A Comparative Analysis of the Themes Addressed by Ḥassān ibn Thābit in Selected Panegyric Poems from the Jahiliyyah and Islamic Periods

Abstract

Arabic literature, deeply rooted in oral tradition, has experienced substantial shifts across historical periods, with one of the most transformative moments being the emergence of Islam in the 7th century. During the pre-Islamic era, known as the jāhiliyya (age of ignorance), poetry was central to Arab social and cultural life. It was not only a literary form but also a social instrument that reflected and reinforced the values of tribal society. Poets acted as spokespersons, historians, and moral guides within their communities. Poetry served to preserve the memory of tribal achievements, honor ancestors, and promote virtues such as courage, generosity, loyalty, and pride. Common themes in this period included warfare, tribal rivalry, honor, nature, love, and personal or communal glory. With the advent of Islam, profound changes occurred in the religious, moral, and intellectual life of the Arabian Peninsula. These changes also transformed the literary domain. Poets who lived through this transitional period faced the challenge of reorienting their art in accordance with the new Islamic worldview. The content and function of poetry were reshaped to reflect spiritual and ethical concerns aligned with Islamic values. Poetry now had to serve a greater religious purpose—defending Islam, praising the Prophet Muhammad, and promoting unity among believers. One of the most prominent poets who lived during this crucial transformation was Ḥassān ibn Thābit, a native of Medina. Ḥassān ibn Thābit initially rose to fame during the jāhiliyya period through his eloquent panegyrics (madīh) composed in praise of his tribe and its leaders. His poetry served traditional tribal functions: glorifying lineage, celebrating valor, and reinforcing tribal identity. However, after embracing Islam, Ḥassān shifted his poetic focus dramatically. Encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad himself, he employed his poetic skills in defense of Islam, composing verses that praised the Prophet, supported the Muslim cause, and refuted attacks from opponents. As a result, he became famously known as “the Poet of the Prophet.” His poetry serves as a valuable source for examining the transition from tribal to religious themes in Arabic literature. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of selected panegyric poems by Ḥassān ibn Thābit from both the pre-Islamic and Islamic periods. While many scholars have focused on his Islamic-era poetry, especially his eulogies for the Prophet and his satirical poetry targeting adversaries of Islam, fewer studies have compared the content and thematic orientation of his panegyrics across both periods. By examining selected examples from each era, this research explores the thematic evolution and shifts in purpose and tone in Ḥassān’s poetic work. In the pre-Islamic period, his poetry emphasized tribal ideals—such as lineage, physical strength, bravery in battle, and the honor of one’s clan. These poems aimed to solidify tribal cohesion and assert superiority in intertribal rivalries. The language was ornate, formal, and filled with metaphors and traditional imagery that appealed to the values of that time. In contrast, his Islamic-era panegyrics illustrate a transformation in both subject matter and intention. The focus of praise shifted from tribal leaders to religious figures, most notably the Prophet Muhammad. Themes such as piety, divine guidance, justice, patience, and spiritual strength began to dominate. The aim of poetry was no longer just to glorify a tribe, but to convey a universal religious message, defend the Prophet, and inspire moral behavior among the Muslim community. Nonetheless, Ḥassān retained many classical poetic features—such as traditional meter, rhyme schemes, and rhetorical techniques—blending old forms with new meanings. This continuity demonstrates how Arabic poetry adapted to serve the emerging Islamic identity while preserving its literary heritage. Through a close analysis of these panegyrics, this study highlights how Ḥassān ibn Thābit’s work reflects the broader cultural and ideological transformation that occurred with the rise of Islam. His poetry represents a rare literary bridge between two distinct eras, capturing both the continuity and the change in Arabic poetic tradition. The comparative approach provides insight into how literary expression responded to and shaped the evolving values of Arab-Islamic society.