Adonis: fatwa calling for burning my books in Algeria is shameful

Syrian poet Adonis said it is a shame that a Muslim scholar adopts counterfeiting, in response to a fatwa calling for burning his books in the Arab World following a poem allegedly attributed to him.

“Saying that the poem was written by me is a clear counterfeiting. The fatwa is shameful as it is issued by an Islamic authority,” Adonis told Echorouk on the phone.

This comes as Islamic scholar Abdelfetah Zeraoui Hamadache listened to the poem on social networks and issued a fatwa calling for burning Adonis’ books in Algeria and in the Arab World.

“I am sorry that I am discussing a counterfeiting at this level. I hope that the source of the so-called poem is published. This is a shame for an Islamic scholar, the Arabic language and the entire Arab poem heritage,” said Adonis.

“I am not sad about burning my books because this is an old phenomenon in our history. We are fighting to found a dialogue and a debate in a peaceful way. Founding differences in opinions is a wealth source. This counterfeiting humiliates Arabic,” he added.

“Personally, I do not know who is behind this counterfeiting. If I knew them, I would have called them to tell them how they dared. Yet, it is not important to know the person but I wonder how an Islamic preaching movement can adopt this counterfeiting.”

Two days ago, writer Ahmed Delbani issued a release to condemn the fatwa and called on the Algerian culture and religious affairs ministries to react and not keep silent.

Adonis thanked those who were for the release, saying it is a big honor to defend big principles in Arab culture.

“I thank them. This reinforces action for freedoms, human rights and differences,” he said.