The inscription quotes a poem by Zuhair Ibn Abi Sulma, a pre-Islamic (6th/7th century) poet recognized as a pioneer of fine poetry in Arabic. In these beautiful verses, Ibn Abi-Sulma seeks to placate his wife, Umm Kaab, after a row over his suspected infidelity. He assures her that she is all that is important to him and that she should reconcile and accept his love and attention.
The poetical strengths of his poems are further strengthened by the family’s role through several generations of poetry writing in Arabic. Ibn Abi-Sulma’s son, Kaab Ibn Zuhair, is noted for having recited a long poem dealing with affairs of the day in front of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in the Medina mosque (from the Daiwan of the poet).
Original name (Arabic): الصاد
Original production date: 1979
Artwork Size: 100cm x 80cm
Materials: Acrylic and ink on paper
Location of Original: The British Museum, London, UK