The Epistle of Forgiveness

Author: Abul Alaa Al-Ma'arri

Edited by Karam Bustani

The Epistle of Forgiveness is a book written by Abul Alaa during his seclusion, in response to a letter sent to him by a scholar from Aleppo, a man of literature and narration named Ali bin Mansour, known as Ibn Al-Qarih. In his letter, Ibn Al-Qarih complained of his circumstances, informed him of some of his affairs, and then presented individuals who were atheists, heretics, or accused of impiety, speaking about them and mentioning some of their stories. Finally, he asked him to respond. This epistle would not have found its place in the history of Arabic literature had it not been the catalyst for the creation of The Epistle of Forgiveness. The blind philosopher chose not to respond to his questioner until he had prefaced his answer with a wonderful story whose events unfolded at the Day of Judgment, then in Paradise, then in Hell. He named it The Epistle of Forgiveness due to the frequent mention of forgiveness and its derivatives, and what was conveyed in its meaning, and the question to the poet who was granted salvation: "By what were you forgiven?"

This epistle is divided into two parts: the first, the narrative of forgiveness; and the second, the response to Ibn Al-Qarih. Abul Alaa began this epistle with a description of Ibn Al-Qarih's letter. The narrative of forgiveness is divided into six chapters: Chapter One - In Paradise, Chapter Two - The Gathering on the Day of Judgment, Chapter Three - A Return to the Mention of Paradise, Chapter Four - The Paradise of the Jinn, Chapter Five - Hell, Chapter Six - A Return to Paradise.