mathnawi

Mathnawi is a genre of Arabic poetry that originated in the 12th century and reached its peak during the Mamluk period in Egypt. The term "mathnawi" comes from the Arabic word "mathna" meaning "two," referring to the two main sections of the poem: the "mathnawi" itself and the "muqaddima," or introduction. The mathnawi is a long narrative poem that tells a story, often with a moral or didactic purpose, while the muqaddima provides a frame narrative that introduces the story and often includes a praise of the poet and his patrons.

The mathnawi is typically written in the form of a dialogue between two characters, often a king and a wise man or a scholar. The dialogue is structured in couplets, with each couplet consisting of two lines of equal length. The mathnawi is known for its use of metaphor, allegory, and symbolism, as well as its intricate rhyme scheme and musicality.

Some of the most famous mathnawi poets include Al-Mutanabbi, Ibn al-Farid, and Al-Hariri. The genre has had a significant influence on Arabic literature and has been translated into many languages, including English, French, and Spanish. Today, the mathnawi is still an important part of Arabic cultural heritage and is often performed in public recitals and festivals.