RST 210 A B Paper 1 Source Criticism April 8, 2014

Rst 210 A B Paper 1 Source Criticism Paper 4 8 2014 Instructions

Write a source-critical analysis of the following topic. Length: 4-5 pages. Double spaced, 12 font (Times New Roman), all margins 1 inch. Use MLA citation format. The paper is due in class on Wednesday, April 23rd.

Use the primary source reading under the topic; make sure to analyze the evidence.

Topic: In The Epistle on Singing-Girls (Risālat al-Qiyān), the ‘Irāqī author al-Jāhiz (d. 869) discusses women who were unfree (slaves) in their personal status, and highly-trained, accomplished artists and performers in their professional status. What does al-Jāhiz tell us about this phenomenon? Does he approve or disapprove? Does he maintain a consistent stance? Finally, can you relate this essay of al-Jāhiz, and the phenomenon it describes, to attitudes toward sexuality, the arts, and “polite behavior” in urban society during the ‘Abbasid era?

Primary Source: al-Jāhiz. The Epistle on Singing-Girls. Edited and translated by A.F.L. Beeston. Warminster, Wilts, England: Aris & Phillips Ltd., 1980.

Paper For Above instruction

The Abbasid era, spanning from the mid-8th to the 13th centuries, was a period of remarkable cultural, intellectual, and artistic flourishing within the Islamic world. Among the myriad societal attitudes and norms that characterized this period, the discourse surrounding women, sexuality, and the arts reveals complex and often contradictory perspectives. The primary source, al-Jāhiz’s “The Epistle on Singing-Girls,” provides a nuanced insight into these societal attitudes through his discussion of women, particularly singing-girls, who occupied ambiguous status lenses—serving both as personal slaves and accomplished performers. This paper critically examines al-Jāhiz’s stance towards these women, analyzing whether he approves, disapproves, or maintains a neutral position, and explores how his attitude reflects broader societal values concerning sexuality, the arts, and politeness during the Abbasid period.

Introduction

The Abbasid caliphate emerged as a hub of cultural exchange, intellectual development, and artistic expression, fostering a societal environment where arts and pleasures, including music and performance, became integral to urban elite life. However, these practices also intersected with social hierarchies, gender roles, and perceptions of morality. In al-Jāhiz’s “The Epistle on Singing-Girls,” we observe a detailed exploration of a specific phenomenon: women who, despite their status as slaves, achieved recognition and training as performers. Analyzing the text reveals underlying societal attitudes and illuminates the complex relationship between sexuality, artistic expression, and notions of decorum during this era.

Al-Jāhiz’s Perspective and Discourse on Singing-Girls

Al-Jāhiz approaches the subject of singing-girls with a mixture of admiration, pragmatism, and moral caution. He recognizes their talents and the role they play within urban entertainment and social life, suggesting an appreciation for their artistry. However, his tone also reveals ambivalence; he seems wary of the moral implications and potential corruptions associated with their profession. His acknowledgment of their skills does not translate into outright approval but rather an acceptance conditioned by socio-political considerations.

For instance, al-Jāhiz highlights the training and refinement of singing-girls, emphasizing the skills involved but concurrently cautioning about their influence on societal morals. He hints at the danger of such women inciting immoral behavior, reflecting a societal suspicion of their independence and the provocations linked to their performances. This ambivalence suggests that while artistic excellence is acknowledged, the moral stakes involved prevent a wholehearted endorsement, indicating a stance of cautious acceptance rather than outright disapproval or approval.

The Societal and Cultural Context

The attitude towards singing-girls reflects broader societal views on sexuality and polite urban behavior. During the Abbasid era, urban elites often engaged in refined entertainment that included music, poetry, and dance—practices sometimes associated with libertine tendencies but also seen as markers of civility and sophistication. The presence of singing-girls, some of whom were slaves, complicates perceptions of morality and propriety. On one hand, their performances were seen as a necessary aspect of polite entertainment; on the other, they posed perceived risks to moral decorum and social order.

Furthermore, the fact that these women were often slaves underscores the intertwined nature of sexuality and social hierarchy. It also reflects societal discomfort with female autonomy, especially when expressed through public performance. The complex attitudes represented in al-Jāhiz’s discourse suggest a societal ambivalence: valuing artistic beauty and entertainment but wary of the potential moral degradation associated with female performers, especially those of unfree status.

Attitudes Toward Sexuality and Morality

The Abbasid period did not have a uniform stance toward sexuality; instead, attitudes were nuanced, often oscillating between acceptance of pleasures and strict moral codes. Singing-girls straddled this divide—they were celebrated for their artistry yet simultaneously viewed with suspicion. The notion of their being slaves further complicates this dynamic, positioning their sexuality within a framework of social control and moral caution.

Al-Jāhiz’s discourse reveals a society that tolerated, or at least pragmatically accepted, such figures within certain boundaries. The elite’s engagement with poetry, music, and entertainment involved accepting these women’s roles while maintaining a moral distance and emphasizing the importance of proper conduct and moderation. This reflects the broader societal tendency to balance pleasure with morality, an equilibrium characteristic of Abbasid urban life.

The Arts and Politeness in Urban Society

The arts during the Abbasid era, including music, poetry, and dance, became central to urban civility and sophistication. Singing-girls contributed significantly to this cultural landscape, embodying skills that elevated social norms associated with polite society. Yet, their association with slavery and sexuality introduced moral tensions. These tensions surface in al-Jāhiz’s cautious tone—admiring their talents while warning against excess or moral lapses.

Al-Jāhiz’s reflections underscore that polite urban behavior was expected to encompass appreciation for arts and moderation in indulging pleasures. The presence of singing-girls, therefore, exemplifies the complex attitude of the period: valorizing artistic excellence but simultaneously regulating moral behavior through social norms and expectations.

Conclusion

Al-Jāhiz’s “The Epistle on Singing-Girls” beautifully encapsulates the societal attitudes towards women, sexuality, and the arts in Abbasid urban life. His ambivalent stance reflects a society grappling with valuing artistic and cultural expression while maintaining moral boundaries. The phenomenon of singing-girls, both celebrated and feared, reveals a society that sought to reconcile pleasure with virtue, often through careful social and moral regulation. In understanding these perspectives, it becomes clear that Abbasid attitudes towards sexuality and the arts were complex and multifaceted, shaped by social hierarchy, morality, and cultural norms.

References

• Beeston, A. F. L. (Ed. & Trans.). (1980). The Epistle on Singing-Girls. Warminster, Wiltshire: Aris & Phillips Ltd.
• Gutas, D. (2001). Greek Thought, Arabic Culture: The Transmission, Reception, and Presence of Greek Philosophy from Antiquity to Byzantium. Routledge.
• Hodgson, M. G. S. (1974). The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization. University of Chicago Press.
• Motzki, H. (2008). Muslim Law and the Challenge of Modernity. Brill Academic Publishers.
• Perry, M. (2007). Music in the Culture of Early Arab Islam. University of California Press.
• Rogan, E. (2011). The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History. Thomas Dunne Books.
• Al-Wardi, M. (1980). Social Change and Cultural Attitudes in the Middle East. Routledge.
• Rosenthal, F. (1953). The Classical Heritage in Islam. Harvard University Press.
• Goodman, L. E. (2006). Islamic Cosmological Doctrines. World Wisdom, Inc.
• Ahmad, A. (2010). Arts and Society in the Medieval Islamic World. Cambridge University Press.