Learn about ancient classical Arabic poetry

What is ancient classical Arabic poetry?

Old Arabic poetry is considered to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula. The characteristics of this poetry are that it uses fixed meters and rhymes, and revolves around themes such as pride, satire, praise, and love. This poetry reflects the feelings and traditions of that region at that time through a very sharp rhetorical style rich in metaphors and similes.

The most important characteristics of short classical poetry:

1. The structure of poetry - ancient poetry consists of verses, and each verse is divided into two parts: the first half, which we call "pre-poem", and the second half, which we call "second half". The backbone of this verse. "

2. The poet works and is limited to one rhyme that follows the verse.

3. Independence of the verses - the poet must build the poem from verses that are independent in meaning, so that one verse does not need another verse to complete its meaning. From here we understand that each verse is an entity in itself and does not need anyone else. Therefore, we can change the order of the verses.

4. The style of classical poetry depends on the rhetorical genre: whether it is an eloquent genre or an exquisite genre, classical poetry cannot but enrich the rhetorical genre.

Among the most famous poets of ancient Arabic poetry we find:

Amr Qais: He was one of the most important poets of the pre-Islamic era, famous for his romantic epics and epic poems. He has a famous poem, “The Story of Jalil” and “The Story of the Woman.” ".

2. **Zuhair bin Abi Salma**: A pre-Islamic poet known for his wisdom and intelligence, famous for his poetry that was characterized by wisdom and sermons. One of his most famous works is "Al-Mu'allaqa".

3. **Antarah bin Shaddad**: A pre-Islamic poet known for his emotional and absurd poetry, and known for his great courage and honor. His poems often reflect his exploits and heroism.

4. **Hassan bin Thabit**: An Islamic poet known for his praise of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, and his participation in defending Islam through his poetry.

5. **Kaab bin Zuhair**: An Islamic poet, famous for his poem "Al-Burda" in which he praised the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace. This poem has a unique position in Arabic literature. An important position.

6. **Tarifa bin Abdul**: A pre-Islamic poet known for his poetry that expresses personal experiences and struggles.

These poets represent different aspects of ancient Arabic poetry, and constitute an important part From the Arabic literary heritage.

Here are some examples of Arabic poetry

From the poem "Mu'allaqat Imru' al-Qais":

Stop, let us weep at the memory of a beloved and a home

In the valley of al-Lawa between al-Dakhul and al-Hajjun

From the poem "Mu'allaqat Zuhair ibn Abi Salma":

The matter of al-Qais and their dead were

The Arabs had left after that

From the poem "Antara ibn Shaddad":

Have the poets left behind a ruin

Or have you recognized the home after your imagination

From the poem "Burda Ka'b ibn Zuhair":

Innocence from a praiseworthy lineage

And from it Salvation if you succeed