Abu Al Alaa Ahmad ibn Abdullah Al Maari: A Medieval Advocate for Veganism

One of the common misconceptions about the Middle Ages is that their view of animals was vastly different from ours today. However, the famous 11th-century Syrian poet and philosopher, Abu Al Alaa Ahmad ibn Abdullah Al Maari, challenges this notion with his progressive stance on veganism.

Early Life and Education

Born in 973 near Aleppo, Al Maari’s life was marked by early adversity. As a child, he contracted smallpox, which left him blind1. Despite this significant challenge, his thirst for knowledge led him to travel extensively across the Levant, studying preserved manuscripts in cities like Aleppo and Antioch.

Journey to Baghdad

Al Maari’s quest for intellectual growth took him to Baghdad, the heart of Medieval civilization. Here, he hoped to gain recognition from the Abbasid Caliph and the Arab nobility. However, after 18 months without the acknowledgment he sought, he returned to his village disheartened.

Advocacy for Veganism

Throughout his life, Al Maari was a staunch advocate for veganism. His beliefs were deeply rooted in the principles of non-violence and compassion towards all living creatures. He opposed all forms of violence and believed that no living being should be harmed. His ethical stance on veganism was not just a personal choice but a philosophical commitment that he expressed through his poetry and writings.

Literary Contributions

Al Maari’s dedication to his vegan beliefs is evident in his literary works. He promoted ethical values towards animals and opposed the exploitation of nature. His poems, such as “I No Longer Steal From Nature,” reflect his deep aversion to causing harm to animals and the environment. These works continue to resonate with modern audiences, highlighting the timeless relevance of his ideas.

Legacy

Al Maari’s life and work offer a compelling example of how medieval perspectives on animals and ethics can align closely with contemporary views. His advocacy for veganism and non-violence remains progressive even by today’s standards, making him a remarkable figure in the history of ethical thought.

In conclusion, Abu Al Alaa Ahmad ibn Abdullah Al Maari’s life and philosophy challenge the misconception that medieval views on animals were vastly different from ours. His unwavering commitment to veganism and non-violence underscores the enduring relevance of his ideas and contributions to ethical discourse.

Below is the English-translated version of Al Maarri's poem:

I no longer steal from Nature
You are diseased in understanding and religion.
Come to me, 
That you may hear something of sound truth.
Do not unjustly eat fish the water has given up,
And do not desire as food the flesh of slaughtered animals,
Or the white milk of mothers who intended its pure draught
For their young, not noble ladies.
And do not grieve the unsuspecting birds by taking eggs;
For injustice is the worst of crimes
And spare the honey that the bees get industriously
From the flowers of fragrant plants;
For they did not store it that it might belong to others,
Not did they gather it for bounty and gifts.
I washed my hands of all this;
And wish that I perceived my way
Before my hair went gray!