An Insight into Supplicatory Poems in the Arabic Poetry of Yoruba Provenance

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Nigerian Arabic poetry on the literary landscape of Southwestern Nigeria, focusing on the integration of Arabic and Yoruba cultural elements. It centers on the supplicatory poetry of Shaykh Muhammad 'al-Awwal Abdullah Ayinla, a renowned scholar and prolific writer. Supplicatory poems, known for their devotional nature, are significant in Islamic practices and offer a rich convergence of linguistic, cultural, and religious dimensions within Yoruba society. Shaykh Ayinla's work illustrates this fusion, providing insight into the socio-cultural and spiritual landscape of the Yoruba community. Using a contextual approach, the study explores the intellectual background of the composer and analyses his supplicatory poetry entitled "'al-Istigātha wal-munājāh bi hurūf 'al-Āyah 'al-Karīmah", through the utilization of Quranic verses. Findings reveal that this poetic form not only enhances spiritual devotion among Yoruba Muslims but also strengthens their identity by merging Islamic beliefs with cultural heritage. The research further examines the role of such poetry in educational and religious settings, emphasizing its value in imparting spiritual and moral values. This study contributes to Nigerian literary scholarship by shedding light on the creativity and influence of Nigerian Arabic writers, particularly in the development of Arabic scholarship.