Buhturi (206-284 Hijri.)
Abu Ubaidah Walid bin Ubaidullah AL-Taaihorizontal line

Introduction

Abu Tammam Behind him left two great poets who brought in a revolution in Arabic Poetry, They are Mutanabbi and Buhturi. Buhturi’s Complete name was Abu Ubaidah Walid bin Ubaidullah AL-Taai. He belonged to pure Arabic Race and was born at a place called “ Manbaj” which is situated between Halb and Turat.
His knowledge of Arabic was very sound because he was brought up in Taai tribe. Bukhturi left Taai tribe and went to Baghdad. There he happened to meet Abu Tammam and lived with him till his death. Buhturi imitated and followed his method. Abu Tammam also helped him and guided him because Abu Tammam and Buhturi both belonged to the same tribe of Taai. After looking at the talent of Buhturi, Abu Tammam once had said:
“Son! After my death, you will be crowned as the king of the poets.”
And it became true after the death of Abu Tammam, when everyone accepted Buhturi as Best of all poets.

His Period

Buhturi lived with caliph Mutawakkil in Iraq. But when Mutawakkil was murdered before his eyes, Buhturi returned to his natine place “ Manbaj”. After that sometimes he would go to “Sirra man Raa” to praise the rulers over there and to receive some reward. He died in 284 Hijri.

His Appearance & Manners

Though very talented and gifted poet, but Buhturi would always wear dirty and stinking clothes. His style of reading his poetry for others was very awkward. While reading poetry he would budge his eyes and he would bend towards one side. After every verse he would stop and say: “ What has happened to all of you? Why don't you appreciate this couplet? By Allah! None can write poetry like this. “ once someone praised him and said that you are a better poet than Abu Tammam. Buhturi was very angry with this praise.He said, "Neither your words will harm Abu Tammam's status, nor will they benefit me anyway, By Allah!.It is just because of Abu Tammam that today I am earning my livelihood through poetry. He is a sky and I am a humble earth before him. “

His Style of Poetry


Buhturi is a follower of Abu Tammam in poetry but he is better in selection of meaningful words as compared to Abu Tammam. One more unique feature of Buhturi’ poetry is song-like poetry. Ibne Aseer Says:

     “Buhturi wants to write poetry but starts writing songs” 

He wrote poetry that was full of appreciation of nature. His thinking power was very strong and he used this strength to think about the beauty of nature. Whereas other poets went into logical debates, philosophies and other deep and dry subjects. Buhturi flew like a butterfly in open fields on trees among clouds and many other such beautiful places.

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