Kalila and Dimna - Taha Hussein

It is a gem of world heritage and one of the best literary works that transcended the confines of space and the boundaries of time to live among us even today. It is the book that children read and enjoy its stories, and adults derive numerous and profound meanings from it. The book has been imbued with the rich hues of the most opulent Eastern civilizations; it is the result of the convergence of three civilizations (Indian, Persian, and Arabic). It is widely believed that its author is the Indian sage Bidpai, who wrote it to advise King Dabshalim. The book then moved into Persian literature when Barzooyeh translated it into Pahlavi and added to it. Finally, it reached Arabic literature when Abdullah ibn al-Muqaffa' translated it, adding his own contributions. There is no doubt that the book carries political and social dimensions, which have made it a subject of research and inquiry to this day. Kalila and Dimna will remain the preferred source of literary enjoyment for both adults and children.