Poetry Of Commitment
The golden period of Islamic history between century fourth (A.H.) and the early period fifth
(A.H.), was the period of blossoming of various Islamic sciences and disciplines. During this unprecedented period of Islamic history various disciplines and lofty Islamic learning namely: Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Kalam (Discourse), Hadith (Narration), Adab (Literature), and other sciences like Mathematics, Philosophy, Geometry, Astronomy, and Medicine reached to their highest state of arts levels. Many famous and top ranking learned scientists and scholars were involved in teaching and research activities during this golden era.
Naturally in such an enlightened educational environment poetry and literature were assigned a special prestige and distinction in the society. Because of these favorable circumstances and support and encouragement received from literature and poetry loving kings of Ale-Buyeh dynasty; many famous poets and writers were motivated for advancement of their literary and poetic talents towards perfection. Large cultural literary gatherings and magnificent scene of mushaira (poetic contests) were the order of the day, and many precious great poetic and literary works were published during this period.
The famous genius of that time - the great Sayyid Radi – was the most eminent poet and literary personality who always presided over such poetical and literary gatherings and with his charismatic presence always illuminated these cultural functions. It is also important to note that Sayyid Radi's poetry consisted of some special characteristics· which made his poetic collection distinguished as compared to other poets. Following are some of these special features regarding his poetic talents:
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Sayyid Radi never utilized his artistic talents for achieving position, wealth, and power; did not use his poetry for becoming a celebrity rather bestowed lofty aims and objectives upon it. Sahib ibn Abad the intellectual minister and famous poetry critic repeatedly criticized the poetry of most eloquent Arab poet "Muttashi" of world fame, but was so much fascinated by Sayyid Radi's verses that he had especially assigned a person to go to. Baghdad for copying and sending him poetic verses recited by Sayyid Radi.
When Sayyid Radi learned about the above incident he composed an elucidatory poem for Sahib, praising his literary and poetic talents, with the intention of sending it to him. But because of fear of the possibility that Sahib might regard this token of appreciation by Sayyid as anticipation for some sort of favor or reward from him, Sayyid changed his mind.1
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He always preserved the modesty of language in his poetry and never used indecent phrases.
“Sayyid Radi like the verses of other poets did not compose satire poetry containing vulgar and insulting words; wherever something close to satire appears in his poetry, it is free from indecent language.”2
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The internal nature and loftiness of spirit within restrained him from recital of poetry containing debauchery or abusive language which was liked by the rules of that period. This type of good for nothing or nonsense poetry never bad any compatibility with his virtuous and dignified personality;3 in spite of the fact that in his period, clownery and impudence for the pleasure and amusements of the kings and caliph were encouraged by them.
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The verses of Sayyid Radi are total manifestations of supreme truth and sublime realities, and in his reflections, he has not been least influenced by anybody or any position. Therefore, it was due to these considerations that till the last moments of his life his recitals were free from undesirable qualities such as flattering and buttering. These higher and valuable considerations bestowed commitment and direction upon his poetry.
“His poetic work has been published into four volumes"4, containing more verses as compared to others, which are at the peak of eloquence and at the utmost in dignity. “There were poets who compared verses of superior quality, but their quantity was smaller, and on the other hand those who composed a lot of poetry sacrificed their quality. The only exception to the above rule was Sayyid Radi, who composed a lot in quantity while still maintaining the quality.”5
