Moral Values Projected by the Poetesses in Abu Tammam's “Diwan al-Hamasa”

Abstract

This article depicts the moral values projected by the women poets as mentioned in Abu Tammam's masterpiece "Diwan al-Hamasa", an influential anthology of classical Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic and early Islamic periods. It sheds light on the notable poetesses such as Umm Qays al-Dhabiya, Al-Awra' bint Subay’, and others. By their elegiac poems, they articulate honour, courage, justice, and communal responsibility. Their verses project personal inflictions while simultaneously invoking broader moral values that resonate with their communities. By combining individual grief with collective ethical values, these women poets maintained societal norms and offer tribute on duty, loyalty, and resilience. Their works not only enrich Arabic literature but also serve as a stepping stone for future moral discourses in poetry, focussing the enduring strength of community and the complex interplay of loss and honour.