# Chapter XVII explained — The Luzumiyat

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

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the transience of past civilizations and heroes, from the ancient tribes of Thamud and 'Ad to the early Islamic figure who destroyed idols, emphasizing that death claims all, regardless of power or piety.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Transience

The verse underscores the inevitability of death for all, from ancient tribes to heroic figures.

## Character check-ins

### Abu al-ʻAlaʼ al-Maʻarri

The poet reflects on the mortality of past peoples and heroes, a recurring theme in his work.

## Key lines

> And from the last days of Thamud and ʻAd Up to the first of Hashem’s fearless lad, Who smashed the idols of his mighty tribe, What idols and what heroes Death has had!

From the final days of the ancient tribes of Thamud and 'Ad to the earliest hero of God who destroyed the idols of his powerful people, death has claimed countless idols and heroes.

_The poet meditates on the universal power of death over all human achievements and beliefs._

## Links

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