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THE ROLE OF UMAYYAD-ERA POLITICAL POETRY IN TEACHING CLASSICAL ARABIC LITERATURE

Mamanazarova Sarviniso Rozibobo qizi

Abstract

This paper examines the pedagogical significance of Umayyad-era political poetry in teaching classical Arabic literature. The study highlights the socio-political and linguistic features of Arabic poetry during the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE) and argues that political verse serves as an effective medium for understanding ideological discourse, rhetorical innovation, and historical context. Integrating such poetry into Arabic language education not only develops students’ linguistic and literary competence but also enhances their analytical thinking and cultural awareness. Through textual analysis and classroom-based observation, this research explores how political poetry can be used to teach rhetoric, vocabulary, and moral reasoning within modern Arabic studies curricula.

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JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 18, issue 01, 2025 ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431 www.wordlyknowledge.uz ILMIY METODIK JURNAL Mamanazarova Sarviniso Rozibobo qizi Teacher, Department of Languages-1 Oriental University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan THE ROLE OF UMAYYAD-ERA POLITICAL POETRY IN TEACHING CLASSICAL ARABIC LITERATURE Annotation: This paper examines the pedagogical significance of Umayyad-era political poetry in teaching classical Arabic literature. The study highlights the socio-political and linguistic features of Arabic poetry during the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE) and argues that political verse serves as an effective medium for understanding ideological discourse, rhetorical innovation, and historical context. Integrating such poetry into Arabic language education not only develops students’ linguistic and literary competence but also enhances their analytical thinking and cultural awareness. Through textual analysis and classroom-based observation, this research explores how political poetry can be used to teach rhetoric, vocabulary, and moral reasoning within modern Arabic studies curricula. Index Terms: Arabic poetry, Umayyad literature, political verse, classical Arabic, linguistic competence, literary education, pedagogy. Annotatsiya: Mazkur maqolada Ummaviylar xalifaligi davrida shakllangan siyosiy she’riyatning arab adabiyotini o‘qitishdagi pedagogik ahamiyati tahlil qilinadi. Tadqiqotda siyosiy mazmundagi she’rlarning til, uslub va mafkuraviy jihatlari, ularning tarixiy sharoit bilan uzviy bog‘liqligi yoritilgan. Bunday adabiy manbalarni o‘qitish jarayoniga kiritish talabalar nutq kompetensiyasini, badiiy tahlil va madaniy tafakkur ko‘nikmalarini rivojlantiradi. Maqolada siyosiy she’riyatni o‘qitish orqali arab tili va adabiyotini chuqur o‘zlashtirish metodlari tahlil qilingan. Kalit so‘zlar: arab adabiyoti, Ummaviylar davri, siyosiy she’riyat, klassik arab tili, lingvistik kompetensiya, o‘qitish metodikasi. Аннотация: В статье рассматривается педагогическая ценность политической поэзии эпохи Омейядов при обучении классической арабской литературе. Исследование анализирует социально-политические и языковые особенности арабской поэзии периода Халифата Омейядов (661–750 гг.) и доказывает, что политическая поэзия является эффективным средством изучения идеологических дискурсов, риторических инноваций и исторического контекста. Использование этих текстов в образовательном процессе способствует развитию языковой, аналитической и культурной компетенции студентов. Ключевые слова: арабская поэзия, литература Омейядов, политическая поэзия, классический арабский язык, литературное образование, педагогика. I. INTRODUCTION The Umayyad period (661–750 CE) represents a crucial stage in the evolution of Arabic literature, where poetry became both a tool of aesthetic expression and political propaganda. During this era, poets served as spokesmen for tribal identity, loyalty, and opposition. Political JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 18, issue 01, 2025 ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431 www.wordlyknowledge.uz ILMIY METODIK JURNAL poetry (al-shi‘r al-siyāsī) reflected ideological struggles between the ruling Umayyads and rival factions such as the Alids and Kharijites. In the context of Arabic literary education, studying political poetry allows students to link linguistic forms with historical consciousness. Teaching such texts helps learners grasp the richness of Arabic rhetoric (balāgha), metaphor, and emotional persuasion while also fostering critical perspectives on socio-political discourse. This study aims to: a) Analyze the linguistic and thematic features of Umayyad political poetry. b) Examine its didactic and cultural value in modern Arabic literature teaching. c) Propose pedagogical strategies for integrating these texts into language and literature curricula. II. LITERATURE REVIEW Classical Arabic literary scholarship recognizes the Umayyad period as one of ideological tension and rhetorical development (Abbās, 1965; Arberry, 1960). According to Al-Tantawi (1988), poets like Jarir, Al-Farazdaq, and Al-Akhtal were “verbal warriors” whose verses carried political authority. Montgomery (1997) highlights that Umayyad poetry introduced sophisticated imagery and political symbolism, turning poetry into a medium of persuasion. From a pedagogical standpoint, Al-Samarrai (2005) suggests that incorporating classical texts with socio-political dimensions deepens linguistic awareness. Similarly, Kadhim (2019) emphasizes that historical poetry enhances cultural literacy and critical reasoning among students of Arabic philology. Modern Arabic language teaching increasingly adopts text-based and cultural approaches (AbuRabia, 2010). Political poetry can therefore function as a multidimensional tool for improving vocabulary, grammar, and discourse analysis, while also linking students with historical consciousness. III. METHODOLOGY Research Design This study employs qualitative and comparative methods, combining textual analysis with classroom observation. Selected poems of Jarir,Al-Farazdaq, and Al-Akhtal were analyzed to illustrate the ideological diversity and rhetorical power of Umayyad poetry. Participants The research involved 28 undergraduate students of Arabic Philology at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. The course “Classical Arabic Poetry” was redesigned to include political poems as part of the regular curriculum. Procedure Pre-teaching Stage: Students were given background lectures on the political context of the Umayyad Caliphate. JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 18, issue 01, 2025 ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431 www.wordlyknowledge.uz ILMIY METODIK JURNAL Instructional Stage: Textual readings of political poems were conducted with linguistic, rhetorical, and ideological analysis. Discussion and Reflection: Students compared poetic strategies (praise, satire, invective) with modern political discourse. Assessment: Oral discussions, reflective essays, and linguistic quizzes measured comprehension and engagement. Materials Used Classical Arabic poetry anthologies (Dīwān Jarir, Dīwān Al-Farazdaq). Audio-visual lectures on Arabic rhetoric and historical background. Comparative worksheets linking poetry themes with current sociocultural topics. IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Analysis of student responses revealed several pedagogical benefits: Linguistic Development: Students demonstrated improved understanding of classical grammar and lexical variation typical of Umayyad Arabic. Cultural and Historical Awareness: Learners connected poetic imagery with political events, enhancing their appreciation of Arabic heritage. Critical Thinking: Interpreting ideological conflicts within poems strengthened analytical skills and moral reasoning. s showed 82% preferred poetry-based learning to prose-based reading, noting that rhythm, imagery, and debate made lessons engaging and memorable. Teachers also observed a rise in spontaneous Arabic speaking and vocabulary recall. V. CONCLUSION Poet Poetic Theme Pedagogical Focus Learning Outcome Jarir Satirical rivalry (hijā’) Understanding rhetorical devices Improved metaphor interpretation AlFarazdaq Tribal pride and loyalty Lexical enrichment, cultural identity Recognition of sociopolitical values Al-Akhtal Praise of Umayyad rulers Syntax and stylistic analysis Enhanced grammatical precision JOURNAL OF IQRO – ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО – IQRO JURNALI – volume 18, issue 01, 2025 ISSN: 2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR ( RESEARCH BIB ) – 7,245, SJIF – 5,431 www.wordlyknowledge.uz ILMIY METODIK JURNAL Umayyad political poetry offers a dynamic pedagogical resource for teaching Arabic language and literature. It bridges linguistic learning with cultural and ideological understanding, encouraging students to interpret texts critically and contextually. Integrating such material cultivates historical awareness, rhetorical competence, and moral reflection—key elements in forming an educated and culturally literate Arabic philologist. 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