Product DescriptionIn the northern Arabian Peninsula during the second half of the 7th century, Qays, later known as Majnun, is in love with his cousin Leyla and decides to praise her in his love poems. Annoyed by all the noise around her, Leyla's parents consider that he has compromised her honor and force her to marry another man. Qays becomes desperate and wanders alone in the desert. His father takes him to Mecca and begs him to seek God's help to free him from his passion, but in vain. The story of Majnun and Leyla has been told in legends, songs, poems, plays and epics from the Caucasus to Africa and from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. It is a story of a tragic and endless love, much like the later story of "Tristan and Isolde" and "Romeo and Julia" in Europe. This volume consists of a translation into English of several of Majnün's poems to Leyla together with comments and an introduction. An incurable romanticism, the deepest longing of the heart to its beloved, nostalgia, memories of a lost paradise, idealism, anticipation, joy after a reunion, bitterness after a separation, lovesickness and a consuming passion emerge from the versions that have inspired countless of people more that 1200 years ago and throughout the centuries.
Reviews
Not very well known in the U.S., Majnun (Qays b. Al-Mulawwah) who lived in northern Arabia in the second half of the 7th century, is very much worthy of attention.
His poetry and different stories about him have been preserved in old Arabic collections such as the Kitab al-Aghani "The Book of Songs" by al-Asfahani (d. 967) and the Masari al-ushshaq by al-Sarraj (d. 1106).
The introduction in the book gives a background about Majnun and Leyla, the spread of the Arabic love story and its importance to Sufism. Majnun's love for Leila has been compared to the mystic's love for God and his annihilation in Him.
As Rumi wrote about it, and which is also quoted in this book (p. XVII):
"God made Majnun love Leyla so much that
Just her dog should cause confusion in him.
There are thousands of wines that can take over our minds
Don't think all ecstasies are the same."
The author offers an introduction to many of the poems, providing background to the different events.
The 62 beautiful poems which are translated from the old Arabic poems, are faithful to the images, emotions and tone of the originals. They are true to the Arabic spirit as well as universal in their appeal. They are accessible and beautifully arranged and make a wonderful reading.
These beautiful renderings of the 7th century Qays b. al-Mulawwah's words into American free verse capture the expressions of passion and the tides of overwhelming emotions that run with it. This kind love can also be interpreted metaphysically and spiritually. This is a beautiful selection that will seep into your heart and soul.
This collection of Majnun's poetry, which is translated for the first time into English, is very moving and inspiring. It can transport the reader right into the world of emotions. Love shines through each of its poems. It can be interpreted as human, spiritual and divine. I like very much these verses (pp 10-11): "I fear, I despair, I die and I live again through my hope. How many times have I not been dead and resuscitated? They are all here around me, men, jinns, but I do not care! If they think they can forbid me from seeing you: I shall come to you anyway!"
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