The Epistle of Forgiveness

Author: Abu al-Ala al-Ma'arri

Edited by Karam Bustani

The Epistle of Forgiveness is a book written by Abu al-Ala during his seclusion, in response to a letter sent to him by a scholar from Aleppo, a literary figure and narrator named Ali bin Mansour, known as Ibn al-Qarih. In it, Ibn al-Qarih complains to Abu al-Ala about his situation, informs him of some of his circumstances, then introduces a number of heretics, atheists, or those accused of religious transgressions. He discusses them and mentions some of their stories, then asks Abu al-Ala at the end of the letter to reply to it. 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 did not wish to respond to his questioner until after he had prefaced his answer with a magnificent story whose events unfolded at the gathering place (of souls on Judgment Day), then in Paradise, then in Hell. He titled it The Epistle of Forgiveness due to the frequent repetition of the word "forgiveness" and its derivatives, and what it implies, as well as the poet's question, for whom salvation was granted: "By what were you forgiven?"

This epistle is divided into two parts: the first is the narrative of forgiveness, and the second is the response to Ibn al-Qarih. Abu al-Ala prefaced 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 Place, Chapter Three - A Return to the Mention of Paradise, Chapter Four - The Paradise of Jinn, Chapter Five - Hell, Chapter Six - A Return to Paradise.