alMaarri

Al-Ma'arri, full name Abu al-'Ala' Ahmad ibn 'Abd Allah ibn Sulayman al-Ma'arri, was an Arab philosopher, poet, and writer who lived from 973 to 1057 CE. Born in Ma'arrat al-Nu'man in Syria, he was blinded at a young age due to smallpox. Despite his blindness, he became renowned for his vast knowledge and intellectual prowess, becoming a prominent figure in Arabic literature and philosophy.

Al-Ma'arri is best known for his poetic works, particularly his collection Luzumiyyat, which explores themes of philosophy, ethics, and human existence. His magnum opus, Risalat al-Ghufran (The Epistle of Forgiveness), is a satirical allegorical journey to the afterlife and is considered a precursor to Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. His writings often display a skeptical and rationalist outlook, questioning religious dogma and societal norms. He also wrote extensively on grammar, logic, and history.

His philosophy, often characterized by a pessimistic outlook on life and a critical stance towards organized religion, has sparked considerable debate throughout history. Al-Ma'arri's enduring legacy lies in his profound intellectual contributions and his fearless exploration of complex philosophical and ethical questions, making him one of the most influential thinkers of the medieval Islamic world.