Love and Beauty in Arab Culture: A Comprehensive Academic Exploration

الحب والجمال عند العرب: دراسة أكاديمية معمقة

Abstract

This article explores the intertwined concepts of love and beauty in Arab culture, emphasizing their profound influence on Arab literature and art. The exploration begins with the classical era, examining how pre-Islamic poets celebrated physical beauty and romantic love through evocative imagery and lyrical expressions. It then delves into the Andalusian period, where the confluence of different cultures enriched the aesthetic and romantic expressions in poetry and prose. Furthermore, the study highlights the spiritual dimensions of love and beauty in Sufi literature, where the physical and the metaphysical merge to depict a love that transcends the earthly realm. By analysing key texts and artistic representations, this article reveals how the Arab conception of love and beauty reflects a complex interplay of sensuality, spirituality, and cultural identity, offering a holistic view of their enduring legacy in shaping Arab artistic and literary traditions.