Al-Ḥarīrī: The Distinguished Arabic Litterateur and His Maqāmāt Between Artistic Creativity and Linguistic Excellence

الحريري: أديب العربية الفذّ ومقاماته بين الإبداع الفني والتفوق اللغوي

Abstract

Al-Ḥarīrī of Baṣrah (1054–1122 CE) stands as one of the most celebrated figures in Arabic literary history, renowned for his unparalleled contribution to the art of maqāmah (rhymed prose narrative). His magnum opus, Maqāmāt al-Ḥarīrī, represents a unique confluence of linguistic virtuosity, rhetorical brilliance, and creative storytelling. This study explores the life and intellectual background of Al-Ḥarīrī, highlighting the sociocultural and scholarly milieu of the Abbasid period that shaped his literary genius. The paper delves into the artistic dimensions of his maqāmāt, focusing on their structural ingenuity, character development—particularly the central figure Abū Zayd al-Sarūjī—and the stylistic devices that reflect both grammatical mastery and literary innovation. The research also underscores the pedagogical value of Maqāmāt al-Ḥarīrī, as it has served for centuries as a benchmark in the teaching of Arabic language, rhetoric, and grammar. Moreover, the study compares Al-Ḥarīrī’s work with that of his predecessor al-Hamadhānī to illustrate his advancement of the genre in both form and content. Through textual analysis and critical review, this paper reaffirms Al-Ḥarīrī’s status not merely as a literary stylist but as a cultural icon whose maqāmāt encapsulate the intellectual richness of classical Arabic heritage. His blend of linguistic excellence and artistic creativity continues to inspire scholars, linguists, and literary enthusiasts across the Arabic-speaking world and beyond.