ABOU BEN ADHEM
Extract 1.
1. Who was Abou Ben Adhem? What is meant by ‘may his tribe increase’? What is the
attitude of the narrator to Abou Ben Adhem?
• Abou Ben Adhem was actually Ibrahim Balkhi, one of the most prominent of the
early ascetic Sufi saints. In the early years of his life he was the King of Balkhi.
He renounced his throne and became an ascetic. As an ascetic, he was known for
his countless acts of righteousness and humble lifestyle.
• The phrase ‘may his tribe increase’ means that there should be more people like
Abou Ben Adhem in this world. He was a humble, compassionate man and so
there should be more people like him in this world, to make the world a better
place.
• The narrator admires and respects Abou Ben Adhem.
2. Explain the meaning of: “deep dream of peace”. How could Abou have peace?
• A real peaceful dream or it could be a reference to a deep meditative state.
• Abou was a saintly, noble character and so was filled with positive and noble
thoughts. This is how he could have peace. OR Abou is at peace as he loves and
serves his fellowmen.
3. Describe the effect of moonlight in Abou’s room. Why is moonlight compared to a lily in
bloom?
• The bright silvery moonlight in Abou’s room on a peaceful night had a magical
effect. The room appeared rich and calm.
• The comparison is made to reflect the similarities between a blossoming lily and
the sparkling moonlight. The moonlight seems as beautiful and mystical as a lily
in bloom. The flower and the moonlight both are natural, beautiful and pleasing to
the eyes. They fill one with peace and are the symbols of purity and radiance.
4. What does Abou Ben Adhem encounter upon awakening? Give the significance of the
book of gold.
• When Abou woke up, he found his room brightened with moonlight and an angel
writing something in a ‘book of gold’.
• The ‘book of gold’ is significant as it adds to the magical and supernatural quality
of the poem. Moreover, ‘gold’ could also be a symbol of purity of the subject
matter of the book.
• The ‘book of gold’ symbolises the richness a man encounters when he loves the
Lord, a richness of spirit that transcends this life.
• ‘Gold’ could also be seen as a symbol of purity which suggest that Abou was a
pure soul.
5. Briefly describe the second vision of Abou Ben Adhem.
• The angel reappears the next night with “a great wakening light”.
• It showed Abou the names of those who had been blessed by God.
• Abou was surprised to see that his name appeared at the top, ahead of others.
1
Extract 1.
1. Who was Abou Ben Adhem? What is meant by ‘may his tribe increase’? What is the
attitude of the narrator to Abou Ben Adhem?
• Abou Ben Adhem was actually Ibrahim Balkhi, one of the most prominent of the
early ascetic Sufi saints. In the early years of his life he was the King of Balkhi.
He renounced his throne and became an ascetic. As an ascetic, he was known for
his countless acts of righteousness and humble lifestyle.
• The phrase ‘may his tribe increase’ means that there should be more people like
Abou Ben Adhem in this world. He was a humble, compassionate man and so
there should be more people like him in this world, to make the world a better
place.
• The narrator admires and respects Abou Ben Adhem.
2. Explain the meaning of: “deep dream of peace”. How could Abou have peace?
• A real peaceful dream or it could be a reference to a deep meditative state.
• Abou was a saintly, noble character and so was filled with positive and noble
thoughts. This is how he could have peace. OR Abou is at peace as he loves and
serves his fellowmen.
3. Describe the effect of moonlight in Abou’s room. Why is moonlight compared to a lily in
bloom?
• The bright silvery moonlight in Abou’s room on a peaceful night had a magical
effect. The room appeared rich and calm.
• The comparison is made to reflect the similarities between a blossoming lily and
the sparkling moonlight. The moonlight seems as beautiful and mystical as a lily
in bloom. The flower and the moonlight both are natural, beautiful and pleasing to
the eyes. They fill one with peace and are the symbols of purity and radiance.
4. What does Abou Ben Adhem encounter upon awakening? Give the significance of the
book of gold.
• When Abou woke up, he found his room brightened with moonlight and an angel
writing something in a ‘book of gold’.
• The ‘book of gold’ is significant as it adds to the magical and supernatural quality
of the poem. Moreover, ‘gold’ could also be a symbol of purity of the subject
matter of the book.
• The ‘book of gold’ symbolises the richness a man encounters when he loves the
Lord, a richness of spirit that transcends this life.
• ‘Gold’ could also be seen as a symbol of purity which suggest that Abou was a
pure soul.
5. Briefly describe the second vision of Abou Ben Adhem.
• The angel reappears the next night with “a great wakening light”.
• It showed Abou the names of those who had been blessed by God.
• Abou was surprised to see that his name appeared at the top, ahead of others.
1
