The Word “Sword” in the Poetry of Abdul Razzaq Abdul Wahid and Seyed Ali Mousavi Kermaroudi: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This research presents a comparative study of the word “sword” in the poetry of Abdul Razzaq Abdul Wahid and Seyed Ali Mousavi Kermaroudi. Both poets employ this term as a symbolic representation of heroism, sacrifice, and spiritual devotion. The study aims to explore the semantic and aesthetic dimensions of the sword within Arabic and Persian literature, focusing on its evolution from a martial tool into a metaphoric element embodying faith, courage, and martyrdom. Using the descriptive-analytical method under the American school of comparative literature, the analysis highlights cultural and artistic intersections between Arabic and Persian traditions. The findings reveal that Abdul Wahid portrays the sword as a symbol of Arab pride and valor, whereas Kermaroudi transforms it into a mystical emblem reflecting the spirit of the Karbala tragedy. Ultimately, the research demonstrates how both poets transcend linguistic boundaries to construct a shared human and Islamic vision through the imagery of the sword, offering a bridge between two great literary heritages.

In Arabic and Islamic poetry, the sword is a symbol deeply rooted in the collective Arab consciousness, transcending its military function to become a symbol of honor, heroism, identity, and integrity. A comparison between the works of Abdul Razzaq Abdul Wahid and Sayyid Ali Musawi Karmaroudi reveals that both poets imbued the sword with a philosophical and spiritual dimension, expressing humanity's relationship to principle, truth, and freedom. For Abdul Wahid, the sword is not merely a weapon, but an extension of Iraqi dignity, a cry in defense of land and existence, as seen in his depiction of the blood-stained and light-tinged sword as a symbol of eternal sacrifice. For Karmaroudi, the sword ascends to a divine symbol of Husseini truth and universal justice, its movement merging with the act of faith based on martyrdom and redemption. Here, the sword is an instrument for purifying injustice and a sanctuary for divine light.