On the Eloquence of Advice on Noble Morals in “Dhat ul-Amthal” by Abu al-Atahiya

On the Eloquence of Advice on Noble Morals
in “Dhat ul-Amthal” by Abu al-Atahiya
 
Amal Sayed Samea Abu Humaida,
 Department of Rhetoric and Criticism, Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies for Female Students, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
E-mail: AmalAbohemedastu204@azhar.edu.eg 
 
Abstract:
This study aims to demonstrate the impact of eloquent techniques in Abu al-Atahiya Arjuza Dhat ul-Amthal on shaping ethical values. The poem includes valuable proverbs, where Abu al-Atahiya infused all the poetic meanings that influence the human soul, steering sinners and the misguided from the path of misguidance to the path of guidance. Additionally, it is a didactic poem that lays out a code for relationships between people, and between them and their Creator, illustrating ways of goodness that lead to Paradise. Abu al-Atahiya was an experienced man who interacted with both the lower classes and the elite during the Abbasid era, making his poetry a beacon of Arabic verse. The study employs an analytical and appreciative approach by analyzing vocabulary and structures with rhetorical analysis to uncover the influence of rhetorical techniques on moral development. One of the study's main findings is that the rhetorical techniques in Dhat ul-Amthal play a role in refining souls and encouraging noble morals across generations. In his poem, the poet calls people to patience, honesty, contentment, tolerance, generosity, and faith in God's will, among other virtues. Conversely, he warns against numerous social vices such as lying, stinginess, greed, injustice, and hatred.