Amr ibn Kulthum facts for kids

ʿAmr ibn Kulthūm (born 526, died 584) was a famous poet and a powerful leader, or chieftain, of the Taghlib tribe in ancient pre-Islamic Arabia. He lived a long time ago, before the religion of Islam began. One of his most well-known poems is part of a special collection called the Mu'allaqat. These were considered some of the best poems of their time. ʿAmr ibn Kulthūm was also the grandson of another famous poet, Abu Layla al-Muhalhel.

The Taghlib Tribe and a Famous Story

The Taghlib tribe was involved in a very long and important conflict called the Basus War. This war was fought against another tribe, the Bakrs, and it lasted for about forty years! Eventually, the king of al-Hirah, named 'Amr ibn Hind, helped them make peace. To ensure the peace would last, some children from both tribes were taken as hostages by the king.

One day, King 'Amr ibn Hind asked his friends if they knew any Arab whose mother would refuse to serve his own mother. They told him, "Yes, Amr Ibn Kulthum's mother!" The king was curious and asked why. His friends explained that her father was Al-Muhalhel Bin Rabī'ah, a respected poet. Her uncle, Kolaib, was a very important Arabian leader. Her husband, Kulthum Ibn Malik Ibn Etab, was a brave knight. And her son, Amr ibn Kulthum, was the chief of his entire clan. This showed how important and respected her family was.

After hearing this, the king invited Amr Ibn Kulthum and his mother, Layla, to visit him. Amr accepted the invitation and went with his friends and his mother. While Layla was sitting, the king's mother, Hind, asked her to pass a plate. Layla replied, "Let the one in need go to her need," meaning that Hind should get it herself. When Hind insisted, Layla became very upset and shouted, "What a humiliation!"

Amr heard his mother's cry and was deeply angered by the insult to her honor. He bravely defended his mother's honor, and in the ensuing conflict, the king and his guards were killed. Some people believe this story might be a legend that became popular later, during the time of the Umayyad Caliphate.

His Famous Poem (Ode)

An "ode" is a type of poem, often long, that expresses strong feelings about a person or a topic. Amr ibn Kulthum's most famous ode is part of the Mu'allaqat.

The poem begins with verses about wine, which some think were added later. Then, it talks about a lady leaving on her litter. A litter was like a special covered seat on a camel's back, used to protect women. The poem also describes the excitement of a sword-fight. Later, it explores different kinds of sadness, like camels grieving for their young, mothers for their sons, or the sadness when loved ones leave. It also talks about the sadness that fate can bring.

In his ode, Amr ibn Kulthum also shares his thoughts on how uncertain life and fate can be. He speaks to the grandfather of King 'Amr ibn Hind, discussing important Arab ideas and defending his mother's honor once more. He also praises his ancestors, showing how proud he was of his family's history.

His Works

Only a few of Amr ibn Kulthum's poems have survived over time. These include:

• ALA HOBEY BESAHNEK FASBAHINA (This is his famous Muallaqah)
• AAGMA` SOHBATY
• ALA MIN MOBALGHA
• EN NASRKOM GHADA

See also

In Spanish: Amr ibn Kulthum para niños