An Investigation of Existentialist Philosophy in the Poetry of Jamil Sedghi Zahawi

Jamil Sedghi Zahawi, is an Iraqi Kurd poet who isconsidered as one of the prominent figures in the contemporary Arab literary movement. He is known foremost with his philosophical ideas and views. The present research aims to investigate Zahawi's works in order to explore the roots ofexistentialism in his poems, examine his alignment with European existentialist philosophers, and depict those aspects of his works which have been influenced by their existential views. The study begins with a brief introduction to existentialism and its historical background, and then continues with an exploration in Zahawi's works. Working within a descriptive analytical framework, and basing the study on library references, the present research attempts to analyze his poems in order to highlight his influence from existentialist philosophers. The results of the study indicate that Zahawi has been strongly affected by the western existentialism principles. This influence is rooted in the ideas of both atheist and theist groups of existentialist philosophers. His influence from the atheist group, including Sartre, can be observed in his ideas about pre-existence, existence and non-existence, transformation and instability of human existence, death, and literature and commitment. His influence from the theist and faithful group, on the other hand, can be observed in his ideas about fall and excellence of human being, the existence of God, and fate and destiny. It was also found that he follows existentialist principles in his beliefs about the equality of woman to man. Moreover, Zahawi was also found to be interested in Mulla Sadra's existentialist philosophy and his discussions on tashkik al-wujud (uncertainty or hesitation about existence) issue.