Abou Ben Adhem (Summary)

The poem has been composed by Leigh Hunt. He was not only a famous poet but also an editor, an essayist and a critic. He defended the romantic poets in his criticism. In the poem, the poet tells us a story of a pious man, named Abou Ben Ad hem and an angel. One night he was sleeping in his room. Suddenly he awoke from his sleep due to a bright light and was greatly amazed to see an angel in his room, who was busy in writing something in his golden book. Abou took courage and asked the angel what he was writing in his book. The angel replied that he was writing the names of those persons who loved God. The name of Abou was not included in the list. This did not shock him. He requested the angel to write his name among the list of those people who loved his fellow men.

    Next night, the angel appeared again with the list of persons who were blessed by God and the name of Abou was on top of the list. This confirms that God does not love only those love him, but he equally loves those who love mankind, His creature.