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ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

I have translated/interpreted Imam Suyuti’s book titled:

اليواقيت الثمينة في صفات السمينة احتفاء بالجمال بعيدًا عن الصور النمطية Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman.

I want to see if it iz worthy for publication of its parts as articles in your organization under book review. The book is a bit controversial and the Imam is mischeviously being labelled as erotic when the esssence of the book is something else. I believe I attempted to correct that in the book.

Here is an excerpt from from the book:

Rejoinder: Defending the Integrity of:

*Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman*

To those who claim that *Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* (*اليواقيت الثمينة في صفات السمينة*) is erotic in essence, we must respond with clarity, context, and a deep understanding of the work’s purpose and cultural significance. Such accusations stem from a superficial reading of the text, one that fails to appreciate its scholarly, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. This rejoinder seeks to address these misconceptions and reaffirm the true essence of the book as a celebration of beauty, a preservation of cultural heritage, and a reflection of divine wisdom.

1. The Scholarly Intent of the Work

At its core, *Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* is a scholarly work by one of the most respected polymaths of the Islamic Golden Age, Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti. His intention was not to titillate or provoke but to document and analyze the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual significance of beauty, particularly as it pertains to the plump woman. Al-Suyuti’s approach is rooted in academic rigor, drawing on a wide range of sources, including classical poetry, Islamic traditions, and linguistic analysis. To reduce this work to mere eroticism is to ignore its intellectual depth and the author’s commitment to preserving the cultural and literary heritage of the Arab world. Al-Suyuti’s meticulous examination of language, his exploration of Islamic narrations, and his compilation of poetic verses are all part of a broader effort to celebrate beauty as a reflection of divine artistry and human creativity.

2. The Cultural Context of Beauty

The appreciation of beauty, including the beauty of the plump woman, is deeply embedded in Arab culture and history. In a desert environment where resources were scarce, physical robustness was often associated with health, vitality, and prosperity. A plump woman was seen as a symbol of abundance and divine favor, qualities that were celebrated in poetry, art, and daily life. The verses and descriptions in *Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* must be understood within this cultural context. They are not expressions of erotic desire but reflections of a society that valued physical health, fertility, and the aesthetic ideals of its time. To interpret these descriptions as erotic is to impose a modern, Western lens on a work that is firmly rooted in its own cultural and historical milieu.

3. The Spiritual Dimension of Beauty

One of the most profound aspects of *Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* is its exploration of beauty as a reflection of divine wisdom. Al-Suyuti repeatedly emphasizes that physical beauty is a manifestation of God’s creative power and a testament to the diversity and richness of creation. The plump woman, with her fullness and vitality, becomes a symbol of divine generosity and the blessings of life. This spiritual dimension is entirely absent from an erotic reading of the text. Al-Suyuti’s work is not about objectifying the female form but about appreciating it as a reflection of divine artistry. To label the book as erotic is to overlook its deeper purpose: to inspire awe and gratitude for the beauty of creation and to remind readers of the divine wisdom behind it.

4. The Role of Poetry in Arab Culture

Arabic poetry has long been a medium for expressing admiration, love, and reverence. The verses compiled in *Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* are part of this rich poetic tradition, which celebrates beauty in all its forms. These poems are not meant to arouse but to immortalize the qualities that were admired in their time. For example, the famous line by ‘Umar ibn Abī Rabī‘a:

“Though her anklets, if I may say, are wide, they are silent, full yet sparing in speech.”

This verse is not an erotic depiction but a poetic celebration of grace and dignity. It reflects the cultural values of its time, where beauty was associated with modesty, strength, and vitality.

5. The Misinterpretation of Descriptions

Some may argue that the detailed descriptions of the female form in the book are inherently erotic. However, this interpretation ignores the fact that such descriptions are common in classical literature, where physical beauty is often used as a metaphor for spiritual and moral virtues. The plump woman, in this context, is not an object of desire but a symbol of abundance, health, and divine favor. Moreover, al-Suyuti’s descriptions are always framed within a broader discussion of cultural and spiritual significance. They are not meant to provoke lust but to inspire admiration and reflection. To focus solely on the physical aspects of these descriptions is to miss the deeper meaning behind them.

*6. The Importance of Contextual Understanding*

To accuse *Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* of being erotic is to read it out of context. The book must be understood within the framework of its time, culture, and purpose. It is a scholarly work that seeks to document and celebrate the beauty of the plump woman as a reflection of divine wisdom and cultural values. To impose a modern, Western interpretation on it is to do a disservice to the author and the tradition he represents.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Beauty, Not Eroticism

*Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* is a profound and multifaceted work that deserves to be understood on its own terms. It is not an erotic text but a celebration of beauty in all its forms—physical, cultural, and spiritual. To label it as erotic is to misunderstand its purpose and to overlook its intellectual and spiritual depth. We invite readers to approach this book with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its cultural and historical context. Only then can they truly appreciate the richness of its content and the enduring significance of its message. Let us celebrate *Precious Gems in the Qualities of the Fat Woman* for what it is: a timeless exploration of beauty, a preservation of cultural heritage, and a reflection of divine wisdom.

ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ