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Document Details : Title: A Flash of Understanding the Book al-Fuṣūl wa-l-ghāyāt fī tamjīd Allāh wa-l-mawā'iẓ by Abū l-'Alā' al-Ma'arrī Author(s): SMOOR, Pieter Journal: Bibliotheca Orientalis Volume: 71 Issue: 5-6 Date: 2014 Pages: 672-710 DOI: 10.2143/BIOR.71.5.3073485 Abstract : The book al-Fuṣūl wa-l-ghāyāt fī tamjīd Allāh wa-l-mawā'iẓ ('The Headings and Endings in Praise of Allah accompanied by Admonitions') is a prose work by Abū l-'Alā' al-Ma'arrī which signifies the turning point in his promising career. The Fuṣūl is an apparently chaotic collection of sentences of varying importance (reminiscent of the style of quranic verses) which continually offer praise to Allah, Who manifests Himself in His creation, such as the world of humans and jinn, of minerals and living beings, large and small, even the soul and tiny insects. It consists of the author’s fantastic confusing monologues which are descriptive of the sufferings of humans and animals. No answers from the Almighty are expected nor are they forthcoming. When confronted with this work the question arises: if here is not any Message, is it not then a Masterpiece composed by a failed Prophet? |
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