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دان علي أيدي العفاة و شاسح by Al-Buhturi — Analysis & Translation

2 min read Arabic

Original Poem

دان علي أيدي العفاة و شاسح

Translation (English)

He is humble to the hands of the needy and distant

About the Poet

Al-Buhturi (Abbasid era)

Al-Buhturi was a prominent Arab poet of the Abbasid era, known for his eloquent and vivid imagery. He was born in 821 CE and became one of the most celebrated poets of his time, often praised for his mastery of the Arabic language and his ability to convey deep emotions and complex themes.

Historical Context

Literary Form
Classical Arabic poetry
When Written
9th century CE
Background
This poem is part of Al-Buhturi's broader work that often praised the virtues of generosity and nobility. It reflects the cultural values of the Abbasid era, where poetry was a means to celebrate and immortalize the qualities of esteemed individuals.

Sources: https://ketabonline.com/ar/books/54566/read?part=1&page=47&index=4085639/4085644, https://islamport.com/l/adb/6851/88.htm, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_poetry

Detailed Explanation

This line of poetry by Al-Buhturi highlights the dual nature of a noble character. The poet describes someone who is both accessible and generous to those in need ('the hands of the needy') while maintaining a dignified distance from equals or rivals. This reflects the cultural and social values of the time, where generosity was a highly esteemed trait, and maintaining one's dignity and honor was equally important. The use of contrasting imagery—being both 'humble' and 'distant'—illustrates the complexity of the subject's character, suggesting that true nobility involves a balance of approachability and aloofness. Al-Buhturi's choice of words and structure is typical of classical Arabic poetry, which often employed such contrasts to convey deeper meanings and celebrate virtues.

Themes

  • Generosity
  • Nobility
  • Social values

Literary Devices

  • Contrast: The poem contrasts humility with distance to highlight the complexity of noble character.
  • Imagery: Vivid imagery is used to depict the subject's accessibility to the needy and distance from others.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
دان قريب humble daan
علي على on, upon 'alaa
أيدي أيد hands ayadi
العفاة المحتاجين the needy al-'afaah
و و and wa
شاسح بعيد distant shaasiH

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