Arabic Literature in the Development of Islamic Culture and Religion

Abstract

Literature is generally defined as anybody of written works. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary (1995) gives further explanations about literature as "writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest". In this paper, therefore, the writer looks at the Arabic literature which gives one much insight into writings in Islam. The study uses a qualitative method of research where secondary sources from books and the internet were accessed and used in the work. The researcher finds out that the Quran is so influential in shaping literature in Arab nations and beyond. The writer also looks at classical Arabic literature such as: poetry, prose, fiction and non-fiction literature, where imaginary and factual stories about events and people are written. Nevertheless, the paper finds out that there was a decline of Arabic literature as a result of getting into contact with a variety of different people's cultures like Persia, among others who influenced directly or indirectly on Arabic culture. However, in the modem Arabic literature, there was a revival which is referred to in Arabic as “al-Nahda”, which means "the Renaissance". Today, the researcher in the work sees Arabic literature being accepted externally as there is an increase of translations of Arabic books into other languages, and Arabic authors begin to receive the commendation of their writings. The study concludes that literature is one of the key ingredients in the development of any culture and religion of a people. It sells out people's culture and religion to the outside world. The Arabic literature especially contributes in helping to promote Islam as a religion in the world. Thus, studying Arabic literature gives one much insight into the Islamic religion, and it should be given optimal attention in religious scholarship, hence the relevance of this research