His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, orchestrated the theatrical opus titled "Majlis Al-Hira," unveiled on a Wednesday evening as part of the Sharjah Festival for Arabic Poetry. Produced by the Sharjah National Theater, this theatrical masterpiece, directed by Mohammed Al Ameri and featuring a constellation of Emirati and Arab thespians, embellished the legacy established by His Highness in the realm of immortal theatrical works. This time, the narrative delves into the erudition of Ma'at and Makin, where poetry assumes a pivotal role in the meticulous documentation of historical events.

The dramatic composition by His Highness illuminated a significant perspective on the role of poetry in the pre-Islamic era within the Emirate of Al-Hira. This emirate, among the most robust, stable, and enduring cities of its time, wielded unparalleled influence across social, political, economic, and urban spheres within pre-Islamic Arab society.

These spheres catalyzed a cultural renaissance that left an indelible mark on the denizens of Al-Hira and its regal stewards.

In this historical tableau, the play brings forth a pantheon of characters, meticulously curated by His Highness to grace the stage of "Majlis Al-Hira." Foremost among them is King Al-Numan bin Al-Mundhir, whose royal assembly in Al-Hira unravels myriad details that illuminate the radiance of high Arab glory. These luminous details encompassed wisdom, valor, chivalry, and immortal values that resonated through the corridors of history.

Central to the narrative is the regal persona of King Al-Nu'man bin Al-Mundhir, flanked by around twenty distinguished figures in his council. These sagacious individuals, characterized as Arab sages, include notable personalities such as Aktham bin Saifi Al-Tamimi, Al-Harith bin Abbad Al-Bakri, Al-Nabegha Al-Dhubyani, and others. The collective ethos of this assembly forged a literary renaissance that reverberated through the ages.

 Cultures and People

The introduction to this opus casts a luminous beam on the temporal and spatial dimensions of the historical incident, unveiling the grandeur, culture, eloquence, and aspirations of the Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula along the banks of the Euphrates. These people and influential figures, with their intellectual, cultural, and moral prowess, manifested their creativity most prominently in poetry—compilations that exuded wisdom, strength, courage, chivalry, and immortal exploits throughout history.

The textual tapestry woven by His Highness extends its focus to the Mualaqa of Amr bin Kulthum, underscoring the occasion where Ibn Kulthum, in triumphant poetic verse, championed the honor of his mother, Laila bint Al-Muhalhal bin Rabia. A poignant moment unfolds as the play recounts an incident where the king of Al-Hira, Amr bin Hind, confronted the consequences of his actions, leading to a decisive and dramatic turn of events.

As reported, the king of Al-Hira, Amr bin Hind, once expressed regret, saying, "Do you know that there is any Arab whose mother refuses to serve my mother?" When asked if they were aware, they replied in the affirmative. Amr ibn Kulthum questioned, "Why is that?" They explained, "Because her father is Muhalhal bin Rabia, her uncle Wael is among the dearest Arabs, her husband is Kalthoum bin Malik is of the bravest Arab, and her son Amr bin Kulthum is a master among them." Amr bin Hind then sent a message to Amr bin Kulthum, inviting him and his mother to visit. In response, Amr bin Kulthum, accompanied by a group of dignitaries, accepted the invitation and brought his mother with him in a dignified manner.

Amr bin Hind ordered the construction of a tent between the areas of Al-Hira and the Euphrates. He instructed his mother to dismiss the servants and assigned Layla, the mother of Amr bin Kulthum, to oversee the preparations. When Amr bin Hind requested that food be served, Layla was asked to arrange the meal. The request was repeated, but Layla, sensing the ill intentions behind the demands, firmly responded, "everyone should attend to her needs." With persistent insistence, Layla finally exclaimed, "I’m humiliated, Oh Taghlub…Oh Taghlub!"

Upon hearing his mother's distress, Amr bin Kulthum's anger flared, his face reddened with fury. He turned his gaze towards Amr bin Hind, drew his sword, and swiftly struck him down. In the aftermath, Amr bin Kulthum called upon the Bani Taghlib for support.

The eloquence of the Text

The eloquence encapsulated in His Highness's text carries profound connotations that distinguish the Arabs from other civilizations. Aktham bin Saifi Tamimi's discourse before Khosrau stands out as a testament to the rhetorical prowess of the pre-Islamic Arabs. The oration, emphasizing virtues such as honesty, patience, and good faith, left an indelible impression on Khosrau, who acknowledged the significance of such wisdom in the absence of which the Arabs would be bereft.

Documentation

In essence, "Majlis Al-Hira," crafted by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, emerges as both a missive and a chronicle imbued with lucid meanings, articulating the zenith of Arab history. Through this magnum opus, His Highness adeptly resurrects chapters of a flourishing Arab epoch—epitomized by maturity, wisdom, and confidence. Poetry and eloquence serve as conduits to affirm that Arab history transcends mere chronicles and codifications, constituting a heritage steeped in profound intellectual reservoirs, uniquely distinguished by its richness and individuality.

Moreover, His Highness unveils weighty Arab personalities through the dramatic narrative—individuals who held pivotal roles in leadership, science, and literature during that epoch. The "Diwan of the Arabs," with its resplendent aphorisms, wisdom, and enduring ideas, becomes a timeless repository. This theatrical endeavor, undoubtedly, imparts a message that instills confidence in the hearts of Arab generations, fortifying them with resilience and an unwavering determination to draw from their history and origins as they embark upon a new era of triumph across diverse facets of life.

Source: Al Khaleej Newspaper