Contemporary Arabic Poetry in Kerala : An Aesthetic Study with Special Focus on the Poems of Anwar Abdullah Al-Fadfari

Abstract

Arabic poetry has experienced rapid and significant growth as a literary genre in Kerala. This corpus of Kerala-based Arabic poetry has evolved around diverse themes, including encomiums, critiques, politics, resistance, and moral guidance, achieving a level of quality comparable to major works from the Arab world. The poets of Kerala have approached these varied subjects with profound philosophical insight, infusing their works with creativity and innovation. The core objective of this research is to analyze the literary contributions of Kerala’s modern Arabic poets, with a particular focus on the poetic works of Anwar Abdullah Al-Fadfari, a leading figure among them. The study employs an Analytical Research Method, involving a detailed critical assessment of selected poems based on their thematic content, structural composition, poetic style, and linguistic aesthetics. The research is structured into an Introduction, four main Chapters, and a Conclusion. Each chapter is appropriately subdivided and comprehensively analyzed, reflecting the nature and demands of the subject matter. The main finding of this study is that Anwar Abdullah Abdurrahman Al-Fadfari stands out as a foremost architect of modern Arabic poetry in Kerala. His prolific output, distinctive poetic voice, profound aesthetic sense, and wide-ranging thematic presentations are the key elements that secure his works a foundational place in the literature. His poems consistently captivate both readers and listeners, simultaneously serving as an inspiration for contemporary poets and writers. Notably, he composes his poetry with meticulous adherence to the scientific rules and aesthetic values of Arabic prosody. A further testament to his literary importance is the inclusion of some of his selected poems in the current Arabic undergraduate curriculum at the University of Calicut .