الزين هذا
“This Beauty”
Pronounced: El Zain Hatha
Emirati Classic
Written by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
الزيـن هذا حلـو(ن) وزين
This beauty, is nice & beautiful
El zain hatha helwen wzain
خصـه لي لبس القــلايد
Especially when he wears the necklaces
Khisa le libs algalayid
مزيون يسبي القلب والعيـن
Charming takes captive the heart & eye
Mazyon yasbi elgalb welain
فيه الحسن والزين زايد
In him the beauty & grace is plenty
Feh elhisn welzain zayed
ما شفت انا في وصفه اثنين
I never saw the same as his characteristics two
Mashift ana fe wasfih ethnain
ترف الصبا غض النهـايد
A luxury in prime, softness of the elevated
Tarf elsiba ghadh elnehayid
من وين هذا الـريم من وين
From where is this gazelle (Graceful woman), from where?
Min wain hatha elreem mn wain
لي صار للغـزلان قـايد
The one that became the gazelles a leader
Le sar lel ghzlan gayid
***
مفنود عن كل المزايين
Distinctive from all the beauties
Mafnood an kel mizayeen
نوره لنور الشمس عايد
His light reflects back the light of the sun
Norah linoor elshams aayid
في مبســم در مثامين
In a smile of bounty & recitations
Fe mbsm dr mthameen
يك و دانـات(ن) فرايد
One & a collection of distinctive large pearls
Yak wdanatn ferayid
عوده اذا هب الهــوى يلين
His demeanor (beauty) if the wind blows, softens
Oodah etha hab elhowa yleen
فــارع و مياس ونايد
Distinguished (notable/honorable) & beautiful & sparkling (a star in the night sky)
Fari’i wemayas wenayid
تحلى به الاوصاف وتزيين
Admirable qualities are embellished by him & they become more beautiful
Tehla bih elawsaf wetzeen
و تزين به حتى القصـايد
& even the poems are adorned by him
Wtzeen bah hata elgisayid
In many Arabic poetry traditions, poets often play around with grammar rules. For instance, they may address or refer to a beloved using male pronouns even when addressing a female. They may also use plural pronouns when addressing an individual.
Not only does this practice add a layer of ambiguity and subtlety to the poetry, but it also highlights the fluidity and versatility of the Arabic language. We witness through it the language's ability to convey nuanced emotions and concepts through linguistic creativity, all while maintaining its resonance with audiences. Serving as a testament to the enduring allure of poetic expression in the Arab world.
