Strategies of lamentation in pre-Islamic poetry: lamentation for the brother between Muhalhil and Al-Khansa’a in Al-Ra’iyatain (a model)

Al-Mutairi, Hind Bint Abdulrazzaq

doi:10.21608/jarts.2025.435455

Strategies of lamentation in pre-Islamic poetry: lamentation for the brother between Muhalhil and Al-Khansa’a in Al-Ra’iyatain (a model)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Hind bint Abdulrazzaq Al-Mutairi

Associate Professor of Classical Literature, Department of Arabic Language and Literature College of Humanities and Social Sciences, King Saud University

10.21608/jarts.2025.435455

Abstract

This study focuses on two lamentation poems by Muhalhil (ʻAdī ibn Rabīʻah) and Al-Khansa'a (Tumāḍir bint ʻAmr ibn al-Sharīd), renowned poets known for their expertise in the art of lamentation. The analysis aims to highlight both the similarities and differences in the artistic characteristics and content of the two poems. Despite variations in gender, era, and cultural background, both poets share a common theme of mourning the loss of a brother. Lamentations for siblings are a recurring motif in classical Arabic poetry.
Classical Arabic critics, such as Qudāmah, al-Mubarrad, and Ibn Rashīq, have outlined specific strategies for effecfive lamentation. This study searches into these strategies as manifested in the two elegies under examination. While both poems adhere to these traditional strategies, they offer distinct perspectives based on the gender roles and societal expectations placed on the poets. Nevertheless, they exhibit a shared finesse in crafting their verses.

Lamentation is an art form that evokes raw emotions and deep sorrow. Al-Khansa'a's poetry reflects the tender sensibilities often associated with women poets, while Muhalhil's work is characterized by a more elaborate and delicate style. Muhalhil is credited with pioneering intricate and graceful poetry.

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