The Luzumiyat · Chapter
LXXXIV explained
The speaker reflects on the futility of learning, describing it as a veil that conceals the truth of one's own nothingness.
What happens
The speaker reflects on the futility of learning, describing it as a veil that conceals the truth of one's own nothingness. Despite this, he acknowledges that some consider him wise, and he blesses even those who hold a lesser opinion of him.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion and Reality
Learning is described as a veil that obscures the reality of the speaker's nothingness, highlighting the theme of illusion versus reality.
Doubt and Skepticism
The speaker doubts the value of his own learning, suggesting that it merely masks a deeper emptiness.
Characters to notice
- Abu al-ʻAlaʼ al-Maʻarri
The speaker of the quatrain, reflecting on the veil of learning and his own perceived wisdom.
Key passages
“For all my learning ’s but a veil, I guess, Veiling the phantom of my nothingness;”
I suspect that all my knowledge is just a cover, hiding the illusion of my own insignificance.
The speaker questions the substance of his learning, framing it as a deceptive layer over his true emptiness.
“Howbeit, there are those who think me wise, And those who think me—even these I bless.”
Nevertheless, some people consider me wise, and even those who think less of me—I still bless them.
The speaker acknowledges the varied opinions others hold of him, yet responds with gratitude toward all.