ABU DHABI, 5th May, 2025 (WAM) -- On the ninth day of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), a session titled Al Mutanabbi’s Inventions explored the enduring legacy of the celebrated Arab poet Al Mutanabbi and his profound impact on Arabic literature.
The session was moderated by content creator Lana Medawar, who opened by highlighting the collective passion for literature among the audience.
Dr Khalil began the discussion by praising Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, for his continued efforts to advance Arabic literature. He noted Al Mutanabbi's enduring appeal, describing him as both widely revered and frequently debated.
Ali bin Tamim spoke about his personal connection to Al Mutanabbi’s work, mentioning that his newly launched book at ADIBF deepens this literary bond. He credited Dr Khalil’s mentorship during his doctoral studies with shaping his intellectual path and inspiring his interest in the works of Naguib Mahfouz.
He remarked on Al Mutanabbi’s distinct poetic style and aesthetic brilliance, noting how his works continue to spark dialogue, particularly around the poet’s religious identity. Although Al Mutanabbi referenced Judaism and Christianity in his poetry, he made no mention of Islam, raising complex questions about his beliefs. Ali bin Tamim suggested that the deeper question may not be about sectarian identity, but about faith itself.
The poet’s portrayal of women was also discussed, including reflections on his grandmother, mother, and sister—depictions that marked a significant shift in Arabic literary tradition. His experiences in Lebanon, where he grappled with themes of Semitism, further shaped his poetic voice.
Al Mutanabbi’s originality was emphasised, with speakers highlighting his pioneering role in coining words, blending unconventional ideas, and pushing the boundaries of Arabic poetry. While some early critics accused him of plagiarism, his innovative style ultimately defined his literary genius.
Poet and physics professor Dr Mahdi Mansour offered a unique perspective, invoking the Greek metaphor that poems are “carriages drawn by horses,” and praising Al Mutanabbi’s ability to ignite the imagination.
He stressed that the introduction to Al Mutanabbi’s Diwan is more significant than the poems themselves, describing it as a foundational text that continues to offer insight into Arabic poetic tradition more than a thousand years later.