Q: Write a note on life and literary works of Taha Hussain.

Introduction:
Taha Hussein (1889- 1973)was one of the most influential Egyptian writers and intellectuals. He was a figurehead for the modernist movement in Egypt and was considered dean of contemporary Arabic literature and a pioneer of enlightenment.

LIFE:
Born in AI-Minya province, Upper Egypt, on November 14th, 1889 he became blind due to illness at a very early age of two years. He went to an Islamic kuttab (a traditional school where children learn to read, write, and recite the Quran), and then was sent to Al-Azhar University, where he was educated in religion and Arabic literature. He studied under Nalino and Javedi in criticism. He also learnt French language. In 1914 he got the degree of Ph.d by writing Zikraa Abi Al-Aalaa.
He traveled to France on scholarship. He studied history and Greek literature and composed thesis on Ibne Khuldoon. He served as Arabic professor in jamia Al-ahlia. In 1950he became education minister.

His Literary Works:
Taha Hussein's works can be divided into three categories:
1) Scientific study of Arabic literature and Islamic history:
In 1962, Taha wrote On Pre-islamic poetry (في الشعر الجاهلي). In this book, he brought some different and opposite ideas and views against rigid and conservative ideas and became criticized by many literary persons namely Mustafa Sadiq Al-Rafie and Mamen Al-Aziz. After some time On Pre-islamic poetry (في الشعر الجاهلي). was banned by Egyption Parliament due to its novel and odd ideas.
A year later, he published a presumably softened version of the book under a different title, Fī al-adab al-jāhilī.
2) Creative literary works with social content combating poverty and ignorance,
He wrote many novels like The Tree of Misery شجرة البؤس ,The Call of the Curlew دعاء الكروان , The True Promise الوعد الحقetc. The true Promise is his famous and monumental novel in which he proved by historical incidents and evidences that Allah’s promise is true.
In his novels, he expresses an astounding sensitivity, insight and compassion in that age for a person with his background. His arguments for justice and equality are supported by deep and honest understanding of Islam. Equally remarkable are his sympathy with his downtrodden compatriots and his understanding of the deepest emotions and thoughts of woman as girl, lover, wife and mother.
3)Political articles:
Taha Hussain became the editor-in-chief of a newspaper “Al-katib-al-Misri” and wrote many political articles which were published in the same newspaper. He also produced “The Sufferers: Stories and Polemics المعذبون فى الأرض” in which he wrote stories of suppression of Egyptions during political demise in Egypt.
He also remained editor of newspaper “ASSIASIAH” . In 1925 he wrote “Qadat ul Fikr”(leaders of thought) and mentioned some western thoughts and behaviors.

Greek Influence on Taha’s Work:
A great influence of Greek culture can be seen on Taha’s works. He issued "Selected Pages" from Greek Dramatic poetry (1920), "The Athenian System" in 1921, and "Leaders of Thought" in 1925. “The Athenian System” was an incomplete attempt at an expose of Greek poets and their works. “Leaders of Thought” was a meticulous translation of one of the most important texts of Greek history of civilization. He deals with the religious impact on thought in the Middle Ages, then moves on to the Modern Ages of multi influences.

His Prominent literary Works:
Among his most prominent works are:
• Wednesday talk (حديث الأربعاء) a collection of essays on literary criticism
• On Pre-islamic poetry (في الشعر الجاهلي)
• The Sufferers: Stories and Polemics المعذبون فى الأرض
• A Man of Letters, a novel أديب
• The Days (3-Part Autobiography) الأيام
• An Egyptian Childhood
• The Future of Culture in Egypt مستقبل الثقافة فى مصر
• The Tree of Misery شجرة البؤس
• The Call of the Curlew دعاء الكروان