Poetry |
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Poetry for centuries has been regarded as a comprehensive part of the Arabic culture. At first it was an oral type of poetry, but later written verses were composed. The poems were the means to discuss matters of the tribe, and were transmitted during the tribe gatherings, and from father to son. Moreover, poetry is an integral part of music and dance, because the performers often sing the verses of poetry.
There are two main forms of Arabic poetry: classical and nabati, to which a modern form was added in the recent years. The classical form is composed in classical Arabic, and it was created even before arrival of Islam. Throughout the centuries the classical style was not practiced by many in the UAE, although the 20th century witnessed a revival of this style. One of the first renowned poets was a 15th century, Julfar born, sailor and writer Ahmed bin Majid. Forty of his compositions survived to this day.
The Nabati poetry is the old poetry of Bedouin style, also called a peoples’ poetry and often has been composed in the desert tribes’ dialects. Amongst popular nabati poets is Ibn Daher, who lived in 17th century in Ras Al Khaimah and whose body is buried in the district of Kharran. Most of his works are about his life, experiences, feelings and thoughts. Both types of poetry, classical and nabati have a similar structure; they are melodic and have well proportioned rhymed verses. However, in classical poetry, rhymes must come at the end of each verse, while in the nabati form, rhymes occur on each equal part of the verse. The subjects of the poetry vary, but usually their main purpose is to record facts and events, comment on the present matters or express feelings, wisdoms and thoughts. In the last decades, the issue of national identity is often discussed in poems. Poems often end with a prayer to Allah. Unlike Western poetry, Arabic poetry should not indulge in fantasies.
Arabic poetry is still much alive in the modern times and is composed in various styles. Poems of Mubarak Al Oqaili, Salem bin Ali Al Owais, Ahmed bin Sulayem, Khalfan Musabah, Salihah Dhaiban, Dhabia Khamees, Sheikha Maisson Al Qasimi, and Habib Al Sayegh, to mention but a few, are highly regarded and studied. The annual Dubai International Poetry Festival is one of the most popular events in the UAE, hugely supported by the local sheikhs, who often practice poetry themselves. |
Ibn Daher's verses are filled with aphorisms of which the most known is:
"If incomes are obtained by strength and not Allah's will, Then no lion would ever starve, whilst dogs are full." |