# CVI explained — The Luzumiyat

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

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the inevitable turning of sovereigns against the divine when truth dawns, highlighting the dark labyrinth of life where even the angel of death cannot see.

## Themes in this chapter

### Doubt and Skepticism

The poem expresses doubt about divine benevolence, as sovereigns turn against the creator upon realizing truth.

### Fate and Destiny

Life is depicted as a dark labyrinth, with fate casting individuals into an inescapable cycle.

## Character check-ins

### Fate

Addressed as 'thee' who casts children into life's dark labyrinth.

### Allah

Implied as the divine power that casts souls into existence.

## Key lines

> Ay, thus thy children, though they sovereigns be, When truth upon them dawns, will turn on thee, Who cast them into life’s dark labyrinth Where even old Azrael can not see.

Yes, even your own children, though they become rulers, will rebel against you when they realize the truth—you who threw them into the dark maze of life, where even the angel of death cannot find his way.

_The paraphrase captures the rebellion against the divine creator and the hopelessness of existence._

## Links

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