The rhythm of classical Arabic poetry

ِAnd how it guides the composition of verses

Poetry is the jewel of Arabic culture, an ancient and refined tradition which developed over thousands of years, leaving the modern Arabic speaker with volumes of beautiful descriptions, heartfelt expressions, and upbuilding wisdoms.

But besides its content, one of the most remarkable qualities of classical Arabic poetry is its adherence to a specific metrical form: what in Arabic are called buhur. There are 15 possible buhur available to the Arabic poet, and once a particular one is chosen, it guides the composer in creating the poem.

In this article, we’ll review the basics of poetic meters, introduce the Arabic system of poetic meter, and look at an example of a meter called muqtadab, revealing insights about the rhythm of Arabic poetry.

Meters of poetry

Poetry in general, and classical Arabic poetry in particular, is meant to be recited. Read the following two lines outloud, and see if you can find what they have in common:

I braved the mines and did my work / Then came back home in soot and dirt

That girl is from another town / She came here in a cap and gown