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The Classical Arabic Heritage Literature of the Abbasid Period

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• Introduction to Classical Arabic Literature during the Abbasid period.

Historical Overview: The Abbasids (750-1258 CE)

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• Origin of the Name: Abbasid

• Slogan for Caliphate: Used to unify supporters.

• Key Supporters: Various groups collaborated with the Abbasids to attain power.

• Difference with Umayyads: The Abbasids represented a broader coalition, whereas the Umayyads were more focused on Arab supremacy.

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• Lack of Popularity: The Abbasids rose in part due to dissatisfaction with the Umayyads, who were viewed as overly pro-Arab.

• Authority Campaign: Their movement aimed to restore leadership to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, which was encapsulated in the slogan 'al-rida' min al Muhammad'.

The Abbasid Caliphate

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• Golden Age: Flourished until the 11th century despite losing temporal control.

• Silver Age: Marked by a decline in centralized power nearing the Mongol invasion of 1258 CE.

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• Notable Caliphs:

  • Abu ’l-‘Abbas ‘Abd Allah b. Muhammad (d. 754), known as ‘al-Saffah’ - the first Abbasid caliph.

  • Baghdad: Established in 762 CE by Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur; emerged as the cultural and commercial epicenter.

  • Harun al-Rashid (d. 809) and al-Ma’moun (d. 833): Founders of the “House of Wisdom”.

Pre-Abbasid Literature - Prose

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• Literary Prose: Emerged during the Umayyad period with translations influencing linguistic style.

• Key Figures:

  • ʿAbd al-Ḥamīd al-Kātib: Renowned for correspondence and translations.

  • ʿAbdallāh b. al-Muqaffaʿ: A Persian translator who significantly developed Arabic prose.

Abbasid Literature - Prose

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• Ibn al-Muqaffa’ (d. 757): Translated and adapted fables from Sanskrit into Arabic.

  • Notable Work: Kalila and Dimna.

• Al-Jahiz (776 – 869): Influential intellectual with seminal books:

  • Kitab al-Hayawan (Book of Animals): Explored natural history and animal behavior.

  • Kitab al-Bayan wa at-Tabyin: Delved into rhetoric.

  • Kitab al-Bukhala’: A humorous critique of greed.

• Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani (d. 967): Author of Kitab al-Aghani (Book of Songs), encompassing cultural insights of the time.

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• Kalīla wa-Dimna: A collection inspired by Indian fables, serving as moral advisories represented through animal tales.

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• Kitab al-Bayan wa al-Tabyin: A comprehensive study intersecting rhetoric, history, and natural science, showcasing a wide array of topics.

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• Kitab al-Bukhala: A satirical collection highlighting human greed, demonstrating al-Jahiz's unique prose style, which combines humor with insight.

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• Kitab al-Hayawan: An extensive work compiling anecdotes and poetics, notable for its early concepts resembling evolution, focusing on the environmental impacts on animals' survival.

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• Kitab al-Aghani: A 24-volume collection detailing the traditions of Arab poets and musicians, preserving cultural heritage and historical narratives.

Virtuosity in Prose

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• Maqamat: Created by Badi’ al-Zaman al-Hamadhani (d. 1008) and expanded by al-Hariri (d. 1122).

  • Description: A form of rhymed prose with witty storytelling, emphasizing artistic language over content.

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• Sample Excerpt: Displays sophisticated use of language and thematic exploration of knowledge acquisition and its challenges, showcasing poetic devices and rhetorical flair.

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• Copyrighted Material: Mention of The Maqámāt of Al-Hariri, a significant literary work with historical and grammatical notes.