The Artistic Imagery in the Poetry of Ka'ab bin Zuhair

Abstract

This study discusses the use of creative imagery in the poetry of Kaʿb ibn Zuhair, a prominent poet from the early Islamic era. The study begins with an exposition of the theoretical basis of the visual image, as examined by traditional Arab critics such al-Jāḥiẓ and Qudāmah ibn Jaʿfar. It stresses the importance of imagination, simile, metaphor, and rhetorical innovation in developing poetic expression. The study explores Kaʿb's life, poetic upbringing, and eventual conversion to Islam. It places his work within both pre-Islamic and early Islamic literary traditions. The study discusses imagery relating to nature, light and darkness, love, and religious symbolism to show how Kaʿb converted the traditional qaṣīdah into a means of spiritual expression. The study showed that Kaʿb ibn Zuhair's poetry not only exemplified Arab eloquence but also helped establish Prophetic praise poetry as a prominent genre in Arabic literature.