Poetic Responses to the Crucifixion in the Early Islamic Periods

Abstract

As a means of humiliation and insult, some political figures prefer crucifixion over other punishments to diminish the physical as well as spiritual powers of their enemy. In this paper, I will shed light on the poetic reaction to such efforts by focusing on the dichotomy of sanctification versus desecration, the main grounds for the confrontation between crucifixion and poetry. Additionally, this paper explores the motifs and techniques employed by poets to restore the image of their crucified men, which had been greatly damaged by their crucifixion. Moreover, this paper seeks to gain a better understanding of how Arab poets took advantage of a group of religious concepts to promote their causes.