Al-Jahiz selling fish in Basra, artistic impression

From Rags to Riches

Artistic impression of Al-Jahiz in his youth, by Ali Amro.

Born in Basra to a poor family, in his youth, Al-Jahiz (776 – 868) worked as a fish seller on the canals of the city. He developed, however, a love for – and expertise in the Arabic language, becoming an avid reader and prolific writer. He tailored his writing in such a manner that the wide public could understand; interspersing his writing, with anecdotes, humour and witticisms.