Qais ibn al-Mulawwah
Qais ibn al-Mulawwah, an esteemed Arabic poet, is often referred to as “Majnun Layla,” not because of madness, but due to his deep infatuation with Layla al-Amiriya. He grew up alongside her in the Najd region during the first century of the Hijra in the Arabian desert, and his love story remains legendary.
His Story with Layla
Most biographies and narratives agree that Qais ibn al-Mulawwah was, in fact, a cousin of Layla. They grew up together, herding their families’ livestock and enjoying their childhood side by side. This bond is evident in his poetry, where he reflects on their innocent days:
Tied to Layla, adorned with charms,
Her youthful form was yet to show,
We were young herders at play, wishing together,
That we had never grown, nor the flock, in woe.
As noted by Mr. Faleh Al-Hajji in his book “The Elegance of Arabic Poetry,” their story unfolds: “Qais fell in love with Layla, the daughter of Saad Al-Amiri, having grown up together and nurtured a profound affection. As was customary in the Bedouin culture, when Layla matured, she was hidden from his view. Thus, we find Qais, engulfed by love, reminiscing about their pure childhood, yearning for those times to return. He passionately recited heartfelt poems immortalizing his love for his cousin. After offering a substantial dowry of fifty red camels, Qais approached Layla’s father to seek her hand, but her family rejected him. This tradition arose from a disdain toward marrying someone known for openly expressing love in poetry; it was seen as disgraceful, a remnant of pre-Islamic customs that still exist in some rural areas today. There are claims that the marriage was further complicated by a financial dispute between Qais’s and Layla’s fathers, which may have influenced her family’s refusal—for Layla’s father believed falsely that Qais’s family had wronged him financially.
Meanwhile, a suitor named Ward ibn Muhammad al-Uqaili from the Thaqif tribe approached Layla, offering her ten camels and a shepherd. Seizing this opportunity, Layla’s father consented to the marriage, forcing Layla to depart with her new husband to Ta’if, distancing her from her beloved Qais. When the suitors presented themselves, Layla’s family claimed she would choose her husband, but they later told her they would resort to threats if she did not choose Ward. Ultimately, she selected ward, thus marrying against her wishes.
Heartbroken, Qais retreated into the wilderness, reciting poetry and taking solace among wild animals, expressing his unrequited love through verses. He roamed Syria, Najd, and even the outskirts of Hijaz until he was found lifeless among the stones.
The Most Beautiful Poems of Qais ibn al-Mulawwah
- Does not the night gather me and Layla
Enough of this for our meeting, you see,
Like the bright day above, as it was once for me.
- They said, if you wish, move on from her,
And I replied, “Indeed, I do not wish to,”
For how could I, when her love clings closely to my heart,
Like a rope held fast in its loops, so true.
Her love has grown deeply in my being,
And despite scolding, there’s no end in my view.
- Alas! I do not see the valley’s waters refreshing,
Nor does my soul find comfort in the valley’s embrace,
I love the descent of the valleys, yet here I dwell,
A stranger to the valleys, lost in my own space.
Indeed, O servants of God, I find no escape,
Nor passage without a watching gaze upon my face.
Is there not shame in a horse longing to return,
To its canyons, or a falcon that yearns?
The solitary sand hill calls me, though I lack
The means to reach my beloved, and the comfort it churns.
There’s no joy in this world if you do not wish to see,
Your beloved is near and dreams take flight as you learn.
Though the trials of love seem distant and dire,
Perhaps love comes back even from the most dire.
You have kept me in hope until I saw you near,
Upon the hill where every onlooker would steer.
You shunned me, leaving enemies to mock,
May you be rewarded for your actions year after year.
I keep my distance, yet my heart longs for you,
By your memory and the path, I veer.
Out of fear that gossipers would sow doubts,
And I cherish to be with you, my dear.
For my heart has been yours, and you’ve made it brave,
And you remained the most precious, having drawn it near.
Too bad I would never be harsh with my heart,
As long as you permit me to hold you close, my dear,
So surely, I wish to speak of the hidden truths,
And what you conceal can shed light on my years.
Qais ibn al-Mulawwah’s Poems
The collection of poetry by Qais ibn al-Mulawwah includes numerous pieces, of which here are a few:
O Woe to One Whose Mind is lost in Love
O woe to one whose mind is lost in love,
He became denounced in every way he’s known,
Alone, devoid of companions, save the tormented,
Who laughs with me those who adore to shun me,
When Layla is mentioned, my heart fades,
My heart races, and passion returns as shown.
They Say Layla is Ill in Iraq
They say Layla is ill in Iraq,
Why do you grieve, dear friend, and not weep?
May God aid the sick in Iraq, for truly I,
Am concerned for all the patients I deeply keep.
O you Elder who is Never Pleased by Us
O you elder, who can never find us pleasing,
Are you in suffering, nor do you find joy in the bright,
As you suffer, so have I, all alone,
I wander with the lost souls, sleeping not tonight.
O How Layla’s Abandonment Has Pierced My Heart
O how Layla’s abandonment has pierced my heart,
As I dwell in distress and longing so deep.
Thus, much of Qais ibn al-Mulawwah’s work remains timeless, reflecting an enduring passion that has resonated through generations.