Welcome to Poem of the Day – Abou Ben Adhem by Leigh Hunt.
“Abou Ben Adhem” is a narrative poem written by the English poet Leigh Hunt and first published in 1838. The poem tells a short, simple story about Abou Ben Adhem, a devout and pious man, whose love for his fellow human beings earns him divine favor. It is a poem that emphasizes the importance of compassion, humility, and selfless love over personal religiosity or spiritual pride.
Abou Ben Adhem Poem
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou?”—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
Abou Ben Adhem Poem Explanation
The poem opens with a peaceful night scene in which Abou Ben Adhem wakes from a “deep dream of peace” to find an angel writing in a “book of gold.” Ben Adhem, curious and respectful, asks the angel what it is writing. The angel explains that it is writing the names of those who love God.
Abou then asks if his name is on the list, but the angel replies that it is not. Instead of being disheartened, Ben Adhem calmly asks the angel to write his name as someone who loves his fellow men. The angel writes and vanishes.
The next night, the angel returns, this time showing Ben Adhem the book where, to his amazement, his name is at the top of the list of those “whom God had blessed.” The poem ends on this triumphant note, suggesting that love for humanity is of higher spiritual value than the direct love of God.
Themes in “Abou Ben Adhem”
Love for Humanity as Divine: The central theme of the poem is that love for one’s fellow human beings is a form of devotion to God. By asking the angel to record him as one who loves his fellow men, Abou Ben Adhem shows a belief that kindness and compassion towards others are equal, if not superior, to direct acts of worship or love of God.
Humility and Compassion: Abou Ben Adhem is portrayed as humble and unassuming. When he learns that his name is not on the list of those who love God, he does not protest or display disappointment. Instead, he simply asks the angel to record his love for mankind. This humility is ultimately rewarded, as his name is given precedence in God’s eyes.
Divine Favor: The poem reflects a message that divine favor is granted not through personal piety or a direct relationship with God, but through acts of kindness and love towards others. Abou Ben Adhem’s love for humanity places him at the top of God’s list of blessed individuals.
Spiritual Reward: The angel’s return with the revised list highlights the idea that the ultimate spiritual reward comes to those who demonstrate goodness in their interactions with others. Abou Ben Adhem’s quiet, selfless love for humanity leads to his recognition in heaven, suggesting that such virtues are more important than religious rituals or direct declarations of faith.
Structure and Form
Form: “Abou Ben Adhem” is written as a narrative poem, which means it tells a story. Its structure is simple, consisting of two stanzas. The first stanza sets up the encounter between Abou Ben Adhem and the angel, while the second stanza reveals the divine recognition and reward.
Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, creating a smooth and harmonious flow. This rhyme scheme gives the poem a pleasant, almost musical quality that enhances the narrative’s message.
Meter: The poem is primarily written in iambic pentameter, where each line consists of five pairs of syllables, with the first syllable in each pair unstressed and the second stressed. This regular meter gives the poem a gentle rhythm, matching the peaceful and reflective tone.
Tone and Language
Tone: The tone of the poem is calm, peaceful, and reverent. Abou Ben Adhem’s interaction with the angel is marked by serenity and humility, and the language reflects this tranquility. There is also an underlying tone of quiet triumph, especially in the closing lines, as Ben Adhem’s humility is rewarded.
Language: The language of the poem is simple and direct, which contributes to its accessibility and its clear moral message. The use of a narrative style makes it easy for readers to follow the story and grasp the significance of the encounter between Abou Ben Adhem and the angel.
Imagery: The poem contains gentle, peaceful imagery, such as the description of Abou Ben Adhem waking from a “deep dream of peace” and the angel’s “book of gold.” These images create a serene and almost heavenly atmosphere, underscoring the divine nature of the poem’s message.
Symbolism:
The “book of gold” symbolizes divine records, likely representing the book of life or God’s ledger of righteous deeds.
The angel represents divine authority and judgment, acting as a messenger between heaven and earth.
Abou Ben Adhem’s name being at the top of the list symbolizes the supreme value of love for humanity in the eyes of God.
Conclusion
Leigh Hunt’s “Abou Ben Adhem” is a simple yet profound poem that conveys an important moral message: love for one’s fellow human beings is one of the highest forms of spiritual devotion. Through its serene tone, clear narrative, and emphasis on humility and compassion, the poem suggests that acts of kindness and selflessness toward others are deeply valued by God. The structure of the poem, its rhyme scheme, and its accessible language make it both memorable and impactful, while the central message continues to resonate with readers as a timeless reminder of the power of love and humility.
Related Topics