Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal
Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal, also known as Oday bin Rabi’a Al-Taghlibi, was a notable warrior from the Taghlib tribe, residing in the Khaitan valley located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. He is remembered as one of the legendary Arab figures from the pre-Islamic era, and is often referred to as Al-Zeir Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal. His death occurred in 97 BH (Before Hijra), corresponding to 534 CE, and he was laid to rest in Najd.
Titles and Nicknames of Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal
- Al-Zeir: This title was given to him by his brother, Kullab, due to his reputed association with women.
- Al-Muhalhal: He earned this name as he was the first to fashion poetry with a delicate touch, or it was said that he wore tattered garments.
- Abu Layla: This is his nickname, derived from his eldest daughter, Layla, as he had no sons.
Poetry of Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal
His poetry served as a means of expressing his desire for revenge, often commemorating his brother’s death through elegies that kept the tragedy alive in his heart. Among his most poignant verses, he reflects on the death of Kullab bin Rabi’a:
Al-Zeir Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal expresses:
I feel the fire in my heart ablaze,
My heart is pained, my body frail.
There’s no doctor to help my case,
And my hair has turned gray with despair.
I find myself in a strange condition,
This verse was a warning to Shayban bin Murra regarding Jassas and the sons of Murra:
The Zair laments:
Oh, my nephew, my mind’s in disarray,
You tell me that tomorrow the knights will come to me.
You frighten me with this news,
But you are, indeed, a clear enemy.
Your words leave me in a state of confusion,
This poem he recited in response to his sister Daba’a after the death of her son:
The Zair, from a burning heart, declares:
The death of Kullab has deepened my sorrow,
Oh sister, please lessen your weeping.
Do not fear anything that burdens me.
This poem was composed while he was imprisoned:
A maiden, the daughter of Al-Majal, fair and tender,
Playful and sweet in embrace,
Go hence, for there is nothing but distance,
An embrace cannot be granted from captivity.
She struck her neck and said,
Oh, Oday, you have robbed me of my peace.
Information about Abu Layla Al-Muhalhal
- His belief system was that of pre-Islamic paganism, with his fame stemming from his poetry and bravery.
- He lived in the Arabian Peninsula, and after the War of Al-Basus, his tribe relocated to northern Iraq along the Euphrates River.
- He has two daughters:
- Layla: Mother of the poet Amr bin Kulthum Al-Taghlibi.
- Abida: Mother of another prominent tribe.
- He was murdered by two servants over his wealth, despite being of advanced age.
- His nephew was the esteemed poet Imru’ al-Qais Al-Kindi.
- His brother, Kullab bin Rabi’a Al-Taghlibi, was the first to lead their tribe, establishing dominance of the Adnan Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula following a long period of dominance by the Qahtani Arabs; Kullab was killed by Jassas during the War of Al-Basus.