num_pages: 530
description: Known as one of the most complex and unusual texts in Arabic literature (Banipal Magazine) The Epistle of Forgiveness is the lengthy reply by the prolific Syrian poet and prose writer Abu l-'Ala' al-Ma'arri (d. 449 H/1057 AD) to a letter by an obscure grammarian Ibn al-Qari. With biting irony The Epistle of Forgiveness mocks Ibn al-Qari s hypocrisy and sycophancy by imagining he has died and arrived with some difficulty in Heaven where he meets famous poets and philologists from the past. In al-Maarri s imaginative telling Ibn al-Qari also glimpses Hell and converses with the Devil and various heretics. Al-Ma'arri a maverick a vegan and often branded a heretic himself seems to mock popular ideas about the Hereafter. Among other things he introduces us to hypocrites poets princes rebels mystics and apostates with asides on piety superstition wine-drinking old age and other topics. This remarkable book is the first complete translation of this masterpiece into any language all the more impressive because of Al-Ma'arri's highly ornate and difficult style his use of rhymed prose and his numerous obscure words and expressions. Replete with erudite commentary amusing anecdotes and sardonic wit The Epistle of Forgiveness is an imaginative tour-de-force by one of the most pre-eminent figures in classical Arabic literature. Geert Jan van Gelder studied Semitic Languages in Amsterdam and Leiden. He was Lecturer in Arabic at the University of Groningen (1975-1998) and Laudian Professor of Arabic at the University of Oxford (1998-2012). He has published numerous articles and several books on classical Arabic literature. Gregor Schoeler studied Arabic and Islamic Studies in Frankfurt am Main and Giessen (Germany). He was the chair of Islamic Studies at the University of Basel (1982-2009). He has published numerous articles and several books in the fields of Islamic Studies and classical Arabic literature.
language: English
title: The Epistle of Forgiveness, or A Pardon to Enter the Garden
publisher: New York University Press