“في اللاذقية ضجة ما بين أحمد والــــمسيحُهذا بناقوس يدق وذا بمئذنة يــــــــــــصيحُكلٌ يعظِّم دنيه يا ليت شعري ما الصحيحُ ؟”
Quote Analysis:
This quote by the famous Arabic poet Abu Al-Alaa Al-Ma'arri reflects on the busy and bustling city of Latakia, where there is a clash between two seemingly opposite figures, Ahmed and the Messiah. The poet speaks of the different beliefs and priorities that people hold, with some valuing material wealth and others looking towards spiritual enlightenment. In questioning the significance of his own poetry amidst this chaos, the poet highlights the inner conflict between worldly desires and the pursuit of true wisdom and understanding. This quote encourages reflection on the nature of human values and the eternal search for truth amidst the distractions of the world.
Modern Relevance
In this poem by Abu Al-Alaa Al-Ma'arri, he reflects on the discord and noise between Ahmad (referring to the Prophet Muhammad) and the Messiah, symbolizing the conflict between Christianity and Islam. The poet laments the worldly pursuits and materialistic desires of people, questioning which path is the right one to follow. This profound message still holds relevance in the modern world, where religious tensions and materialism continue to drive people apart and question the true meaning of life.
Example of Usage
The famous Arabic poet Abu Al-Alaa Al-Maari reflects on the bustling city of Latakia, highlighting the religious and cultural diversity present. In this verse, he muses on the contrast between the noise of a church bell ringing and the call to prayer from a nearby mosque, pondering the significance of each in the bustling city. This complex and thought-provoking imagery showcases the poet's contemplation of the different aspects of life and belief systems coexisting in his environment.
Reflection Questions:
In this poignant poem by Abu al-Ala al-Ma'arri, the tension between material desires and spiritual awakening is evident. The contrast between the noise and hustle of the city of Latakia and the inner struggle for truth and purpose raises important questions about the nature of human existence and fulfillment. Consider the following reflection questions:
How do you interpret the relationship between Ahmed and the Messiah in the first two lines of the poem? What do they represent in terms of human longing and spiritual quest?
The imagery of the bell tolling and the minaret calling to prayer suggests a contrast between worldly distractions and spiritual guidance. How does this contrast resonate with your own experiences and beliefs?
The poet expresses a sense of disillusionment with the pursuit of material desires in the line "Each one glorifies his own world; Would that my poetry were correct." How does this sentiment reflect on the human condition and the search for truth and meaning?
How do you personally navigate the dichotomy between the external noise of the world and the inner yearning for spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment?
Similar quotes
“يا ليت هذا الحب يعشق مرة . . فيعلم ما يلقى المحب من الهجر”
“يا ليلة ً سمَّيتها ليلتي ,, لأَنها بالناس ما مَرَّتِأذكرُها ، و الموتُ في ذكرها ,, على سبيلِ البَثِّ و العِبْرَة ِليعلمَ الغافلُ ما أمسُه ؟ ,, ما يومُهُ ؟ ما مُنْتَهى العِيشة ِ؟نَبَّهَني المقدورُ في جُنْحِها ,, و كنتُ بين النَّوْم و اليَقْظة”
“تبقين سرا في الحياة و فرحةأسكنتها قلبي..و دفء حنانيقد تسألين الاّن : ما أقصى المنى ؟قلبي و قلبك .. حين يلتقيانإني أعاتب فيك عمري كله..يا ليت عمري..كان في إمكاني”
“ما الذي أبقيتَ منّي يا ( أنا ) .. غير شعري وغرامي و المنى .. كنت تقسو عندما كنّا هناك ..صرت تقسو عندما جئنا هنا !!”
“ليت شعري أين منه مهربي أين يمضي هارب من دمه ؟”