Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma

Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma (c. 520 – 609 AD) was a pre-eminent pre-Islamic Arabian poet and one of the authors of the renowned Mu'allaqat (Suspended Odes). Celebrated as the "Poet of Wisdom," he is distinguished by the moral depth and philosophical gravity of his verses. He is most famous for his Mu'allaqa, which praises the tribal leaders Haram ibn Sinan and al-Harith ibn Awf for their mediation in ending the devastating War of Dahis and al-Ghabra between the Abs and Dhubyan tribes. Zuhayr was known for his meticulous craftsmanship, spending an entire year refining each major poem before publicizing it—a practice that earned his works the title "al-Hawliyyat" (The Yearlies). Born into a lineage of poets, his legacy was carried forward by his sons, Ka'b and Bujayr. His poetry remains a cornerstone of classical Arabic literature, embodying the virtues of peace and ethical conduct.