«فَإِنْ يَكُنْ أَفَلَ قَمَرُ الشِّعْرَى فَقَدْ طَلَعَ قَمَرُ الشِّعْرِ»
If the light associated with al-Shiʿrā has set, the moon of poetry has risen.
Al-Shiʿrā names the bright star Sirius; al-shiʿr is poetry. Their near-identical sound creates a pun, while afala / ṭalaʿa contrasts setting and rising.
The celestial comparison elevates Abū Zayd’s poetic skill, transferring the imagery of light from the night sky to the gathering’s new guest.
Opening interactive controls...
The Kūfan Maqāmah: The Guest’s Condition and Abū Zayd Revealed
«فَإِنْ يَكُنْ أَفَلَ قَمَرُ الشِّعْرَى فَقَدْ طَلَعَ قَمَرُ الشِّعْرِ»
If the light associated with al-Shiʿrā has set, the moon of poetry has risen.
Al-Shiʿrā names the bright star Sirius; al-shiʿr is poetry. Their near-identical sound creates a pun, while afala / ṭalaʿa contrasts setting and rising.
The celestial comparison elevates Abū Zayd’s poetic skill, transferring the imagery of light from the night sky to the gathering’s new guest.