January 28th, 2012
Arabian poetry is widely regarded as the oldest form of Arabian literature. This form of literature dates way back to the 6th century and is believed to be older than that in the written format. The two major formats of poetry followed at that time was measured or rhymed and prose. While the former was prolifically composed in, the later had fewer followers. The rhymed version is well explored and makes use of 16 meters of rhymes. The founder of this lyrical knowledge was Al-Farahidi who gave the first 15 while the last meter was given by Al-Akhfash.
These meters and their study are collectively termed as the study of Arood. These meters are known in the Arabic language as Seas and from seas one forms tafila that were to be grouped together to form stanzas called as bayt or verses. Furthermore, as a rule of thumb each bayt had to end with the same qafiya or rhyme. This tradition of oratory poems was broadened towards the Post Islamic era with the influx of many prominent Persian grammarians and writers.
The latest expansion of this type of poetry is seen in the 20th century poetic boom that is being witnessed throughout the Middle East in countries such as Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Egypt and Palestine. Another point to note is the difference between the pre Islamic poetry and that of the post Islamic poetry. The pre Islamic poetry was termed as Jahili poetry, which translates to ignorant poetry. The tradition of passing down poetry through recitation and rote memory dates back to pre-Islamic times through the relationship of shair and rawi.