Who is Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali?
Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali, whose full name is Abdullah bin Salamah Al-Samhi from the Banu Marmadh tribe, is of Al-Hudhail lineage. He is renowned as one of the notable Arab poets during the Umayyad era, celebrated for his eulogies that have resonated in both ancient and contemporary literary circles. Most of his poetry was dedicated to praising the Umayyads, particularly Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan.
The Story of Al-Hudhali and Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr
Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali was among the staunch admirers of the Umayyad family and frequently extolled figures such as Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan and his brother Abd al-Aziz, as well as other noble members of the Umayyad lineage. A notable incident involving Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr occurred due to Al-Hudhali’s unwavering support for the Umayyads. When Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr came to power, Al-Hudhali approached him seeking financial support. Ibn al-Zubayr rebuffed him, suggesting he go to the Umayyads to request assistance, aware of Al-Hudhali’s affection for them and his tendency to lavish praise upon their family.
In response, Al-Hudhali remarked to ibn al-Zubayr, “Why do you deny me my rightful due, while I am a Muslim and have not committed any wrongdoings since my conversion to Islam?” To which ibn al-Zubayr replied, “Turn to the Umayyads for your request.”
Al-Hudhali retorted, “Indeed, I find them to be generous, noble in spirit, lavish in their wealth, welcoming to seekers of their generosity, with a lineage that is both dignified and honorable, closely related to the Prophet. They are not like those whose heritage is diminished or treated with disdain, nor do they rank among the lesser-known—a group whose ancestors have no claim or authority among them. The Umayyads hold prestige in the pre-Islamic era and maintain their sovereignty in Islam, unlike others who hold no significance.”
Infuriated, ibn al-Zubayr ordered Al-Hudhali imprisoned, swearing that he would never provide him with any reward as a member of the Muslim community.
The Poetry of Al-Hudhali
The predominant theme in Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali’s poetry is the praise of the Umayyads. He composed numerous poems centered on this theme. However, he also penned verses expressing his love, often believed to be dedicated to a woman named Layla bint Sa’d, along with poems that showcased his pride in his heritage and the esteemed accomplishments of his people. His writing style is noted for its clarity and eloquence.
Al-Hudhali’s poetry reflects a vast knowledge and cultural heritage, serving almost as a lexicon of various regions and places. His work harmoniously blends delicate emotions with unique expressions. He frequently employed oaths and expressions that conveyed faith. His poetry has been well-regarded, with audiences appreciating its richness and clear language, ensuring its enduring presence and relevance even today.
Examples of Poetry by Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali
Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali has composed numerous poems that remain popular to this day, including the following:
Ode in Praise of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan
Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali composed this poem in praise of Abd al-Malik when he encountered him during pilgrimage. Upon hearing about Al-Hudhali’s interaction with Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, Abd al-Malik acknowledged Al-Hudhali’s loyalty and admiration for the Umayyads, prompting Al-Hudhali to recite this poem:
عفت ذا عرق عصلها فرئامـهـا
فدهناؤها وحش أجلى سوامـهـا
على أن مرسى خيمة خف أهلهـا
بأبطح محلال وهيهات عامـهـا
إذا اعتلجت فيها الرياح فأدرجـت
عشياً جرى في جانبيها قمامـهـا
وإن معاجي في الديار وموقـفـي
بدارسة الربعين بال ثمـامـهـا
لجهل ولكني أسـلـي ضـمـانة
يضعف أسرار الفؤاد سقامـهـا
فأقصر فلا ما قد مضى لك راجع
ولا لذة الـدنـيا يدوم دوامـهـا
وفد أمير المؤمنين الـذي رمـى
بجأواء جمهور تسيل إكـامـهـا
من أرض قرى الزيتون مكة بعدما
غلبنا عليها واستحل حـرامـهـا
Love Poem
Women frequently feature in Abu Sakhr Al-Hudhali’s poetry. His romantic expressions, however, reflected the sentiments common among his people. In one of his verses, he wrote:
ألـم خـيال طـارق مـــتـــأوب
لأم حكيم بعدمـا نـمـت مـوصـب
وقد دنت الـجـوزاء وهـي كـأنـهـا
ومرزمها بـالـغـور ثـور وربـرب
فبات شرابي في المنام مـع الـمـنـى
غريض اللمى يشفي جوى الحزن أشنب
قضـاعـية أدنـى ديار تـحـلـهــا
قناة وأني من قـنـاة الـمـحـصـب
سراج الدجى تغتل بالمـسـك طـفـلة
فلا هي متفال ولا الـلـون أكـهـب
دميثة ما تـحـت الـثـياب عـمـيمة
هضيم الحشا بكـر الـمـجـسة ثـيب
تعلقتـهـا نـفـوداً لـذيذاً حـديثـهـا
ليالي لا عمـى ولا هـي تـحـجـب
فكان لها ودي ومـحـض عـلاقـتـي
وليداً إلـى أن رأسـي الـيوم أشـيب
فلم أر مثلي أيأست بعـد عـلـمـهـا
بودي ولا مثلي على الـيأس يطـلـب
ولو تلتقي أصدؤونـا بـعـد مـوتـنـا
ومن دون رمسينا من الأرض سبسـب