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لا تُنْكِرِي عُطْلَ الكريم من الفنى فالسيل حرب للمكان العالي by Abu Tammam — Analysis & Translation

2 min read Arabic

Original Poem

لا تُنْكِرِي عُطْلَ الكريم من الفنى فالسيل حرب للمكان العالي

Translation (English)

Do not deny the noble's lack of wealth For the flood is an enemy to the high place

About the Poet

Abu Tammam (Abbasid Era)

Abu Tammam (c. 796–845) was an Abbasid-era Arab poet known for his innovative use of language and metaphors. He was a prominent figure in the Arabic literary world and served as a court poet.

Historical Context

Literary Form
Classical Arabic poetry
When Written
9th century
Background
This poem reflects the themes of generosity and the challenges faced by those in high positions. It uses natural imagery to convey philosophical ideas.

Sources: https://www.aldiwan.net/poem30376.html, https://adabworld.com/قصيدة-كفي-وغاك-فإنني-لك-قالي/, https://ar.wikisource.org/wiki/كفي_وغاك_فإنني_لك_قالي, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_poetry

Detailed Explanation

This line from Abu Tammam's poem uses the metaphor of a flood to illustrate the idea that those in high positions or with noble qualities may face challenges or adversities, just as a flood threatens elevated places. The poem suggests that being noble or in a high position does not exempt one from difficulties, and in fact, such positions may attract challenges. The imagery of a flood conveys the overwhelming nature of these challenges, while the reference to nobility and high places underscores the poem's philosophical reflection on status and adversity.

Themes

  • Nobility and adversity
  • Nature and metaphor

Literary Devices

  • Metaphor: The flood as an enemy to high places symbolizes challenges faced by those in high positions.
  • Imagery: Vivid depiction of natural elements to convey philosophical ideas.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
لا ليس not laa
تُنْكِرِي تنفي deny tunkiri
عُطْلَ نقص lack utla
الكريم الشخص النبيل the noble al-kareem
من من عند from min
الفنى الفناء annihilation al-fanaa'
فالسيل الفيضان the flood fa-as-sayl
حرب عدو enemy harb
للمكان للموقع to the place lil-makaan
العالي المرتفع high al-‘aalee

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