Labīd (لبيد)
Definition and Historical Background
Labīd (لبيد), full name Labīd ibn Rabīʿah ibn Jaʿfar al-ʿĀmirī, was a celebrated Arab poet during the time of Prophet Muhammad. Renowned for his eloquent poetry, he later embraced Islam and is said to have lived an extensively long life, dying at the advanced age of approximately 157 years in the city of al-Kūfah.
Etymology
The name Labīd (لبيد) is derived from the Arabic root “ل ب د” (l-b-d), which connotes gathering and sticking together, often implying firmness and solidarity in a poetic sense.
Significance in Islamic Tradition
Labīd holds a distinguishable place in Islamic literature not merely for his poetic talents but also for his conversion to Islam during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. His poetic works are often scrutinized for their spiritual and moral insights, with one of his famous lines being commended by the Prophet Muhammad:
<p>“The truest words ever uttered by a poet are those of Labīd, ‘Know that everything is vanity but God.’ " — Mishkāt al-Maṣabīḥ, Book XXXII, Chapter X, Part 1</p>
Literary Contributions
Labīd’s poetry, particularly in the form of the Mu‘allaqāt (suspended odes), occupies a prominent place in Arabic literary anthologies. His verses often reflect themes of existentialism, nature, and sublime reflections on the temporal nature of the world, aligning well with the nascent Islamic ideology that underscores the eternal sovereignty of God over transient worldly matters.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: لبيد بن ربيعة بن جعفر العامري
- Turkish: Lebid bin Rebîa bin Cafer el-Âmiri
Further Reading
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Labīd and his contributions, consider the following seminal works:
- "The Mu‘allaqāt: The Seven Hanging Poems of Pre-Islamic Arabia” - Translations and commentaries by Alan Jones.
- "Poems of Labīd: Epic Images and Themes in Pre-Islamic Arabic Poetry" - By Charles L. Smith.
- "Classical Arabic Poetry: Marginal Voices and Multiple Histories" - By Dimitry Frolov.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Labīd ibn Rabīʿah was not only an eminent pre-Islamic poet but also an influential figure in early Islamic culture. His integration into the Islamic faith and the literary value of his poetic expressions have cemented his legacy. His famous line, praised by Prophet Muhammad, encapsulates the core Islamic tenet of divine supremacy over material existence, bridging pre-Islamic poetic grandeur with Islamic spiritual philosophy.
By studying Labīd’s life and works, one gains deeper insight into the cultural and religious transformation that occurred during the advent of Islam, as well as the enduring impact of Arabic literature.
