هم البحور عطاء حين تسألهم وفي اللَّقَاءِ إِذا تَلقَى بِهِمْ بُهَمُ و (1
This line of poetry uses metaphor to describe people who are extremely generous and brave. The comparison to seas ('بحور') suggests vastness and abundance, implying that these individuals are as giving as the sea is vast. The second part of the line highlights their bravery, suggesting that when you meet them, they exhibit courage and strength. This is typical of classical Arabic poetry, which often uses nature and grand imagery to convey the virtues of individuals.
| Word | In Arabic | In English | Pron. |
|---|---|---|---|
| هم | هم | they are | hum |
| البحور | البحار | the oceans | al-buhoor |
| عطاء | منح | generosity | ataa' |
| حين | عندما | when | heen |
| تسألهم | تطلب منهم | ask them | tas'aluhum |
| وفي | و | and | wa-fi |
| اللَّقَاءِ | الاجتماع | meeting | al-liqaa' |
| إِذا | عندما | when | idha |
| تَلقَى | تواجه | meet | talqaa |
| بِهِمْ | معهم | with | bihim |
| بُهَمُ | شجعان | courageous | buham |
| و | و | also | wa |
The poet of this specific line is not identified. It is part of classical Arabic poetry, which is known for its rich use of metaphor and simile, often celebrating virtues like bravery and generosity.