# LXVI explained — The Luzumiyat

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

## What happens

The chapter critiques religious hypocrisy, suggesting that priestly titles and garments once associated with shame are now used by shame itself to preach from the pulpit, and the speaker disclaims responsibility if such pulpits fall.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Power and Hypocrisy

The chapter directly attacks the hypocrisy of religious authorities who, once symbols of shame, now preach from the pulpit.

## Key lines

> Or in the house of lust. The priestly name And priestly turban once were those of Shame⁠— And Shame is preaching in the pulpit now⁠— If pulpits tumble down, I’m not to blame.

In the house of lust, the title and turban of the priest were once associated with shame, but now shame itself occupies the pulpit; if the pulpits collapse, it is not my fault.

_The speaker condemns religious hypocrisy, implying that those who preach are themselves embodiments of shame._

## Links

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