Leigh Hunt was a famous Romantic writer, editor, and critic who lived from 1784 to 1859. Being a prominent literary figure he was the contemporary of Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats. Hunt's literary career began with the publication of his first book of poetry, Juvenilia (1801), when he was just 17 years old. This book quickly gained attention and went through four editions establishing Hunt in the literary scene. Over his lifetime, Hunt created over 50 volumes of prose, poetry, and drama, along with numerous influential reviews, articles, and miscellaneous essays. He pioneered honest and independent theatrical critiques in The News (1805) and The Statesman (1806), both newspapers were published by his brother John Hunt. Subsequently, he became the vocal editor of the widely-read weekly newspaper The Examiner (from 1808 onwards), where he fearlessly expressed his opinions on political matters in the age of the French Revolution. He was sentenced to prison for two years on charges of libel against the Prince Regent (1813-1815).
Leigh Hunt writing was indeed influenced by Arabic folklore. He was particularly inspired by the tales of "The Arabian Nights," also known as "One Thousand and One Nights." He admired the rich storytelling, exotic settings, and moral lessons found in Arabic folklore which reflects his fascination with Orientalism in 19th-century Western literature, where writers and artists derived inspiration from the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa. He included these elements in his writing to create a sense of fantasy, adventure, and romanticism in his work.
"Abou Ben Adhem" is one of the famous literary pieces of poetry read and learnt by almost all school students. The poem was written by Leigh Hunt in the year 1834 as part of his poetic collection titled "The Indicator and the Companion". Hunt being inspired by the story of Muslim mystic saint, Ibrahim ibn Adham from Arabic folklore, decided to create a poetic retelling of the encounter between the mystic and an angel. The poem draws on the Arabian belief that, once every year, God takes the Golden Book of Mankind and chooses those dear to him whom he will call in the coming year.
This belief though is not explicitly only in Arabian Folklore, the concept of divine judgement or selection of individuals by the divine is present in several other religions. For example, in Christianity people believe in the concept of the Last Judgment, where God judges all people based on their actions and faith, determining their destiny in Heaven or Hell. Similarly, in Islam, the belief is in the "Preserved Tablet" or "Guarded Tablet," which is believed to contain the decrees of God, mentioning the destinies of all individuals based on that have happened, is happening and will happen. but rather a comprehensive record of all things that have happened in the past, is happening in the present and will happen in future. People following Judaism believe in the concept of the "Book of Life", which is opened on Holy Days and contains the names of those who will live or die in the coming year, based on their actions and repentance.
The broader themes of divine judgment, providence, and the recording of deeds and destinies are present in various religious traditions around the world and the same concept is being dealt with in the poem Abou Ben Adhem.
In the poem, the poet apprises the story of the mystic saint Ibrahim ibn Adham, to whom he gives the anglicised name Abou Ben Adhem probably to make the English readers feel the connect with the character and the presented concept. Abou Ben Adhem is a pious man who has a divine encounter with an angel. He is portrayed as a humble and kind-hearted individual who is an altruist.
The poet begins the poem with the depiction of Abou Ben Adhem sleeping peacefully in his bed. His peaceful sleep is interrupted by the advent of an angel in his room, filling the room with divine light and making it rich like a lily in bloom. He is neither frightened nor afraid with the presence of the angel rather he greets and asks the angel politely what is he doing here.
In response to his question, the angel who is representing the divine replies that he is writing down the names of those who love God. Abou Ben Adhem, unable to find his name in that list requests the angel with utmost sincerity to write his name as one who loves his fellow men. Though his name was not listed among those who love the God, he maintains his composure and demure and considering serving fellow human beings as a greater service to God request his name to be written as the one who loves his fellow human beings.
The divine being returns the following night, this time with the list of those whom love of God had blessed. To Abou’s surprise his name was at the top of the list. The poet represents the idea that a human being who loves his fellow human beings, his love for God supersedes that of many others who claim to love God.
The poem presents the message of humanity based on universal love, compassion, empathy and cooperation as a supreme quality which can take one closer to the God. This love for fellow human beings Abou honour and respect from the God. The poem universal appeal and timeless theme has made it popular among the masses over these years.
Spirituality is nothing but one’s devotion to mankind and its welfare. Kindness and benevolence are the colours that completes the rainbow of spirituality. Poets’ vivid description of the scenes creates a captivating picture that ignites the imagination of the reader and shows spirituality in the new light propagating brotherhood and kindness.
"Abou Ben Adhem" by Leigh Hunt offers a timeless lesson in the qualities of kindness, love, and humility. The poem emphasizes that genuine spiritual fulfillment stems from showing compassion and love to others in addition to personal dedication through the modest persona of Abou Ben Adhem. The story shows that people who are unselfish and welcome humanity with open arms would receive the greatest favor from God. Hunt's short but powerful tale skillfully unites religious and cultural viewpoints, demonstrating how true piety manifests itself in the way we treat other living things.
