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The Maze of Justice

novel by al-Ḥakīm
Also known as: “Yawmīyāt nāʾib fī al-aryāf”

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The Maze of Justice (Yawmīyyāt nāʾib fī al-aryāf) is an autobiographical novel by Tawfīq al-Ḥakīm, a prominent figure in modern Arabic literature and the founder of contemporary Egyptian drama. Published in 1937, the novel is a satire that critiques the Egyptian officialdom and bureaucracy of its time.1

Al-Ḥakīm, after studying law, spent time in Paris focusing on theater before returning to Egypt. He worked in the Ministry of Justice in a rural area, an experience that likely informed the satirical observations in The Maze of Justice. While al-Ḥakīm is widely celebrated for his dramatic works, including plays like Ahl al-kahf and Shahrazād, this novel offers a different lens through which to view his literary contributions, showcasing his skill in prose and social commentary.12

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