The Notorious Shithaz Al-Dhubi Al-Tamimi
Known as a notorious thief, Shithaz Al-Dhubi Al-Tamimi was a client of the Banu Tamim tribe, as outlined in Al-Fayruzabadi’s Al-Qamus Al-Muhit. He was associated with the band of thieves during the Umayyad era, as referenced in several historical texts. Al-Dhubi was known for his connection with the famed Umayyad poet and rogue, Malik Bin Al-Rabih, and was noted to be one of the most unscrupulous poets among the group. His life came to an end in 67 AH when he was executed by crucifixion on the orders of Al-Hajjaj.
According to Al-Aghani, Al-Hajjaj once ordered the crucifixion of a man in Basra. While inspecting the scene, he encountered Al-Dhubi approaching the crucified man, who reportedly told him, “You’ve mounted for a long time, so make your escape.” When Al-Hajjaj learned it was Shithaz, he proclaimed, “I swear you will pay for this,” before ordering his own crucifixion. One of his notable lines includes:
Who will convey a message to the young men of my tribe
::: So that they do not perish from poverty like a neighing donkey.
Abu Khurash Al-Hudhali
Abu Khurash Al-Hudhali, also known as Khuwailid bin Murra from the Banu Hudhail tribe, was a distinguished poet and a formidable warrior in pre-Islamic Arabia. He embraced Islam in advanced age, notably at the Battle of Hunayn. A skilled horseman, he passed away in 15 AH during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). Legend has it that upon walking to serve water and food to his guests from Yemen, he was bitten by a snake. He returned, shared water and a sheep with his guests without disclosing what had happened to him. Tragically, he succumbed by morning. One of his well-known verses is:
I endure hunger until I am worn out,
Yet it leaves my clothes and my guilt unstained.
Salik bin Sulka
Salik bin Amr bin Yathrab, hailing from the prominent tribe of Banu Tamim, was characterized by his black ancestry and referred to as one of the “strange Arabs.” Acknowledged for his exceptional speed in running, he became a proverbial symbol of swiftness, with folks saying, “swifter than Salik.”
It is said that in his old age, he challenged forty young men to a race, conquering them despite wearing heavy armor. Known as Al-Riybal, a name associated with wolves, he was infamous for his ruthless raids rather than noble battles, as records do not indicate any acts of assistance to those in need. His birth year remains unknown, and he met his end at the hands of Anas bin Madrik Al-Khathami around 17 BH. While not a prominent poet of his time, one of his surviving lines states:
And I did not achieve my goals until I became a rogue for some time,
::: And I was nearly known by the reasons for my demise.
Al-Shanfarah Al-Azdiy
Al-Shanfarah, of the al-Aws tribe, was a distinguished figure with conflicting accounts of his name. Common consensus suggests that “Al-Shanfarah” is a sobriquet translating to “thick-lipped.” He is regarded as one of the most infamous rogues in pre-Islamic history and a fierce warrior known for his exceptional speed, so much so that it was said “swifter than Al-Shanfarah.”
An outlier among his kinsmen, he was born in 465 CE and assassinated in 525 CE. It’s reported that he vowed to kill 100 men from the Azd tribe, successfully claiming 99, before being captured and executed by the Banu Salam. Years later, an unfortunate encounter with his skull led to the death of a man, thereby fulfilling his vow. Notable excerpts from his poetry include:
O would that I knew whether the longing stands still,
::: At what has ensued from the strike of the maiden’s hand.
Oroa bin Al-Ward
Oroa bin Al-Ward belonged to the vast lineage of the Banu Abs tribe, earning the title “Oroa the Rogue” due to his habit of gathering companions who had fallen on hard times following unsuccessful raids.
While the precise date of his birth remains uncertain, he was reportedly killed by a man from the Banu Tuhaya around 616 CE. Dr. Shawqi Diaf remarked on his high moral standards, suggesting that by the late pre-Islamic period, the norms of rogues transformed, resembling chivalry more than mere banditry. Oroa’s raids were fueled by a desire to support the destitute among his tribe, seeking to alleviate their suffering. An excerpt of his poetry reads:
Indeed, there is a rogue whose face resembles
The light of a luminous star.
Qais Al-Khazai
Qais Al-Khazai, a pre-Islamic poet, is known as Qais bin Munqith from the Banu Khuza’a, often identified by his mother’s name “Al-Hudadiya.” He was among the ferocious rogues and a known instigator, facing ostracism from his tribe due to his offenses.
His demise is attributed to an attack while conversing with a woman from Banu Sulaym. Her husband confronted the situation, forcing Qais to escape. Despite his efforts to defend himself, he was ultimately killed amidst the clash. His defiance in the face of danger is reflected in his words:
I swear, if it weren’t for Ibn Muharreq’s draw,
::: With Allah, I wouldn’t have counted my relations so thoroughly.
Thabit bin Jaber, “He who bears evil.”
Thabit bin Jaber, known for his dubious reputation, came from Banu Tamim through a lineage tracing back to a black slave, his mother named Umayma Al-Fahmiyya. His birth year remains undocumented but is speculated to be in the 5th century. He met his demise in 92 BH during a raid against the Huzail tribe.
His moniker “He who bears evil” was coined due to his habit of taking a sword and leaving home, with variations of the tale suggesting he often returned with filled bags of snakes. He may have earned this stigma due to his numerous criminal acts. His poetry encapsulates his tumultuous life:
My reproacher, indeed part of the blame has its roots,
::: However, is there a treasure left if I abandon it?
Marra bin Khaleef Al-Fahmi
Marra, a rogue from Banu Fahm, an ancient Qais-y Mudar tribe, was a poet and a warrior known for his exploits. He mustered renown in the public sphere, although his lament for Thabit bin Jaber may suggest an earlier genesis. Reportedly, he fought alongside Thabit and Al-Shanfarah against Khath’am tribes and passed away in 75 BH. One of his notable verses includes:
When the sheep of the Neqab are upon the mountain,
And the clouds hover above it with a hint of blood.
Hajiz bin Awf Al-Azdi
Hajiz bin Awf, a minor poet from Banu Azd known for his fleet-footedness, despite possessing a horse named “Dhiba,” earned his renown among the famous runners. Historical records lack documentation of his birth and death years. One of his notable lines reflects his legacy:
O my tribe, the Salaman, if you happen to inquire,
::: There resides nobility in Quraysh with a lofty lineage.
Al-Ahimer Al-Saddi
According to Abu Ali Al-Qali, Al-Ahimer was a poet of the transition between the Umayyad and Abbasid eras, recognized for his numerous offenses leading to his alienation from his tribe. Renowned as a notorious thief from the Syrian desert, it is said that he repented towards the end of his life. He passed away in 787 CE. A line of his reflects his emotional turmoil:
I lament to Allah for the patience I lack in their company,
And what I endure when they bear a heavy heart.
The emergence of rogues is not limited to pre-Islamic Arabia; their presence persisted into the Umayyad era as highlighted throughout this discourse.