Volume-XI, Issue-VI, November 2025 |
Origin and Development of Arabic poetry in pre- Islamic period: A Discussion Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Arabic, Nabajyoti College, Kalgachia, Barpeta, Assam, India |
Received: 09.11.2025 | Accepted: 21.11.2025 | Published Online: 30.11.2025 | Page No: 57-61 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.11.issue.06W.156 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
The condition of Arab society gradually deteriorated after the Prophet Jesus (pbuh). A large number of the people of the country lived a Bedouin life. They moved frequently in search of food, water and green land and preferred a nomadic lifestyle. Although the education and social environment of the people of the pre-Islamic era was not advanced, their literary attitude fuelled their literary practice. The Arabs of that era were very skilled in writing poetry and poetry was of immense importance in society. The poetry of the Jahili era occupied the only place in the intellectual thought of that era. The poetry of the pre-Islamic era reflects the political, economic, social, moral and all aspects of that era. Even pre-Islamic poetry contains genealogies, and accounts of significant events. As soon as the poems of the pre-Islamic period were written, they were memorized and preserved by word of mouth. Moreover, the pre-Islamic era (Jāhiliyyah) represents the most significant and remarkable phase in the development of Arabic literature. This art form began as spoken tradition, capturing the feelings, beliefs, and daily experiences of Arabian society prior to the advent of Islam. Within their communities, poets enjoyed high status and functioned as record-keepers and representatives of their respective clans. The craft transformed from basic tribal songs into the sophisticated qasīdah (ode), distinguished by uniform rhyme schemes and regular rhythmic patterns. Central subjects encompassed romance, courage, honor, tribute, and mourning. Notable literary figures including Imru' al-Qais, Antarah ibn Shaddad, and Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma enhanced this artistic medium through vivid descriptions and masterful language. | ||
Keywords: Pre- Islamic, Arabic poetry, origin, development, etc. |