centuries, the course introduces students to the remarkable works of renowned poets, writers, and scholars from the Golden Age of Islamic civilization. Through an exploration of the language, themes, and historical context of these literary gems, students gain a profound appreciation for the beauty and depth of Classical Arabic literature.

Key Highlights:

1. Introduction to Classical Arabic: The course begins with an overview of the Arabic language’s historical significance and its development into a refined literary medium during the pre-modern era. Students will grasp the nuances of grammar, syntax, and poetic devices that characterize Classical Arabic.
2. The Quran as Literature: An integral aspect of this course is the examination of the Quran as the pinnacle of Arabic literature. Students will study its linguistic brilliance, literary style, and explore the profound impact it had on subsequent works of Arabic literature.
3. Poetry of the Jahiliyyah (Pre-Islamic Era): Delving into the poetic masterpieces from the Jahiliyyah period, students will appreciate the cultural, social, and religious significance of these verses. The poetic prowess of legendary figures like Imru’ al-Qais and Zuhair bin Abi Sulma will be thoroughly explored.
4. The Mu’allaqat: The “Golden Odes” or the Mu’allaqat represent the epitome of pre-Islamic poetry. This course unravels the beauty and eloquence of these seven renowned odes and their thematic diversity.
5. The Literary Legacy of Andalusia: Students will embark on a journey through the literary contributions of Andalusian poets and writers, including Ibn Hazm, Ibn Zaydun, and Abu al-‘Ala’ al-Ma’arri, who flourished during the Islamic Golden Age in Spain.
6. The Maqamat of Al-Hariri: An in-depth analysis of Al-Hariri’s Maqamat, a collection of witty and satirical stories, allows students to explore the genre of rhymed prose and the art of storytelling in Classical Arabic literature.
7. Epics and Tales: This segment of the course examines the legendary epics and folktales that have captured the imagination of generations, such as the adventures of Antar and Abla and the epic tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
8. The Legacy of Al-Mutanabbi: Renowned as the ‘Shakespeare of Arabic Poetry,’ Al-Mutanabbi’s contributions to the Arabic literary tradition are a key focus of this course. Students will analyse his celebrated poems and learn about his influence on subsequent generations of poets.