Province
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The Antar bin Shaddad Legent Trail
| In Uyun Al Jawa District a trail can be followed which charts the legend of Antar bin Shaddad, The Black Night of classical poetry. This includes the remains of his castle wall and the spot where he courted Abla |
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Oral poetry has a long and treasured history reaching into the classical poems of pre-Islamic times. The famous 'hanged' poems of the Kaba'a belong to this tradition, and Antar bin Shaddad from al-Qassim is one of the heroes of this tradition.
Also known as 'The Black Knight', Antar was the son of a negro slave-woman and was brought up as a slave in the household of his Arab father. Through his strength and courage he rose to be the chief hero of his tribe. He was also its chief poet, singing sometimes of its warfare, sometimes of his love for its princess, Abla. Abla at first ridiculed the advances of the young slave but afterward clung to him through all his career of glory and misfortune.
Starting in either Buraydah or Unayzah, the first stop of the trail is Qusayba where Antar's Castle is reputedly located. Part of its ancient wall remains on the summit of the escarpment which overlooks Om Qas'r village. Below the wall is a well, named for Antar. A visit here should include the old town Qusayba Al Jadidah, and the underground irrigation system, Om Qas'r and Qas'r Al Mashquq before continuing to Al Qawwarah and Salasil to see its natural attractions, where in spring lunch can be taken.
The next stop is Al Naslah Rock, The Stone of Antar, which is a weathered sandstone outcrop containing Thamudic and early Arabic graffiti, where Antar reputably met and courted Abla. Nearby is the rock where Antar tethered his horse. Finally the visit can continue to the old Uyun Al Jawa souq and town, and the Uyun Al Jawa wells, before finally returning to Buraydah or Unayzah.
The Poem of Antar 44BH (580)
Have the poets left in the garment a place for a patch to be patched by me; and did you know the abode of your beloved after reflection?
The vestige of the house, which did not speak, confounded thee, until it spoke by means of signs, like one deaf and dumb.
Verily, I kept my she-camel there long grumbling, with a yearning at the blackened stones, keeping and standing firm in their own places.
It is the abode of a friend, languishing in her glance, submissive in the embrace, pleasant of smile.
Oh house of 'Ablah situated at Jawa, talk with me about those who resided in you. Good morning to you, O house of 'Ablah, and be safe from ruin.
I halted my she-camel in that place; and it was as though she were a high palace; in order that I might perform the wont of the lingerer.
And 'Ablah takes up her abode at Jawa; while our people went to Hazan, then to Mutathallam.
She took up her abode in the land of my enemies; so it became difficult for me to seek you, O daughter of Mahzam.
I was enamored of her unawares, at a time when I was killing her people, desiring her in marriage; but by your father's life I swear, this was not the time for desiring.
And verily you have occupied in my heart the place of the honored loved one, so do not think otherwise than this, that you are my beloved.
And how may be the visiting of her; while her people have taken up their residence in the spring at 'Unayzatain and our people at Ghailam? |
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