Unit 15

Abou Ben Adhem

By James Henry Adhem

Introduction to the Poem: The poem “Abou Ben Adhem” by James Henry Leigh
Hunt is a parable (story), the story of which has been borrowed from Arabic
folklore. Abou Ben Adhem is the name of an Islamic saint (Wali) who gave up the
worldly comforts and devoted his life to the service of mankind.

Introduction of the Poet: James Henry Leigh was born on 19th October,1748 in
Southgate, Middlesex and died on 28th August 1859 in London. He was an
accomplished critic, essayist, journalist, and poet. Abou Ben Adhem is probably
his best-known poem.
Stanza 1
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—

The Poet Leigh Hunt says that one night Abou Ben Adhem wakes up from a fast sleep in
the presence of moonlight which is falling in his room. The saint, Abou Ben Adhem, finds
an angel writing something in a golden book. The moonlight is probably that of an angel
which seems like a blooming lily flower (which is white and bright). The book is described
as golden which means that it is quite beautiful, divine, and precious.

Stanza 2
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."

According to the poet, the calmness and humble behavior of the angel makes Abou Ben
Adhem feel comfortable and bold enough to speak to him. Abou Ben Adhem asks the
angel, “What writest thou?” i.e. what are you writing. The angel, whom the poet refers
to as vision, lifts up his head and with a sweet, charming and pleasing voice answers “The
names of those who love the Lord.” i.e. the names of the people who love God.

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 Stanza 3
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

Abou Ben Adhem asks the angle (angel’s answer excites the saint and makes him curious)
whether his name is also on the list. The angel replies that his name is not there.
However, still with the same cheer and hope, he requests the angel to write his name
among those who rather love mankind. Thus the saint has full confidence in terms of his
love for mankind. In Islam, Khidmat-e-Khalq or service to mankind is considered to be the
most pious deed. These lines also depict the message of this poem.

Stanza 4
The angel wrote and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

The angel writes his name on the said list and vanishes away. The next night angel comes
again with a brighter light and shows the list of the people who love God and to the
saint’s surprise, his name is atop the list. Thus it becomes clear that those who love
mankind are nearest and dearest to Allah. This is the main theme of this poem.

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 Unit 15
Abou Ben Adhem
By James Henry
Comprehension Q/A
Q1: Why was Abou Ben Adhem's name on top of the list?
Lesson: Abou Ben Adhem
Poet: James Leigh Henry
Theme: Love of God and Humanity
Ans: The reason that brought Ben Adhem's name on top of the list:
Abou Ben Adhem's name was on top of the list because God loves those who love their
fellowmen and Abou Ben Adhem loved and served the people selflessly. People, who
love God, are dearer to God, but people who love and serve the mankind, are dearest to
God because human is the most beloved creature of Allah. Whoever loves God's
creatures especially humans, God also loves them the most.

Q2: What is the main idea of the poem?

Lesson: Abou Ben Adhem
Poet: James Leigh Henry
Theme: Love of God and Humanity
Ans: The main idea of the poem:
The main idea of the poem is that we should love God's creatures especially mankind. It
pleases God very much. Often people think that we can have the love of God by just
performing prayers and religious ceremonies. But this is not the reality. A person can't
have the love of God unless he loves his fellowmen.

Q3: Describe the character of Abou Ben Adhem in your own words.
Lesson: Abou Ben Adhem
Poet: James Leigh Henry
Theme: Love of God and Humanity
Ans: The character of Abou Ben Adhem:
Abou Ben Adhem was a Muslim spiritual saint and king Of Balkh (a province of
Afghanistan). He abandoned his throne in order to serve his fellow beings. He was born in
777 AD (Anno Domini). He led his life according to the teachings of the Holy Quran. In
Leigh Hunt's poem, the character of Abou Ben Adhem is simple but charming one. He is a
pious and simple man. Only a pious and simple person can be so bold and peaceful to ask
such questions so easily from a stranger (angel) without any introduction as he asks in
the poem. He is a lover of humanity. That's why God blesses him with His love in reward.

Q4: Write down the implied and explicit meanings of the poem.
Lesson: Abou Ben Adhem
Poet: James Leigh Henry
Theme: Love of God and Humanity
Ans: Implicit meaning of the poem:
The word implicit/implied means the hidden meaning of something. The hidden meaning
of the poem is that have love for humanity is the greatest virtue and prayer. If we want
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to please God and to have the love of God, we must serve, help and please the human
beings as God lives in the hearts of people.
Explicit meaning of the poem:
Explicit meaning of the poem is that Abou Ben Adhem was a virtuous person who loved
and served the people. He was a lover of humanity. That's why God blessed him with His
love and willingness. Abou Ben Adhem dominated the people who loved God by his love
to humanity.

Q5: Mention the other words used by the poet to refer to the angel.
Lesson: Abou Ben Adhem
Poet: James Leigh Henry
Theme: Love of God and Humanity
Ans: The other words used by the poet to refer to the angel:
There are three words used by the poet to refer to the angel. They are "the vision" “the
spirit” and "the presence".