Summary: Abou Ben Adhem | English Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

About the Poet

James Henry Leigh Hunt (1784–1859), commonly known as Leigh Hunt, was an English poet, essayist, critic, and editor, celebrated as a prominent figure in the Romantic Movement. Educated at Christ’s Hospital, London, he began his literary career with the poetry collection Juvenilia (1801). Hunt edited influential journals like The Examiner (1808) and The Reflector (1810), advocating for social reforms such as the abolition of slavery and parliamentary reform. His bold critiques, including an attack on the Prince Regent, led to his imprisonment from 1813 to 1815, where he continued writing. A friend to poets like John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron, Hunt supported emerging Romantic poets. His notable works include The Story of Rimini (1816), Foliage (1819), and the beloved poem Abou Ben Adhem (1838). Hunt’s poetry is known for its vivid imagery, rhythmic quality, and themes of nature, love, and human connection.

Summary

Abou Ben Adhem by Leigh Hunt is a narrative poem that conveys the spiritual message that loving one’s fellow human beings is a profound way to express love for God. Based on a story from Arabic folklore about Ibrahim ibn Adham, an eighth-century Sufi saint, the poem describes a mystical encounter between Abou Ben Adhem and an angel. One night, Abou wakes to find an angel writing in a golden book the names of those who love God. When Abou learns his name is not on the list, he cheerfully requests to be recorded as one who loves his fellow men. The next night, the angel returns, revealing that Abou’s name now leads the list of those blessed by God, affirming that service to humanity is a path to divine favor. The poem, written in rhymed couplets, emphasizes universal brotherhood and the value of human kindness.

Stanza-wise Explanation with Lines

Stanza 1

Lines:

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:—

Explanation: The poem begins with a blessing for Abou Ben Adhem, a pious Sufi saint, wishing that his “tribe” (people like him) may increase, reflecting the poet’s admiration for his virtues. Abou wakes from a peaceful dream to find his room bathed in moonlight, creating a serene and radiant atmosphere likened to a “lily in bloom” (a simile evoking purity and beauty). He sees an angel writing in a “book of gold,” symbolizing divine record-keeping. The tranquil setting and the angel’s presence establish a spiritual and mystical tone, highlighting Abou’s calm and fearless demeanor due to his faith.

Stanza 2

Lines:

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.”

Explanation: Abou’s inner peace, derived from his virtuous life, gives him the courage to address the angel directly, asking, “What writest thou?” (What are you writing?). The angel, described as a “vision,” responds with a gentle and harmonious expression, stating that it is recording the names of those who love God. The serene interaction underscores Abou’s piety and confidence, as he fearlessly engages with the divine figure. The use of “sweet accord” emphasizes the angel’s kind and reassuring nature, reinforcing the poem’s spiritual ambiance.

Stanza 3

Lines:

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

Explanation: Curious, Abou asks if his name is on the list of those who love God. The angel gently replies that it is not. Undeterred and maintaining his cheerful demeanor, Abou speaks softly but confidently, requesting the angel to write his name as one who loves his fellow men. This moment highlights Abou’s humility and his prioritization of human kindness as an expression of faith. His calm acceptance and positive response reflect his strong belief in the value of serving humanity, a core tenet of his Sufi philosophy.

Stanza 4

Lines:

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.

Explanation: The angel records Abou’s request and disappears. The following night, it returns with a “great wakening light,” symbolizing divine enlightenment and hope. The angel shows Abou a new list of those blessed by God’s love, and to his surprise, Abou’s name is at the top. The exclamation “lo!” emphasizes the significance and joy of this revelation. This stanza conveys the poem’s central message: loving and serving humanity is a supreme act of devotion, earning divine favor. Abou’s prioritization of human kindness places him above those who merely profess love for God.

Themes

1. Love for Humanity: The poem emphasizes that true worship lies in loving and serving one’s fellow human beings, which is equated with loving God. Abou’s request to be listed as one who loves his fellow men earns him divine favor.
2. Divine Love and Blessings: The poem suggests that God values acts of compassion and service, rewarding those who prioritize humanity with divine blessings.
3. Spirituality and Piety: Abou’s fearless interaction with the angel and his peaceful demeanor reflect his deep faith and spiritual strength, rooted in his Sufi beliefs.
4. Universal Brotherhood: The poem promotes the idea of universal love and fraternity, encouraging kindness across all people, regardless of religious rituals.
5. Faith in Action: The poem contrasts ritualistic worship with practical acts of love, suggesting that deeds of kindness are more significant than professed devotion.

Important Word Meanings

• Tribe: A group of people sharing common values or characteristics; here, it refers to virtuous people like Abou.
• Deep dream of peace: A profound, tranquil sleep symbolizing inner calm and spiritual purity.
• Like a lily in bloom: A simile comparing the room’s radiance to the purity and beauty of a blooming lily.
• Book of gold: A divine record symbolizing spiritual value and sacred judgment.
• Exceeding peace: Overwhelming calmness that grants courage.
• Sweet accord: Harmonious and kind agreement, reflecting the angel’s gentle nature.
• Nay: No, used to gently deny Abou’s question.
• Cheerly: Cheerfully, with optimism and confidence.
• Wakening light: A radiant light symbolizing divine enlightenment and revelation.
• Lo: An exclamation to emphasize surprise and significance.

Conclusion

Abou Ben Adhem is a timeless and spiritually uplifting poem that celebrates the power of human kindness as the truest form of devotion to God. Leigh Hunt masterfully uses a simple narrative, vivid imagery, and rhymed couplets to convey a profound moral lesson: loving and serving humanity is a path to divine favor. Through Abou’s encounter with the angel, the poem underscores the importance of compassion, humility, and universal brotherhood. Its universal message resonates across cultures and religions, making it a significant piece of literature for Class 10 ICSE students. Hunt’s lyrical style and emphasis on human values leave a lasting impression, encouraging readers to prioritize kindness in their lives.