During a symposium titled “The Revolution of Doubt: Between the Specificity of the Phoneme and the Universality of the Allophone” held at Ahlia University, Bahraini critic, poet, and author Professor Alawi Al-Hashimi unveiled his latest critical project, “The Genius of Rhyme.” This project explores the pivotal role of rhyme in Arabic poetry, which has led poets to associate their works with specific rhyming letters—such as Al-Farazdaq’s “Mima”, Al-Jawahiri’s “Ainiyah”, Al Buhturi’s “Sinnuyyah”, and Al Shanfarah’s “Lamiyyah”. According to Professor Al-Hashimi, rhyme serves as the creative and thematic medium for the entire poem.
Professor Al-Hashimi emphasized the richness and depth of the Arabic language, describing it as a key pillar in the linguistic landscape of humanity. He asserted that Arabic’s phonetic structure endows words with profound meanings, making it unparalleled in its eligibility for linguistic studies.
The event, attended by faculty, students, and literary figures, began with welcoming remarks from Ahlia University Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Abdullah Al Hawaj. He expressed pride in hosting Professor Al-Hashimi, a lifelong friend and a towering figure in Arabic literature and poetry, whose work has significantly enriched the field of criticism and literature in the Arab world.
Professor Al-Hashimi shared insights from his research on artistic critique, highlighting the lengthy and intricate process of publishing scholarly studies. He stressed the importance of engaging readers and cultivating their enthusiasm to better understand the high artistic value of Arabic research.
The symposium included a detailed linguistic analysis of the renowned poem “The Revolution of Doubt” by Prince Abdulla Al-Faisal, famously performed by Um Kulthum in 1962 with a composition by Riyad Al-Sunbati. Professor Al-Hashimi delved into the text’s smallest elements, such as the phoneme, and its broader implications. He described the letter “nun” as the symbol of doubt, which awakens the poet’s conscience and connects them deeply with the subject, achieving a pinnacle of eloquence.
The session concluded with a discussion of critical perspectives on the poem, followed by a Q&A segment where attendees engaged with the topic. This event is part of a series of initiatives by the Center of Arabic Language and Middle Eastern Studies at Ahlia University, aimed at promoting academic and research interest in Arabic language and literature. These activities include workshops, conferences, and events dedicated to issues of literature, modern poetry, Arabic linguistics, and related disciplines.
