Loading ...The History of Poetry in the Arab World
By: Meral Abu-Jaser /Arab America Contributing Writer
The history of poetry in the Arab world is considered the highest Arab cultural form. There is perhaps no other poetry so closely allied to the history of its people as is that of the Arabs. It was an admirable art that was mastered by few. Stories would be told in a form of poetry. Back in the 6th centuries that is considered a common method of storytelling. Have you ever heard that Arabs are the best storytellers? Well, that is my personal opinion but if you know an Arab then you probably know what I am talking about! Arabs in the 6th century would tell their stories by using poetry. Now let us get to the case and journey back to the 6th century to understand and learn more about the fantasy of poetry in the Arab world.
History of Poetry in the Arab World
Arabic poetry was and still is an essential part of Arab identity. Poetry dated back to the 6th century before Islam came to be a religion. People would learn and teach poetry as a form of culture and tradition. It was most commonly to be told orally among the audience. One of the main characters that carried this passion was Aḫmad al-Farāhīdī. He was most famous for his poetry.
Al-Farahidi was the first scholar to subject the prosody of Classical Arabic poetry to a detailed phonological analysis.
Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi – Wikipedia
Al-Farahidi is the core history of poetry in the Arab world where he used his poetry in his favor. He would respond to a conversation with lines of poetry. One famous line that he contributed during a response that he wrote was as following
“He, Who formed me with a mouth, engaged to give me nourishment till such a time as He takes me to Himself. Thou hast refused me a trifling sum, but that refusal will not increase thy wealth.”
Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi – Wikipedia
Hence, this goes to show the significance and power that comes from poetry. Most people in the 6th centuries would devote poetry as being a form of wealth and also intelligence. Arab families would through their way just to let their offspring’s learn the art of Poetry.
Top 2 Poetic Genres in the Arab World
As you know there are all sorts of different poetry all other different cultures. But in the Arab world poetry takes a whole lever of its own!
- Romantic Poetry
- Poetics in the early centuries was based on true stories. It is waring to read a poem that you know the love story behind it! Though it is hard to understand the lines of poems, the excitement comes with learning about the meaning behind each verse. One of the most mid-evil love stories that were shaped into a poem was “Hadith Bayad wa Riyad“. Check the link to read and learn more about this masterpiece.
- Satirical Poetry
- This genre of poetry is very dramatic. It is usually used to mock the poet’s enemies or the virtue of rival tribes. An example of such poetry would be from Al-Mutanabbi. He was known for his dramatic and strong language. Al-Mutanabbi would implement in his lines of poems strong variable language that was very outspoken. Not many people would admire his poems back in the early 13th century. However, today he attracts many young poet lovers who find passion in reading his legacy on poetry.
Modern Poetry in the Arab World
Arab poetry has steadily evolved through the centuries and has developed new forms and themes. Beginning in the 19th as part of what is now called “the Arabic renaissance” the new young generation is looking into developing the art of poetry. Today, most poems refer to one’s homeland. With the increase of immigration among the young generation, they have come passionate about expressing their love to their homeland. This was exhibited either as a part of nationalism or in a wider sense as Arab nationalism emphasizing the unity of all Arab people.
In the above photo is one of the most famous poets in the modern Arab world. His name is Mahmoud Darwish and he is known for his poems as well as a couple of books that he published. Not to say that he is the only famous modern Arab poet, but there is also Nizar Qabbani who is known for his love, feminism, and religious poetry.
In the sight of the new generations, poetry retains a very important status in the Arab world. No matter what year we are in or what era we are expressing, poetry would always be a way to express ourselves. Therefore, as was mentioned before, the art of poetry in the Arab world began in the 6th century. Hence, some of the well-known poets include al-Mutanabbi. To this very day, people are still fascinated by the passion they expose in their lines of poems. Therefore, poetry would be forever a part of the Arab identity. With this ends our journey back to the 6th century!
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