Zaynab al-Mariyya facts for kids

Zaynab al-Mariyya (c. 11th–13th centuries) was a talented writer and poet. She was most likely born in Almería, a city in Andalusia, Spain.

Among the many women poets from Andalusia, Zaynab al-Mariyya left behind very few details about her life. Her last name, "al-Mariyya," suggests she was from Almería. Since her family background is not well known, it might mean she was not from a noble or famous family.

Life and Times

A scholar named Ibn Abd al-Malik al-Marrakushi mentioned Zaynab al-Mariyya in his writings. This tells us she lived before his time. She probably lived in the 11th or 12th century. This was a time when the Taifa of Almería was very rich and had a thriving culture. This was especially true when Abu Yahya Muhammad al-Mutasim [es] was the ruler.

Because of this, Zaynab al-Mariyya was likely alive at the same time as al-Gassaniyya. Al-Gassaniyya was another famous female poet from Almería.

Her Poetry

Only one of Zaynab al-Mariyya's poems has survived to this day. It is a love poem, showing her feelings for someone she admired:

You who ride after your desire,

wait, and I will tell you what I suffer.

Men do not dispute the love they feel,

but my passion for them exceeds their own.

It is enough for me to see my beloved happy,

and for his love and his happiness

I will push on until the end of time.