Echoes Of Society: Exploring Social Realities In Al-Manfalûṭî’s Al-‘Abarât

Abstract

Muṣṭafâ Luṭfî Al-Manfalûṭî’s Al-‘Abarât (The Tears) is a poignant collection of short stories that encapsulates the social realities of early 20th-century Egypt through deeply emotive prose. Divided between original works and adaptations, the stories highlight themes of human suffering, moral dilemmas, and social injustice. Al-Manfalûṭî emerges as both a storyteller and a social critic, addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, the plight of women, and cultural erosion due to Western influence. His narratives advocate for social justice, ethical reform, and cultural preservation while critiquing societal moral decline. By weaving universal emotions such as love, grief, and compassion into the lives of his characters, Al-Manfalûṭî creates a deeply humanistic literary experience. His work also emphasizes Arabic cultural heritage, ethical education, and the wisdom of elder generations as essential to fostering societal harmony. The collection is a testament to Al-Manfalûṭî’s role as a moral and cultural advocate, blending storytelling with a call for social reform and cultural pride.