Ibn Munadhir

Born in the city of Aden in Yemen, Muhammad ibn Munadhir as-Subiri al-Yarbu'i was born on an unknown date of birth.^[1][2] He moved to Basra in his teenage years where he was educated in matters of religion and language; afterwards he eventually made a living out of being a poet, writing eloquent poetry which praised and satisfied the rulers which included the caliphs al-Mansur and Harun al-Rashid.^[1][2] He also praised government officials such as the Barmakids. Ibn Munadhir also became a religious teacher and a Muslim scholar; teaching classes at a mosque in Basra as well as engaging in debates with other scholars.^[1][2]

Ibn Munadhir became subject to controversy after he had fallen in love with a young man named 'Abd al-Hamid.^[1][2] He would write poetry about 'Abd al-Hamid constantly, much to the irritation and frustration of the public. This worsened after 'Abd al-Hamid died in a freak accident; Ibn Munadhir became very distraught from this. Soon, the public knew of his exploits; they boycotted him socially and also distanced themselves from him.^[1][2]

The controversy behind Ibn Munadhir soon had become so widespread, he was forced to leave Basra.^[1][2] He migrated to Mecca (now part of present-day Saudi Arabia) and began secluding himself in the city's main mosque. Arab historians record that he died in either the year 198 or 199 of the Hijri calendar.^[1][2]

Ibn Munadhir's style of poetry was quite similar to the poetry of pre-Islamic Arabia.^[1][2][3] The poems he wrote dealt with themes like love, praise, satire as well as elegies. He also wrote poetry about 'Abd al-Hamid, the man whom he fell in love with.^[1][2]

Ibn Munadhir is well known for his praise-filled elegy dedicated to his deceased best friend, 'Abd al-Majid.^[4][5]