LessonsImruʾ al-Qays: The Horse’s Speed, Agility, and Similes (Verses 52–58)Quiz

وَقَدْ أَغْتَدِي وَالطَّيْرُ فِي وُكُنَاتِهَا
بِمُنْجَرِدٍ قَيْدِ الْأَوَابِدِ هَيْكَلِ
“I go out at dawn while the birds are still in their nests, riding a sleek, powerful horse that seems to bind the wild quarry.”

Aghtadī denotes setting out in the early morning, and wa-l-ṭayru fī wukunātihā specifies the time: birds are not yet abroad. Their stillness makes the poet's early departure especially vivid and introduces the practical setting of a hunt.

Bi-munjarid describes the horse as sleek and free from an encumbering coat or clumsy build. Qayd al-awābid is not a literal rope. It is a bold description of speed so effective that even wild animals seem caught by it.

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Verse 52: birds are still in their shelters

Imruʾ al-Qays: The Horse’s Speed, Agility, and Similes (Verses 52–58)

وَقَدْ أَغْتَدِي وَالطَّيْرُ فِي وُكُنَاتِهَا
بِمُنْجَرِدٍ قَيْدِ الْأَوَابِدِ هَيْكَلِ
“I go out at dawn while the birds are still in their nests, riding a sleek, powerful horse that seems to bind the wild quarry.”

Aghtadī denotes setting out in the early morning, and wa-l-ṭayru fī wukunātihā specifies the time: birds are not yet abroad. Their stillness makes the poet's early departure especially vivid and introduces the practical setting of a hunt.

Bi-munjarid describes the horse as sleek and free from an encumbering coat or clumsy build. Qayd al-awābid is not a literal rope. It is a bold description of speed so effective that even wild animals seem caught by it.