The Luzumiyat · Chapter
CVII explained
The chapter reflects on the cyclical nature of hatred passed from father to son, portraying all men as sparks from the same log of evil, and expresses a wish for the entire race to be extinguished.
What happens
The chapter reflects on the cyclical nature of hatred passed from father to son, portraying all men as sparks from the same log of evil, and expresses a wish for the entire race to be extinguished.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Resilience
The chapter depicts the perpetuation of hatred and evil across generations, highlighting the suffering inherent in human existence.
Critique of Power and Hypocrisy
The portrayal of all men as 'sparks of the log of evil' serves as a critique of humanity's moral failings and the hypocrisy of claiming virtue.
Key passages
“And in the labyrinth both son and sire Awhile will fan and fuel hatred’s fire;”
Both father and son, lost in a maze, will for a time stoke the flames of hatred.
This line illustrates the generational transmission of enmity and conflict.
“Sparks of the log of evil are all men Allwhere—extinguished be the race entire!”
All people everywhere are merely sparks from the same log of evil; may the whole human race be put out!
The poet condemns all of humanity as inherently evil and wishes for its annihilation.