# LXX explained — The Luzumiyat

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

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the futility of prophets and preachers who come and go, yet human suffering remains as countless as pebbles on the beach.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Transience

The prophets and preachers 'pass away,' highlighting the transient nature of human life and teachings.

### Suffering and Resilience

Despite the efforts of prophets and preachers, human ills persist endlessly, emphasizing enduring suffering.

## Key lines

> The Prophets, too, among us come to teach, Are one with those who from the pulpit preach; They pray, and slay, and pass away, and yet Our ills are as the pebbles on the beach.

Even the prophets who come to guide us are no different from ordinary preachers; they pray, kill, and die, but our troubles remain countless and unchanging.

_This quatrain underscores the theme of human suffering's persistence despite religious guidance._

## Links

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