Antarah bin Shadad Al-Absi

Pre-Islamic Arabia had its fair share of epic tragic heroes. Perhaps the 2 most famous were Zarqa Al-Yamama (the subject of the first operatic Saudi work ever https://alicemorrison.co.uk/the-first-ever-saudi-opera/) and the focus of this article Antarah bin Shadad Al-Absi is surely the most famous of the two from that period.

Antarah was a poet-warrior who gained a lofty position in his tribe of Bani Abs after being a slave tending to camel and livestock. His father Shadad - an important clan member - apparently enslaved an Ethiopian princess on a raid and had Antarah by her in the early 6th century CE. At the outset Antarah was considered a slave himself in line with customs prior to the appearance of Islam in the 7th century.

Antarah gained his freedom as a result of a raid by the competing tribe of Tai’. After the raiders attacked and captured many camels, which were essentially the wealth of tribes in those times. His father knowing the strength and fighting skills of Antarah asked him to enter battle. Antarah famously stated “A slave is not good for battle. He’s only good for milking and herding camels!” His father responded “Battle and you shall be free.”? Antarah was able to secure most of his tribe's camels and hence was awarded his freedom.? Subsequent skirmishes and battles during a 40+ year war of Dahis and Ghabrah between his tribe and Banu Dhubyan further cemented Antarah’s position as protector of the Al-Abs tribe to the extent that his uncle Malik, a leader in the tribe, promised Antarah the hand of his beautiful daughter Ablah.? The histories of Antarah differ, but most agree that he was kept busy with battle and impossible tasks and never wed Ablah.

The vast majority of Antarah’s poetry is focused on two subjects: battle and his love for Ablah. His eloquence on both purposes has been immortalized in his most famous poem that gained the highest possible recognition by Arabs, as it was selected as one of the 7 Mu'allaqat (plural for hanging scrolls). These poems were selected in contests held in pre Islamic Arabian markets, and were written in gold on leather and hung on the side of the Kaaba (the cubic building that was later to become the center of the Muslim world in Makkah).

The Mu’allaqa (singular) of Antarah is about 80 verses. I have thus selected a shorter poem to translate depicting some of Antarah’s themes and his art.? However, 2 verses from this lengthy poem are possibly some of the most quoted from Antarah and that period of Arab history.

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I? recalled? you? as? spears? rained? upon? me

?? and the blades of Hind with my blood did drip.

I wished then to kiss the plunging swords that

? ???? mirrored the brilliance of your smiling lips.

The poem I've selected to translate reflects the hardships that was Antarah’s lot, as he attempted to elevate his position and gain the hand of his beloved Ablah.? The fact is that Antarah’s world was one of constant strife, as about half his life span coincided with the Dahis and Al-Ghabra war.

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How oft does Time, with cruel hand, divide

those whom I yearn to be close by my side.

And sends forth demons, to battle and fight,

in this dark age, where woes are our plight.

Oh, what an age, where every turn of fate,

brings forth its ends, with ruin in our wait.

An age where treachery is a common trait,

can free souls find peace in such a state?

I did face it young, and it shaped my mind,

its trials turned my hair grey, left me refined.

Why should I fear the blows of passing days,

as time’s many woes are but fleeting haze.

How many nights I roamed the desert wide,

with stars dipping to west, my only guide.

My sword and spear my trusted mates, as

Lions of wilderness towards them gravitate.

How many streams I made bloody at dawn,

beasts who sought water, by morning gone.

O seeker of my demise, go return in vain, or

come drink death’s cup, as I am your bane.

I’ve taken a few liberties in the translation to preserve the core meanings and convey Antarah’s them in rhyme, but can never hope to convey the full beauty of his art, just attempt at reflecting some of it!? Appreciate reading your thoughts and responses.