Al-Farazdaq facts for kids

Hammam ibn Ghalib (born around 641 AD; died between 728 and 730 AD), usually known as Al-Farazdaq or Abu Firas, was a famous Arab poet. He is considered one of the greatest classical poets in Arab history.

Al-Farazdaq belonged to the Darim, a respected part of the Bani Tamim tribe. His family was well-known for being generous and welcoming. His grandfather, Sa'sa', was a famous Bedouin, and his father, Ghalib, was also known for his kindness.

Becoming a Poet

Al-Farazdaq started writing poetry at a young age. By the time he was 15, he was already known as a poet. Although the caliph Ali advised him to focus on studying the Qur'an for a while, Al-Farazdaq soon returned to writing verses.

Poetry and Challenges

Al-Farazdaq often used his poetry for satire, which means making fun of people or groups to criticize them. He wrote poems that challenged other tribes, like the Bani Nahshal and the Bani Fuqaim.

Because of his sharp poems, Al-Farazdaq sometimes faced trouble. When Ziyad, a leader from one of the tribes he criticized, became governor of Basra in 669 AD, Al-Farazdaq had to leave. He first went to Kufa and then to Medina, where he was welcomed by the city's leader, Sa'id ibn al-'As. He stayed in Medina for about ten years, continuing to write poems about tribes but staying away from city politics.

Return to Basra

Later, Al-Farazdaq was asked to leave Medina. Around that time, he heard that Ziyad had died, so he returned to Basra. There, he gained the favor of the new governor, Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad.

Much of his poetry then focused on his personal life, including his marriages. He had some disagreements with his first wife, Nawar. She tried to get help from different courts and tribes, but many people were afraid of Al-Farazdaq's powerful poems. Eventually, she went to Mecca, and after more discussions, they agreed to a divorce. Al-Farazdaq later married two more times.

Famous Poetic Rivalry

Al-Farazdaq was also famous for his long-standing poetic rivalry with another poet named Jarir. This feud lasted for many years and led to a series of poems where they challenged each other. These poems are collected in a work called the Nakaid of Jarir and al-Farazdaq.

Official Poet

Al-Farazdaq became an official poet for the Umayyad Caliphate, serving the caliph Al-Walid I (who ruled from 705 to 715 AD). He wrote many poems praising the caliph during this time.

The Poem for Zayn al-Abidin

One of Al-Farazdaq's most famous poems was written in Mecca. It happened when Ali bin Hussain bin Ali bin Abu Talib, also known as Zayn al-Abidin, entered the Kaaba, which angered the local leader. Al-Farazdaq spoke a very powerful poem praising Zayn al-Abidin. Because of this brave poem, Al-Farazdaq was put in prison.

See also

In Spanish: Al-Farazdaq para niños