Texts of Islam

The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala: Appendix

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This is an appendix to a 1909 English translation of the *Diwan* (collected verse) of Abu'l-Ala al-Ma'arri, the medieval Arab poet, translated by Henry Baerlein. The appendix has two parts: a scholarly note explaining the conventions of Arab naming systems, and a few additional translated quatrains from the poet. The naming section methodically breaks down the components of Arab names — patronymics, personal names, ethnic names, honorifics, and trade names — with colorful examples illustrating how the system grew so elaborate that the scholar al-Biruni complained reciting a man's full titles risked making one late for prayer. The central point is that Abu'l-Ala's name is an honorific patronymic meaning "father of excellence," adopted because he had no son, a practice common across Arab culture and with parallels in other traditions. The appended quatrains, introduced with a parallel quote from Seneca on time's misuse, are bleak and stoic in tone — consistent with Abu'l-Ala's reputation for pessimistic philosophical verse — meditating on human disposability and the indifference of fate. This text will interest readers curious about classical Arab onomastics or seeking context for a major but underread medieval poet.

The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala: Appendix

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