The prophetic panegyrics of Muhammed Bin Saeed al Busiri and Ahmed Shawqi a comparative study of their hamziyas

Abstract

This thesis presents a comparative study of prophetic panegyrics of two ages, focusing on theHamziya poems of Muhammad bin Saeed al-Busiri (1212-1296) and Ahmed Shawqi (1868-1932). The study examines how this poetic genre evolved from the medieval period to moderntimes while maintaining its spiritual essence and acquiring new dimensions reflecting changingcultural and social contexts.The research explores the historical development of prophetic praise poetry from the prophet'sera to the present, establishing that while its foundations were laid during the prophetic period,it emerged as an independent literary genre in the thirteenth century with al-Busiri. The studyanalyzes the prophetic poems by al-Busiri and Shawqi, with particular emphasis on theirhamziya compositions—al-Busiri's 456-verse masterpiece and Shawqi's more concise work.The comparative analysis reveals significant differences in approach and style. Al-Busiri'sHamziya demonstrates deep Sufi spirituality and contemplative devotion, employingtraditional structures with direct prophetic address and extensive personal supplication. Hiswork reflects the Mamluk era's political tensions through polemical discourse against religiousopponents. Conversely, Shawqi's Hamziya exhibits modernist sensibilities, blending classicaltradition with contemporary literary trends. His approach emphasizes Islam's civilizationalachievements and moral values, responding to orientalist criticism with refined argumentationrather than direct confrontation.Methodologically, the study employs descriptive-analytical and comparative approaches,examining thematic content, rhetorical devices, and textual cohesion mechanisms. The analysisdemonstrates that while both poets share themes of birth, prophetic attributes, miracles, andsupplication, their treatment differs. Al-busiri favors detailed narrative and chronological order,while Shawqi maintains balanced, purposeful brevity with clearer thematic organization.The research identifies distinct rhetorical patterns: al-Busiri employs straightforward explicitmetaphors and direct Quranic quotations, while Shawqi favors complex implicit metaphors andindirect intertextual references. Both demonstrate sophisticated use of simile, though al-Busirirelies on classical imagery (sun, sea), whereas Shawqi innovates within traditional frameworks.Intertextuality analysis reveals al-Busiri's engagement with Jahili poetry, particularly al-Harithbin Hilliza's mu'allaqa, while Shawqi's work dialogues primarily with al-Busiri's tradition.Despite sharing rhyme (hamza) and theme, the poems employ different meters (Khafif vs.Kamil).The study concludes that prophetic panegyric evolved dynamically across eras, with al-Busirirepresenting medieval Sufistic devotion and Shawqi embodying modern renaissanceconsciousness, both contributing uniquely to Arabic poetry and spiritual heritage.