Taha Hussein: Dean of Arabic Literature
Taha Hussein: Dean of Arabic Literature
Early Life and Education
Taha Hussein is an Egyptian writer born in the village of Kilo, Minya Governorate, in 1889, and he passed away in Cairo in 1973. He is considered one of the prominent figures in the modern Arabic literary movement, known for his critical and literary studies, as well as his autobiography "The Days."
Taha Hussein grew up in a poor family, with his father working as a minor employee in a sugar company. He displayed a scholarly talent from a young age, memorizing the Quran and studying religious, linguistic, and literary sciences. Later, he joined Al-Azhar University, where he studied religion and Arabic literature.
Challenges and Scholarship
At the age of four, Taha Hussein contracted ophthalmia, leading to the loss of his eyesight. Nevertheless, he continued his education, graduating from Al-Azhar in 1908. He later earned his doctorate from the University of Sorbonne in Paris in 1915.
Academic Career
Upon returning to Egypt, Taha Hussein worked at Cairo University, where he established the Department of Arabic Language and Literature and served as the university's dean. He also worked as a professor in various Arab universities, including Damascus University and the University of Beirut.
Notable Works
Taha Hussein published numerous books and studies, among the most famous of which are:
- "Modern Trends in Arabic Poetry" (1926).
- "In Pre-Islamic Poetry" (1926).
- "Pre-Islamic Literature" (1927).
- "The Days" (1929).
- "The Future of Culture in Egypt" (1938).
- "Memories of Abu Al-Ala" (1947).
- "The Arab League" (1956).
Critical and Literary Studies
Taha Hussein's critical and literary studies are characterized by several features:
- Secularism: His studies were marked by secularism, as he sought to analyze Arabic literature from a scientific perspective, away from religious ideologies.
- Realism: His studies embraced realism, as he aimed to study Arabic literature from a realistic standpoint, distancing himself from romanticism.
- Simplicity and Clarity: His studies were known for their simple and clear style, making them accessible to a wide range of readers.
Legacy
Taha Hussein left a significant impact on Arabic literature, as he was one of the foremost pioneers of literary criticism in the modern era, contributing to its development and dissemination. He enjoyed a prominent position in the hearts of Arabic literature enthusiasts, considering him one of the greatest Arab writers throughout history.
Awards and Honors
Taha Hussein received several awards and honors, including:
- Appreciation State Award in Literature in 1946.
- Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988 (posthumously).
- Al-Babtain Creativity Award in Literature in 1993.
- Mubarak Creativity Award in Literature in 1994.
Opinions About Taha Hussein
Opinions about Taha Hussein vary among critics. Some praise him and consider his studies profound and valuable, focusing on important issues like the development and trends of Arabic literature. Others oppose him, viewing his studies as exaggerated and fictional, lacking objectivity, such as his work "Modern Trends in Arabic Poetry." Western critics have taken a keen interest in Taha Hussein, translating his studies into various foreign languages such as English, French, German, and Spanish. They see him as a global writer whose studies delve into significant human issues, appreciating his distinctive critical analysis and keen insight.
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