A Farwell To Naguib.

One of the greatest men in Egyptian History died today. Naguib Mahfouz, the noble prize winning Egyptian Author passed this morning at the age of 94.

Not just the best Egyptian writer in history but one of the best writers of the 20th century, Mahfouz captured the intricacies of life in Egypt while conveying themes common to all people, love, death, poverty and perseverance over oppression. His universal themes and compelling writing led to nearly a hundred English translations and over half of his writings being transformed into film.

Mahfouz’s was politically conscious throughout his life and expressed tolerance and acceptance, a stance that brought controversy to his life. In 1959 Mahfouz published Children of Gebalawi which was banned by Al-Azhar. A fatwa was released on his life by an Egyptian Jihadist group in the 80s and an assassination attempt was made on him in 1994 in which he was stabbed. Despite the sentiments of fundamentalist groups Mahfouz was truly loved by the Arab world and his work will remain for future generations as an everlasting memory of him.

P.S.

Naguib Mahfouz and I share a special connection, this blog (Whisper of Madness) was named after his very first story published in 1938.