Abu Nuwas

8th-century Arab poet

Abu Nuwas (

full name

Abū Nuwās al-Ḥasan ibn Hānī al-Ḥakamī) was a renowned classical Arabic poet of the Abbasid Caliphate. He is considered one of the greatest poets in the Arabic language and is best known for his pioneering contributions to the genre of wine poetry (khamriyyat).

Early Life

Abu Nuwas

Abu Nuwas was born in Ahvaz, in modern-day Iran, around 756 CE. His father, Hani, was an Arab soldier, and his mother, Jullaban, was of Persian descent. After his father's death, Abu Nuwas moved with his mother to Basra, where he received his early education. He later traveled to Kufa and then to Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, where he became a prominent figure in the literary circles.

Literary Career

Abu Nuwas is best known for his khamriyyat, or wine poetry, which celebrated the pleasures of wine and revelry. His poetry often defied the conventional norms of his time, embracing themes of hedonism and indulgence. In addition to wine poetry, he wrote ghazals (love poetry), takhmis (poems with a repeated refrain), and mujun (satirical and humorous poetry).

Influence and Style

Abu Nuwas's poetry is characterized by its wit, linguistic dexterity, and vivid imagery. He was a master of the Arabic language, and his works often included clever wordplay and double entendres. His influence extended beyond his own time, impacting later poets and writers in the Islamic Golden Age.

Controversies

Abu Nuwas's lifestyle and poetry often brought him into conflict with the religious authorities of his time. His open celebration of wine and his satirical treatment of religious figures were considered scandalous. Despite this, he enjoyed the patronage of several Abbasid caliphs, including Harun al-Rashid and his son Al-Amin.

Later Life and Death

Verses of Abu Nuwas, copied by Mirza Kuchik Visal, Qajar Iran, 10 May 1824

In his later years, Abu Nuwas's fortunes declined, and he spent time in prison for his irreverent poetry. He is believed to have died in 814 CE in Baghdad. Despite his controversial life, his poetry continued to be celebrated and studied for its artistic merit.

Legacy

Abu Nuwas's work has been preserved in numerous manuscripts and has been the subject of extensive scholarly study. His poetry remains influential in the Arab world and beyond, celebrated for its boldness and creativity. He is often depicted in popular culture as a symbol of the free-spirited and rebellious artist.

Related Pages

• Arabic literature
• Islamic Golden Age
• Abbasid Caliphate
• Wine poetry