Al-Rusafi’s Collected Poems in Five Parts

Description

Poetry was the malleable tool with which Ma’ruf al-Rusafi was able to express the overflowing emotions within him. He was the voice of his generation, representing its hopes and speaking on its behalf. In his collected poems, he discussed many important issues, addressing the social impact of divorce on women and urging care for children and orphans.

The revolutionary poet did not forget to call for political reforms, including his call for the establishment of a “People’s Assembly” for Iraq to discuss its affairs. He attacked the injustice of rulers and the tyranny of Sultan Abdul Hamid, calling for his removal and urging the Muslim people to awaken from their slumber. Believing in the importance of knowledge, he encouraged learning and the establishment of schools. He also defended Islam, rejecting the claim that it was an obstacle to progress. He wrote elegies for a number of figures, such as Ahmad Shawqi and al-Husayn ibn Ali, whom he called the “Father of Kings.” The collection is a poetic encyclopedia of its author’s era and his own soul.