Analysis of Arabic poems in the prose of Tajareb-Al Salaf

Introduction

Fakhr al-Din Abu al-Fadl Hindushah ibn Sanjar ibn Abdullah Sahabi Kirani is a fascinating historical figure. He was from Kirani, a region in Nakhchivan, though the exact details of his life remain somewhat mysterious. Some scholars believe he was born around 645 AH, while his death is thought to have occurred around 730 AH. Hindushah was educated at the prestigious Al-Mustansiriyah School in Baghdad, and his family had strong ties to the ruling elite of the time. He worked as a secretary, playing a role in the courts of influential families like the Juwaynis, the Atabakan Sulghuri, and the Atabakan of Lorestan. Among his notable works are "Tajareb al-Salaf," "Mawarid al-Adab," "Sihah al-Ajam," and "Tuhfat al-Ushaq."
"Tajareb al-Salaf," is a translation of "Al-Fakhri," also known as "Muniyat al-Fudala," which explores the histories of caliphs and ministers, written by Ibn Taqtaqi (660-709 AH). This translation was completed in 724 AH and includes some additions and omissions throughout. Hindushah chose to omit the first section of Ibn Taqtaqi's work, which focuses on the etiquette of kingship and governance, and instead dedicated that space to a detailed account of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The second part of the book dives into the history of the caliphs, ministers, and the conditions of that time. Here, Hindushah did not leave out any significant information, aside from some minor details, and he enriched the text with many additions, especially concerning the ministers from the Buyid and Seljuk dynasties. The book is structured in a clear way: it starts with the biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him), followed by the first government, which covers the five caliphs from Abu Bakr to Hasan ibn Ali (peace be upon him). Next, it discusses the Umayyad caliphs and then the Abbasid caliphs. It also touches on the rule of the Alawids in Egypt and the Maghreb, along with the Buyids and Seljuks. For each caliph's era, the book elaborates on the state of the ministry and provides biographies of their ministers. It wraps up with a discussion of the thirty-seventh Abbasid caliph, Al-Mustasim, and his ministers (Roghani, 1382 SH, p. 104).

Methodology

In order to understand the concepts of prose of " Tajareb Al-Salaf "along with its historical, political and cultural information , it is necessary to determine the position of the verse in the text  and the spiritual devotion and close connection of the contents are obvious.This study is based on the descriptive analysis method by using library research. In this way, Arabic poems are categorized according to the periods of the history of Arabic literature and are analyzed according to the preceding phrase.

Discussion

The poetry featured in "Tajareb al-Salaf" spans over various periods, particularly the Pre-Islamic, Meccan, and Abbasid eras, with a strong emphasis on the Abbasid period.  Among the Pre-Islamic poets, Hassan ibn Thabit mourns Umar’s death at the hands of "Abu Luluh." Umar ibn Abi Rabi'ah contrasts women's flirtation with men’s  duty to engage in jihad, using vivid similes. Mutammim ibn Nuwayrah illustrates the anxiety of revenge in his poetry, while Imam Ali (peace be upon him) reflects on the futility of worldly life.
In the Abbasid period, various poets contribute to the literary landscape. Imam Ali's elegy poignantly captures his own state and that of his assassin, Ibn Muljam Muradi. Al-Farazdaq praises Suleiman ibn Abdul Malik, while Abdullah ibn Hammam mocks Marwan ibn al-Hakam after the downfall of Muawiya ibn Yazid.
Ibn Sinan al-Khafaji, a Mamluk poet, expresses astonishment at contemporary events, particularly regarding 'Izz al-Din Abdul Hamid's interest in a young boy named 'Uthman. Abu al-Atahiya reflects on the fleeting nature of life during the death of the Abbasid caliph al-Mahdi, while Bashar ibn Burd comments on the murder of Ja'far ibn Yahya al-Barmaki.
The blind poet "Abu Zakariya" contemplates the inevitability of death, and Marwan ibn Abi Hafsa praises Fadl ibn Yahya, the foster brother of Harun al-Rashid. Hindushah emphasizes the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) as part of divine destiny, and the poems of al-Munajjim offer insights into the instability of fortune.
The themes of deception and hypocrisy are prevalent, as illustrated by a line from al-Tahami reflecting Sultan Mas'ud's performative mourning. An Abbasid minister recites a poem by al-Mutanabbi during travel, while Hindushah critiques the poetry of Minister al-Mu'tafiq for its linguistic flaws. The verses of Al-Hallaj before his execution carry a mystical theme, emphasizing the drifting away from contentment due to worldly desires.
Various other poets, such as Ibn Rumiyyah and Abu Faras al-Hamdani, discuss significant historical events, including the betrayal of al-Rashid and the vivid description of al-Ma'mun’s wedding ceremony. The verses of Ibn Anbari follow the account of Ibn Baqiya’s crucifixion, highlighting the complex interplay of fate and divine decree.

Conclusion

The examination of Arabic verses in "Tajareb al-Salaf" reveals both minor and significant differences from the original collection, with instances of incorrect poet identification. The verses serve various grammatical roles, reflecting a wealth of historical and literary information that has transitioned into Persian literature. This includes shifts in the Abbasid caliphate and the actions of both capable and incompetent ministers, alongside contributions from notable poets.
Cultural, religious, and political issues are also addressed, including critiques of the Abbasid rulers and discussions on the alteration of the Quran. Themes of instability, moral lessons, and significant historical events are woven throughout the poetry. Important odes commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), while the analysis highlights grammatical and syntactical errors, literary criticism, and the application of poetry beyond its intended context. Overall, "Tajareb al-Salaf" serves as a crucial text for understanding the interplay of history, literature, and spirituality in Arabic poetry, offering insights into the cultural and political landscape of its time.