| Name | Abou Ben Adhem |
| Subject | English |
| Class | 10th |
| Board | ICSE |
| Type | Poem |
| Author | Leigh Hunt |
Introduction
“Abou Ben Adhem” is a poem by Leigh Hunt that teaches the importance of love and kindness towards others in religion. The poem tells the story of a devout Muslim who learns that true piety is not just about following religious rituals, but also about showing compassion towards others.
English Summary – “Abou Ben Adhem”
“Abou Ben Adhem” is a poem written by Leigh Hunt, first published in 1834. The poem tells the story of a devout Muslim named Abou Ben Adhem, who has a dream one night that an angel is writing down the names of those who love God. When he wakes up, Abou Ben Adhem asks the angel if his name is on the list. The angel replies that his name is not on the list, but when Abou Ben Adhem asks the angel to write down the name of those who love their fellow human beings, the angel writes his name at the top of the list.
The poem is a beautiful expression of the idea that true piety is not just about following religious rituals, but also about showing love and kindness to others. It teaches us that we should not only focus on our own spiritual growth but also on the well-being of those around us.
The poem starts with the description of Abou Ben Adhem’s room, where he was sleeping one night. The moonlight was falling on his face and he woke up to see an angel in his room, who was writing something in a golden book. Abou Ben Adhem, being a devout Muslim, recognized the angel and asked him what he was writing. The angel replied that he was writing the names of those who loved God.
Feeling eager to be included in the list of God’s beloved, Abou Ben Adhem asked the angel if his name was written in the book. The angel replied in the negative, which made Abou Ben Adhem upset. However, he didn’t give up and asked the angel to write his name as one who loved his fellow men. The angel obeyed and wrote Abou Ben Adhem’s name at the top of the list.
The next morning, Abou Ben Adhem woke up and shared his dream with his friends, who thought he was delusional. However, Abou Ben Adhem was overjoyed that his name was on the list of those who loved their fellow human beings. He went on to become famous in his town as a kind and compassionate person who helped the poor and the needy.
The poem concludes with the message that love for fellow human beings is an essential aspect of true piety. Leigh Hunt has beautifully conveyed the message that true religion is not just about following rituals and customs, but also about being kind, compassionate, and empathetic towards others. It is important to note that Leigh Hunt was a Romantic poet who believed in the power of imagination and intuition. This is reflected in the poem, where the dream sequence serves as a metaphor for the importance of love for one’s fellow human beings in religion.
The poem is simple in its language and structure, yet it conveys a powerful message. The poem’s message is universal and can be appreciated by people of all religions and cultures. It teaches us that love and kindness towards others are essential for a happy and fulfilling life. The poem encourages us to look beyond our own interests and desires and to work towards the betterment of society as a whole.
About The Author
Leigh Hunt was a prominent English Romantic poet, essayist, and literary critic who lived from 1784 to 1859. He was a key figure in the literary scene of his time, and his works, including “Abou Ben Adhem,” continue to be celebrated for their beauty and timeless themes.
Conclusion – “Abou Ben Adhem”
In conclusion, “Abou Ben Adhem” delivers a universal message that love and kindness towards others are essential for a happy and fulfilling life. It encourages us to look beyond our own interests and desires and work towards the betterment of society as a whole, making it a timeless and inspiring piece of literature.
FAQs:
What is the poem about?
The poem is about a man named Abou Ben Adhem who wakes up in the middle of the night to find an angel writing in a book. He asks the angel what he is writing, and the angel replies that he is writing down the names of those who love God. Abou Ben Adhem is not on the list, but he requests the angel to write his name down as one who loves his fellow men.
What are some of the themes explored in the poem?
The poem explores themes such as the power of love, compassion, and kindness, and the importance of living a life that is focused on the well-being of others.
What is the cultural context of the poem?
The poem is set in the Middle East and reflects the cultural and social values of the region during the medieval period.