The Elegy Poem for Saad Zaghloul by Hafiz Ibrahim : A Prosodic Analytical Study

Abstract

Elegy refers to lamenting the deceased, praising them by mentioning their virtuous qualities, noble character, honorable stances, and praying for mercy and forgiveness for them, while also encouraging their relatives to be patient and find solace. The aim of this article is to critique the poem based on prosodic standards by analyzing its verses, identifying the correct and incorrect ones, applying prosodic meters, and discussing their irregularities and defects. This will provide a solid foundation for an accurate, objective critique of the poem. The methodology followed in this article is a descriptive-analytical approach, where the poem’s verses are segmented, and their irregularities and defects are highlighted. Through my research, I have concluded that this poem has a well-constructed structure, a strong foundation, and adheres to the poetic meter and rhythmic patterns established by Khalil al-Farahidi. There are no significant flaws that diminish the poet's or the poem's value. I observed instances of khaban (elision), which, although frequent, enhance the rhythm's beauty. There is also tash‘ith (truncation), which is correct and does not indicate a break in the verse. The few irregularities and metrical defects, such as kaf and shikl, are considered faults in the Khafif meter, and the poet should avoid them.