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أسد علي و في الحرؤب نعامة by Unknown — Analysis & Translation

2 min read Arabic

Original Poem

أسد علي و في الحرؤب نعامة فتخاء تنفر من صفير الصافر

Translation (English)

A lion against me, but in battles, an ostrich Cowardly, fleeing from the whistle of the whistler

About the Poet

Unknown (Classical Arabic Poetry)

The poet of this line is not definitively known, but it is often attributed to a poet critical of Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, a prominent Umayyad governor. The line criticizes hypocrisy and cowardice.

Historical Context

Literary Form
Classical Arabic Poetry
When Written
Umayyad period (661–750 CE)
Background
This line was written as a satirical criticism of Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, known for his harsh rule. It highlights the contrast between his bravery in speech and cowardice in battle.

Sources: https://www.aleqt.com/2018/09/04/article_1447766.html, https://www.emaratalyoum.com/local-section/2008-09-01-1.233340, https://www.dmi.ae/content/site/aldhadyajmana/ar-ae/programs/197/28762.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_poetry

Detailed Explanation

This poem criticizes a person who is brave in speech but cowardly in action. The metaphor of a lion suggests strength and courage, while the ostrich represents cowardice. The imagery of fleeing from a mere whistle emphasizes the extent of the cowardice. This line is often attributed to a poet who criticized Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, a historical figure known for his harshness and tyranny, yet perceived as cowardly in actual combat. The poem uses irony and contrast to highlight the hypocrisy of those who boast of their bravery but fail to act courageously when it matters.

Themes

  • hypocrisy
  • bravery vs cowardice
  • irony

Literary Devices

  • metaphor: Comparing a person to a lion and an ostrich to contrast bravery and cowardice.
  • irony: The contrast between the person's brave words and cowardly actions.
  • imagery: Vivid depiction of fleeing from a whistle to emphasize cowardice.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
أسد حيوان قوي lion asad
علي ضدي against 'alay
و و and wa
في داخل in fi
الحرؤب المعارك battles al-huroob
نعامة طائر كبير جبان ostrich na'aamah
فتخاء جبانة cowardly fatkhaa'
تنفر تهرب flee tanfur
من من from min
صفير صوت whistle safeer
الصافر الذي يصفر the whistler al-saafir

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