Get ready to ruffle some feathers with the tale of Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri, the defiant Iraqi poet who lived from 1899 to 1997, navigating the treacherous waters of politics and culture in the Arab world. Born in the bustling center of Najaf, Iraq, this wordsmith didn't just scribble frivolous rhymes—oh no, he wielded words like a sword, willing and ready to slice through the noise of his era. Al-Jawahiri's career took off in 1928 when he released his first collection of poetry.
What followed was a lifelong battle against tyranny and corruption with just a pen in hand—a weapon more potent than any sword to those who underestimate the power of truth. Hence, here are the ten most politically incorrect things that al-Jawahiri did, solidifying his legacy as a voice that refuses to be silenced.
Number one: He told it like it was. Al-Jawahiri didn't mince words when directing his gaze toward the corruption of leadership in the Arab world. He critiqued tyrants and their oppressive regimes, calling them out publicly in ways that would make today's keyboard warriors blush. His poem ''Khaṭarāt al-Mu'din'' was so fierce in its criticism, it made waves across ideological lines.
Number two: Al-Jawahiri showed the world that culture and nationalism could indeed be served on the same platter without being bland. Far from the stereotypical kumbaya-brand of nationalism, he advocated for a strong, proud Arab identity that honored its culture's illustrious past and hopeful future.
Number three: Standing up to those in power wasn’t enough for him. When the winds of political change swept through Iraq mid-century, forcing many into silence or exile, al-Jawahiri defiantly expanded his literary territory. The critical jousting, however, came at a cost—leading to multiple exiles that favored his safety as he skipped across Cairo, Damascus, and Prague.
Number four: He gave the arts a backbone. Those who say politics and art don’t mix apparently never heard of al-Jawahiri. His poem ''A Curse Upon the Rulers of Mankind'' spurred debates long before “fake news” ruled the roost. He showed us that art doesn't have to be a fluffy distraction; it can be a hard-hitting critique of societal issues.
Number five: Speaking of rule-breakers, al-Jawahiri's work was more about blunt truths than the niceties, a perfect antidote for today’s keyboard warriors. He was a muscular intellectual, a modern-day gladiator facing down the lions of corruption and tyranny—as if penned from verses of Shakespearean grandeur, if Shakespeare had been a politically conscious Iraqi.
Number six: Who said poets can't have a spine? Just standing up against oppression isn’t enough; demanding accountability sets poets apart. Al-Jawahiri didn't shy away from demanding action, showing a torchlight to those wanting to ignore or rewrite history.
Number seven: Bridges over walls—al-Jawahiri united diverse voices against oppression. Pense his own sense of loyalty, his work frequently called for unity across borders, encouraging collaboration over division, defying regimes intending to divide.
Number eight: Nothing was sacred if it obstructed freedom. Al-Jawahiri’s acerbic travelers held sacred ideals to the flame, but only to purge society of its sins. He wasn't afraid to critique those institutions or idiosyncratic traditions when they stood in the way of truth.
Number nine: Not everyone’s cup of tea. Al-Jawahiri was sharp. He wasn't one to be swayed by shifting winds of public opinion. His legacy not only stirred the pot but also served a steaming cup of reality to audiences too spoon-fed on pleasantries.
Number ten: A career built on courage. In a world increasingly favoring conformity over courage, al-Jawahiri's life is a testament to standing up for what’s right, irrespective of the cost. At nearly 100, when he left this world, he did so unbowed, providing a distinctive voice to the spectrum of political and cultural landscapes that, even today, continue to ferment freedom.
We need such voices today more than ever, to elucidate truths, break chains, and insult tyrants when necessary. Mahdi al-Jawahiri did not sit silently while injustice brewed. Instead, he brewed a storm of words that taught the world that speaking out is the only real currency poets, and everyone, should deal with.