Philosophical Thought in the Poetry of Salih bin Abdul Quddus

Abstract

The study of philosophical thought in the poetry of Ṣāliḥ ibn ʿAbd al‑Quddūs is an analytical examination of the philosophical ideas addressed by the poet in his verse, which represents a model of ethical‑philosophical poetry. The poet was influenced by intellectual currents such as the Muʿtazila and the Greek philosophers. This research aims to uncover and analyze the philosophical dimensions in the poetry of Ṣāliḥ ibn ʿAbd al‑Quddūs. He was an Abbasid poet who left a clear and profound imprint on Arabic literature — a wise and eloquent poet who admonished and exhorted people. He displayed deep contemplation of life, humanity, destiny, wisdom, counsel, and human relations, expressing these through philosophical ideas, rich poetic language, and powerful diction.

My research reflects the ideas that pervade the poet’s thought, such as renouncing greed, submitting to God’s decree, avoiding vices and sins, shunning bad companions, not despairing, refraining from useless excessive speech, elucidating asceticism (zuhd) and its importance, encouraging focus on the hereafter, meditating on human mortality while warning against immersion in material pleasures, calling to noble morals and obedience to God, and illustrating various human experiences.

The poet raises social issues in his poetry that engage the reader, reflecting his own and others’ experiences to provide a guiding framework that humans can rely on in their social interactions and relationship with God — urging adherence to moral values as a means of salvation in the hereafter.

This study is organized as follows: the first section discusses the meaning of philosophical thinking and its significance; the second section examines the manifestations of philosophical thought in the poetry of Ṣāliḥ ibn ʿAbd al‑Quddūs.