ROMANTIC SENSIBILITY AND HUMANISTIC THOUGHT IN ILIYA ABU MADI'S POETRY

Iliyâ Abû Mâḍî stands as one of the most prominent figures of Arabic Romantic poetry, particularly within the Mahjar literary movement, where poetry became a medium for emotional expression, philosophical reflection, and humanistic ideals. This paper examines the romantic sensibility and humanistic thought embedded in Abû Mâḍî’s poetry, highlighting how his verse departs from classical rigidity to embrace individual emotion, nature, and universal optimism. Abû Mâḍî’s poetic vision foregrounds the inner life of the individual, emphasising personal freedom, self-awareness, and emotional sincerity as essential components of human existence. The study explores how Abû Mâḍî employs nature not merely as a decorative backdrop but as a living, symbolic presence that mirrors human emotions and philosophical inquiry. Through imagery drawn from landscapes, seasons, and natural phenomena, he articulates themes of harmony, renewal, and interconnectedness between humanity and the universe. His poetry also reflects a profound concern for human dignity, compassion, and tolerance, advocating love and coexistence over conflict and despair. Furthermore, the paper analyses Abû Mâḍî’s philosophical optimism, which distinguishes him from many Romantic poets inclined towards melancholy. His verse encourages hope, resilience, and faith in life’s inherent goodness, even amidst suffering and uncertainty. By blending romantic imagination with ethical reflection, Abû Mâḍî transforms poetry into a space for moral contemplation and spiritual upliftment. This research argues that Abû Mâḍî’s romantic sensibility and humanistic thought significantly contributed to the renewal of modern Arabic poetry by expanding its emotional depth, thematic scope, and philosophical relevance, thereby securing his place as a key architect of Arabic Romanticism Keywords: Iliyâ Abû Mâḍî; Arabic Romanticism; Humanism; Nature Imagery; Individualism; Optimism