# CIII explained — The Luzumiyat

> Chapter companion for The Luzumiyat by Abu al-ʻAlaʼ al-Maʻarri.

## What happens

The speaker addresses a Rabbi, pleading not to be cursed for being raised in the shadow of sin, which is built by divine hand, and notes that even angels overlook their comings and goings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Doubt and Skepticism

The speaker questions the fairness of divine judgment, suggesting that sin is inherent in creation.

### Critique of Power and Hypocrisy

Implies that even angels are complicit or indifferent, critiquing the hypocrisy of moral authority.

## Character check-ins

### Rabbi

Addressed directly in the verse as the one who might curse the speaker for their upbringing in sin.

### Allah

Implied as the builder of the Gate of Sin, referenced as 'thy hand'.

## Key lines

> O Rabbi, curse us not if we have been Nursed in the shadow of the Gate of Sin Built by thy hand⁠—yea, ev’n thine angels blink When we are coming out and going in.

O Lord, do not condemn us for being raised in the shadow of sin, which you yourself created; even your angels look away when we come and go.

_A plea for mercy, acknowledging human sinfulness as part of divine creation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se/chapters/ciii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se/chapters