The Concept of Nation in al-Muqri’s Novels

Alkodimi, Khaled Abkar

doi:10.1080/1369801x.2020.1753551

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…This implies that Jewish people themselves bear part of the accountability for their suppression and marginalization as they never appear to have a feeling of belonging to the land they are dwelling in. Alkodimi supports such an argument saying: “Jewish people themselves bear part of the responsibility for their oppression and marginalization as they never seem to have a feeling of belonging to the land they are inhabiting” (Alkodimi, 2020, p. 7).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…From her words and actions, Al-Muqri crystallizes his ideas of equality, which does not differentiate between humans based on religion, origin, lineage, and gender. The narrative “voices its idealistic aspirations, i.e., equality of all regardless of their race, birthplace or religion, in the voice of Fatima” (Alkodimi, 2020, p. 8). In one scene, Fatima addresses Salem telling him that they belong to each other and there is no difference between them whatsoever: “Allah, the Almighty, is the creator of all of us: Muslims, Jews, Christians, the Magi, Hindus, and the infidels” (Al-Muqri 2009, p. 75).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Fictional World of Ali Al-Muqri as Seen in The Handsome Jew

Rashed

2020

Contemporary Review of the Middle East

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This study aims at highlighting the artistic and intellectual vision of Ali Al-Muqri, a prominent contemporary Yemeni novelist, in The Handsome Jew, a narrative that marks a sharp departure from the works of his contemporaries in terms of its themes, technical devices, and discursive strategies. Much has been written about the relation between Muslims and Jews in the world literature. However, most, if not all, have a masculine stamp. The norm has been reversed here, Fatima, an educated Muslim woman, loves Salem, the Jew, and marries him. In contrast to the derogatory image of the Jew in literature, Salem seems open-minded and very humane. It is hypothesized that all religions are subject to interpretation according to human needs and that all religions are a source of union, not separation. Building on an eclectic theoretical framework with the analytical method, this study analyzes The Handsome Jew that is still incarcerated within the local Yemeni linguistic and cultural barrier and aims to locate the Yemeni narrative in the realm of Arabic and world literature. The conclusions of the study are as follows: despite different religions and cultures, there is a possibility for coexistence and establishing social relationships, as it happened with Fatima and Salem, who introduce a kind of sublime human reconciliation that has not touched the sacred belief of both. Learning the other’s culture and reading freely, away from the preceding and inherited views, is essential for a healthy society. It would make Muslims love the Jews and would make the Jews love the Muslims. Love is a natural humanistic energy that challenges human-made cultural barriers.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%