Arwa’s Elegy for Her Father

Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib said, mourning her father: My eyes weep, and rightly so, for a generous man whose nature was modesty; for a gentle-tempered man of the Makkah valley, noble in disposition, whose intent was exalted; for the generous Shaybat of lofty rank, your good father, who had no equal; long of reach, smooth of manner, a vigorous young man, radiant, as though his forelock were light; slender of waist, impressive, rich in virtue, his were the foremost glory and splendor; unwilling to endure injustice, radiant and handsome, of ancient glory, with no obscurity in it; a refuge of Malik and Rabi‘ of Fihr, who settled their disputes when judgment was sought; he was foremost in generosity and giving, and brave when blood flowed; when champions feared death, most hearts seemed empty of courage; he advanced with a finely tempered, bright sword, whose beauty shone when you looked upon it.

[1] Saji’ah means disposition or nature. [2] Al-Abtahi refers to Quraysh of the Makkah valley, between its two mountains. [3] Kafa’ means equal. [4] Shayzami is explained here as eloquent and accomplished; another note glosses it as a tall, strong young man. [5] Aqb means slender in the belly; kashh is the waist. Araw‘ is one whose beauty, appearance, and courage inspire admiration. [6] Recension A has “no obscurity”; other copies read “with no equal.” [7] The editor prefers “one who decides disputes”; other copies have “one who excels them.” [8] Kumah are brave champions. [9] Rubad is the patterned sheen of a sword; khashib is polished. [10] Another copy reads “dust,” referring to the gleam on an ornamented sword. [11] Asmata means that illness deprived a person of speech.