Arabic poetry has been central to Arabic culture for millennia. Early Arabic poetry before Islam was not narrowly tribal, but engaged with ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Greek ideas. Christianity, which was prevalent in Arabia before Islam, figured importantly in early Arabic poetry. In the enormous, cosmopolitan civilization of the Abbasid caliphate, Arabic poetic fluency played a crucial role in determining a person’s social status.
An Arabic anecdote about Nazhun and al-Makhzumi, poets living in 12th-century Andalusia, narrates though an invective contest alternatives for men’s lives. … Read the post Nazhun lamented al-Makhzumi loving every one-eyed
Women are prominently associated with marthiya in early Arabic poetry. That reflects women’s distinctive voice for urging men to kill other men. … Read the post here marthiya: women’s distinct voice for killing men
The sixth-century Arabian Hatim Tai become legendary for generosity. Being too generous can impede practical cooperation. … Read the post Hatim Tai’s poetry suggests problem of being too generous
Abū l-Hakam’s poem on badly made shoes doesn’t just champion Damascus over Baghdad. It’s truly invested in intellectual fun. … Read the post Baghdad vs. Damascus: a walk in Abū l-Hakam's shoes
Paul of Tarsus was a su‘lūk. He provides an insightful comparative persona for the su‘lūk of the ancient Arabian ode Lāmiyyat al-‘Arab. … Read the post Paul of Tarsus rewrote Lāmiyyat al-‘Arab