English IX - Chapter No.19- Words / Meaning and Summary

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Abou Ben Adhem (Poem)

Words And meanings

S.NO.	Words	Meanings
1.	Accord	Agreement
2.	Angel	An innocent creature
3.	Cheerily	Happily
4.	Lily	A flower
5.	Pray	Request
6.	Presence	Attendance
7.	Sweet	Charming
8.	Vanish	Disappear
9.	Vision	Angel
10.	Wakening	Dazzling

About The poet

This, poem was written by the English poet James Henry Leigh Hunt. He was born in 1784 and educated at a famous charity school called Christ's Hospital. He was not only a poet but also a journalist and an essayist. He was sent to prison for two years, because he had criticized the Prince Regent in his weekly paper "The Examiner". He continued to edit this paper while in jail. Many poets visited him there. He influenced and encouraged young writers of his time. He died in 1859 .

Short Note Or Summary On Abou Ben Adhem

In the eyes of God, the best is he who loves his fellowmen. Our kind and gentle behavior with our fellowmen exalts us in the eyes of God. This very thought, James Henry Leigh Hunt has explained in his beautiful poem "Abou Ben Adhem" giving the example of the famous God fearing saint, Abou Ben Adhem. Abou Ben Adhem was the ruler of Balkh. He loved his fellowmen a lot. He took care of the people and did many welfare work for them. He was a kind and caring king.
At one night Abou Ben Adhem awoke from a deep sleep. He saw that there was moonlight in his room. He saw also an angel who was writing something in a golden book. He asked the angel what he was writing. The angel told him that he was writing the names of those people who loved God. Abou asked the angel whether his name was there. The angel said 'No'. Hearing this Abou was sad. He requested the angel to write his name in the list of those who love their fellow-men. The angel then disappeared. The next night the angel appeared and showed him the names of those whom God loved. Abou's name was on the top of the list. He was so pleased.