This paper aims to analyse the use of natural images in Ibn Sahl al-Išbīlī’s (d. 1251 or 1261) love and praise poems. Ibn Sahl’s Dīwān, a work that has mainly been addressed by scholars focusing on the poet’s allegedly ambiguous relationship with Islam, and a muwaššaḥa, which is not attributable to Ibn Sahl, but that was composed in imitation of his famous Hal darā, will be examined. The latter is part of a manuscript, i.e. a maǧmūʿa, written both in fuṣḥā and in Maghribi Arabic, that is conserved at the National Library of Tunis. In the poetry addressed by this paper, nature is represented in several forms – plants, animals and atmospheric elements – often as allegorical figures that reflect the poet’s feelings towards the beloved. A special focus will interest images related to the stars and planets and their role in the poet’s love and amorous life. The objective is to show how Ibn Sahl created “classical” images, peculiar to Andalusi and, more generally, to Arabic love poetry. These images allude to nature and reveal its importance when the poet is in love. Nature seems to be a neutral element, described in an objective manner, but it does not appear to represent or evoke philosophical or moral reflections, as per the codes of Andalusi poetry. Ibn Sahl uses natural metaphors and similes to express his love, but he remains somewhat aloof. In fact, only some planets seem to have a “certain influence” on the poet’s life and love destiny.
Saturn in Opposition: Stars and Natural Elements in Ibn Sahl al-Išbīlī’s Poetry
Cristina La Rosa
2023-01-01
Abstract
This paper aims to analyse the use of natural images in Ibn Sahl al-Išbīlī’s (d. 1251 or 1261) love and praise poems. Ibn Sahl’s Dīwān, a work that has mainly been addressed by scholars focusing on the poet’s allegedly ambiguous relationship with Islam, and a muwaššaḥa, which is not attributable to Ibn Sahl, but that was composed in imitation of his famous Hal darā, will be examined. The latter is part of a manuscript, i.e. a maǧmūʿa, written both in fuṣḥā and in Maghribi Arabic, that is conserved at the National Library of Tunis. In the poetry addressed by this paper, nature is represented in several forms – plants, animals and atmospheric elements – often as allegorical figures that reflect the poet’s feelings towards the beloved. A special focus will interest images related to the stars and planets and their role in the poet’s love and amorous life. The objective is to show how Ibn Sahl created “classical” images, peculiar to Andalusi and, more generally, to Arabic love poetry. These images allude to nature and reveal its importance when the poet is in love. Nature seems to be a neutral element, described in an objective manner, but it does not appear to represent or evoke philosophical or moral reflections, as per the codes of Andalusi poetry. Ibn Sahl uses natural metaphors and similes to express his love, but he remains somewhat aloof. In fact, only some planets seem to have a “certain influence” on the poet’s life and love destiny.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.