Abstract
This is a research article entitled as the asceticism in the poetry of Abdullah ibn Al Mubarak. Abdullah b. al-Mubark b. Wadhih al-Handhali al-Tamimi. He was born in Marw’ one of the prime cities in Khurasan (nowadays in the surroundings of Afghanistan and Central Asia), in the year 118 AH. Marw has historically been a bustling city of ‘ilm which produced many scholars such as Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Sufyan al Thawri and Ishaq ibn Rahawey. It was in this same city that ‘Abdullah ibn Al Mubarak was born and raised until he reached roughly the age of twenty whereupon he left and began his travels to seek knowledge. A special talent of Ibn al-Mubarak was his ability to write; he wrote many narrations and primarily preserved all that he heard in books of his. In addition to his many talents, achievements and abilities, 'Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak was also gifted in literacy, particularly in the art of poetry. He held an eloquent tongue which was recognized by all who conversed with him and his language displayed the nature of someone who had been taught well. Most of the poetry which has been recorded from him is actually his advice to others, whether they were close friends or high-ranking Caliphs and Rulers. The topics spoken of concerned the common issues which had arisen in his time (e.g. matters pertaining to theology, politics, the worldview, the community etc) and as always, they contained much wisdom and hence the books of history have sealed them and recorded them.