Abū 'l-'Alā al-Ma'arrī (English spelling)

Japanese: マアッリー - まあっりー（英語表記）Abū 'l-‘Alā al-Ma‘arrī

973‐1057∥58
A unique poet born in Ma'alla an-Nu'aman in northern Syria. He lost his sight at the age of four from smallpox, but was known for his vast knowledge and deep learning. He studied in Aleppo, where literature flourished at the time, but was not satisfied and travelled to Baghdad to study when he was in his 30s. Disheartened, he left the capital and returned to his hometown, where his beloved mother had passed away. This blind poet then lived a long life as a recluse. His deep resignation to the impermanence of life, his cold and scathing criticism of the disorderly nature of social life, foolish rulers, and established religions make his poetry unparalleled.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

973‐1057∥58
北シリア，マアッラ･アンヌアマーン生れの特異な詩人。4歳のとき天然痘により失明したが，博覧強記で知られた。当時文芸が栄えていたアレッポで学んだが，これに飽き足らず，30歳余でバグダードに遊学している。しかし失意のうちに彼は首都を辞して故郷に帰るが，その間に最愛の母は他界していた。その後この盲目詩人は，長い世捨人の生活を送っている。人生の無常にたいする深い諦念，社会生活の無軌道ぶり，愚かな為政者，既成宗教にたいする冷やかで辛辣な批判は，彼の詩作を比類ないものにしている。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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