NABIGHAH, AN-

in full An-nabighah Adh-dhubyani, original name Ziyad Ibn Mu'awiyah flourished c. 600 one of the pre-Islamic Arab poets whose works were collected in the Mu'allaqat. Nabighah belonged to the tribe of Dhubyan. The origin of his name is uncertain, as are details of his early life. He lived in luxury and favour for many years at the court of the Lakhmid Arab kings of al-Hirah in Iraq, incurring the jealousy of the other courtiers. According to one story, which seems to be supported by his later poetry, his enemies forged a satire against the king, Nu'man, who was so enraged that Nabighah had to leave al-Hirah in great haste. He moved to the court of the Ghassanids, enemies of the Lakhmids, in Syria. Nabighah became a favourite of the court of Ghassan, interceding several times on behalf of his tribesmen during their wars and defeats. He never ceased to assert his innocence to Nu'man and eventually returned to al-Hirah. One of the most highly respected of the pre-Islamic poets, Nabighah possessed a grave and sensitive style, full of imagination and fine imagery. His verse, mainly eulogies and satires on tribal strife, displays an impressive command of language and its artifices. See also Mu'allaqat, al.