The Story of Hayy ibn Yaqzan: A Comparative Orientalist Study

Abstract

Arabic prose has held paramount importance since the earliest periods, and its significance increased with the arrival of Arab Muslims in Andalusia, where various forms of prose emerged, enriching its artistic power. These forms include the art of storytelling and literary correspondence, particularly in its literary forms. One of the masterpieces produced by the Arab mind is the story of Hayy ibn Yaqzan by Abu Bakr ibn Tufayl, who combined narrative storytelling with literary correspondence.

The story of Hayy ibn Yaqzan has captivated Western critics, with many philosophers and thinkers studying it extensively. It has also inspired many Western writers, such as Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, which shares similarities and differences. While Defoe intended for Robinson Crusoe to convey Christian principles and emphasize human self-reliance, Hayy ibn Yaqzan embodies the noble human message entrusted by God, emphasizing critical thinking, rationality, and sound senses.

These qualities enable individuals to transcend materialistic desires, achieving spiritual enlightenment and recognizing God's existence through their intellectual and physical capacities. The story of Hayy ibn Yaqzan remains a source of inspiration for many Western writers and thinkers.