Anthology of Classical Arabic Poetry (From Pre-Islamic Times to Ibn ‘Arabi)

In addition to the eloquence and artistic value, pre-Islamic poetry constitutes as a major source for classical Arabic language both in grammar and vocabulary and as a reliable historical record of the political and cultural life of the time. Poetry held an important position in pre-Islamic society with the poet filling the role of historian, soothsayer and propagandist. Words in praise of the tribe (qit'a) and lampoons denigrating other tribes seem to have been some of the most popular forms of early poetry. The poet represented an individual tribe’s prestige and importance in the Arabian peninsula and mock battles in poetry would stand in lieu of real wars. ‘Ukaz, a market town not far from Mecca, would play host to a regular poetry festival where the craft of the poets would be exhibited.