Mu‘allaqa of Zuhayr
A celebrated long poem transmitted within the Arabic poetic tradition.
Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma
Pre-Islamic Arabic poetry
The person behind the ideas
Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma was an Arabic poet associated with the late sixth and early seventh centuries. His poetry remembers tribal conflict and praises those who help bring it to an end. His Mu‘allaqa combines the concerns of his own society with reflections on generosity, responsibility and the limits of life.
Biography sources
Biography reference →At a glance
- Era
- Late sixth–early seventh centuries
- Notable works
- Mu‘allaqa of Zuhayr
- Tradition
- Pre-Islamic Arabic poetry
Ideas and outlook
Zuhayr’s poetry reflects on conflict, generosity and responsibility. Praise for those who restore peace gives a human setting to his reflections on tribal life and the limits of a lifetime.
About the works
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Other quotes across journeys
Across the Islamic World
وَمَنْ يَكُ ذَا فَضْلٍ فَيَبْخَلْ بِفَضْلِهِ عَلَى قَوْمِهِ يُسْتَغْنَ عَنْهُ وَيُذْمَمِ
Mu‘allaqa · excerpt
Visit this journey →Source details
Mu‘allaqa · excerpt
A traditionally transmitted pre-Islamic poem. The English meaning is our rendering, not a quotation from a published translator.
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