The Theme of Fakhr in the Works of Jahiliyyah Period Poet al-Afwah al-Awdi

Al-Afwah, whose real name was Salâ’a b. ‘Amr b. Mâlik b. ‘Avf b. al Hâris b. ‘Avf b. Munabbih b. Evd b. Sa’b b. Sa‘d el-‘Asîre was a member of the Madhhij tribe. He lived during the late Jahiliyyah Period. He was rumored to have died in 570 or 560. The word “fakhr” means that a person cares about his past; exalts, values and prefers somebody over others; and boasts with some characteristics. As a term, “fakhr” refers to the type of poem in which the poets boast with themselves, their tribes, ancestors, lineage, beliefs, religion, sect, disposition, their literary and political prowess, talents and virtues, and even with their personal items and wealth such as swords, armors, horses, or with their long life and life experience. The opinions are divided among Arabic literature scholars regarding the acceptance of “fakhr” as a standalone theme in poetry. Afwah’s “fakhr” poetry was generally based on his and his tribe’s achievements in warfare and his performance in the battlefield. In such poems, Afwah describes the warriors of his tribe with reference to their horse-riding skills, sword mastery, and courage. Outside of the battle, he refers to his and his tribe’s moral qualities, how he gives credit where credit is due, yet how he claims his rights even when he had to oppose strong and highborn people, how Northern Arabs were in the wrong and as a result, they were taught how to battle and how to ride horses, and how the tribe of Ewd would never take a hostile action lightly.