Arabic Poetry Verses for the Mind and the Soul

Poetry in the Arabic speaking world has been a popular literary art form for centuries now. Poetry or “Qasida” in Arabic, is known to tell the story of a history, a people and a culture and continues to play an essential part in Arab identity today. Going back to the 6th century, before Islam became a religion, poets created and orally recited poetry to the public as a sort of entertainment for the audience. Poets would also be accompanied by musical instruments while reciting passages. Poetry mainly related to subjects like heroism, nature and love. When Islam became a religion, Poems started to be a higher form of art written in books and accompanied by illustrations throughout many cultures. During this period, the Qur’an was also regarded as a rich form of poetic writing.

It is also interesting to note that poetry from centuries ago and new forms of poetry were integrated in song lyrics, as some modern poets composed those lyrics and singers conveyed these verses through their singing. Writers and poets like Gibran Khalil Gibran, Nizar Qabbani, Said Akl featured in modern music lyrics. One words of the very famous song by famous Lebanese singer Fairouz: “أعطني الناي وغني, “Give Me the Nay and Sing”, were extracted from Gibran Khalil Gibran’s poetic lines writings in his 1919 book al-Mawakib.

Poetry resonates in the minds of people till this day. It kept its lyrical essence but also took on more subjects related to human rights, Identity, social justice, immigration and more. Regarding these topics, many people think of Palestinian poet and scholar Mahmoud Darwish, wholeheartedly supporting the Palestinian cause through his writing.

Here are some verses for you