Dr. Bushra Hanoun Mohsen from the College of Islamic Sciences at the University of Karbala writes:

“In the context of their poetic experience, modern and contemporary Arab poets have turned to religious references to find resonance for their voices and echoes for their experiences. They seek faces that reflect or confirm or add to their experience. The poet’s focus on these poetic voices is intentional, with the selection of traditional figures being rational and conditioned by human response in the broadest sense of the word.” ([1])

Modern literature has been naturally influenced by religious texts, as these texts impact various aspects of life. Most modern poetry collections contain religious references and symbols, often used to convey new meanings. Poets have turned to sacred books such as the Torah, Bible, and Quran, drawing from them topics that they use artistically to explore concepts and ideas they wish to present. These poets use religious symbols and references consciously and skillfully—although this doesn’t apply to all poetic works—due to the symbolic power those references carry, as well as their representation as a cornerstone of collective culture. Discussing religious symbols in their poetry leads us to examine the sources from which poets drew their symbols, even if the majority of references are derived from Islamic and Christian traditions.

Many studies have explored how poets use religious sanctity and their motivations for such use, offering various opinions on the matter.

Modern poets have selected their symbols and beliefs to strip away the illusions of their time and address the setbacks faced by the nation. They do this by using both positive and negative characters from cultural heritage, adapting them to the spirit of the age, the demands of life, and national, human, and personal concerns. The use of religious sanctity in poetry varies based on the poets and their motivations. In some poems, the religious theme pervades the entire poem, while in others, the sacred is presented as quick references, yet these are rich in depth and suggestion. Poets’ attitudes toward the sacred fluctuate between using religious symbols superficially without considering their sanctity, and venerating and seeking forgiveness from the Creator.