Poetic imagination among Arabs

The poet Abu al-Qasim al-Shabi believes that imagination is as essential to the human spirit, mind, and feelings as light, air, water, and sky are to him. This is because imagination originated in the human soul, by virtue of this world in which he lives, and out of the motivation of human nature and instinct that lies behind inclinations and desires. Whatever originates from instinct and has its source in nature is alive and eternal, and will not disappear unless the world vanishes and days are scattered in the valleys of nothingness. The poet offers a genuine critique of imagination in Arabic literature, without any flattery. He argues that Arabic literature is materialistic, devoid of loftiness, inspiration, longing for the future, or insight into the essence of things and the core of truths. He also describes Arabic literature's view of women as "e;degenerate to the utmost level of matter,"e; with most poets focusing on women's bodies and beauty, paying little attention to their spirits and feelings. This book is originally a lecture delivered by Al-Shabbi in 1929 in the hall of the Khalduniya School, a platform for nationalist and enlightened intellectuals of the period. He was eighteen years old at the time. The "e;Poet of Al-Khadhra"e; is considered one of the most prominent pioneers of Arabic literature, and he was influenced by French colonialism. For his country, he composed many poems in which he praised the revolutionaries, and they remain present to this day.