The Commentary of Al-Qasidah — Page 109
The commentary of al-Qa si dah 109 They acted just as beasts and were known for their robbing and looting. They spent their life in fighting and creating trouble and had no justice among them. They were so keen on killing that they can only be compared to the beasts of the jungle. They were stubborn and once they started a fight there was no way to stop it. If only two people had an argument, hundreds would become involved. If there was only one small little spark the country would make a fire out of it. As an example of this, there was a fight between Bakr and Taghlab 17 which lasted almost fifty years. This fight spread throughout Arabia and many tribes were completely annihilated. It was not a fight over land or government, but only a manifestation of their ignorance. They would fight over who was allowed to graze their pastures or whose horse should be first or who would receive water first. Over their petty issues they fought and drew their swords. Day and night they were engrossed in gambling, and drinking became engraved in their very nature. They were living a life of luxury and carelessness, and basically, had lost their senses. Their condition was the worst in every respect. Centuries had passed in such a state and their sins had overshadowed their virtues. 18 17 Bakr and Taghlab are the names of two Arab tribes that were battling each other. Their main battle was named the Battle of Bas u s. There was a woman from the family of Bakr whose name was Bas u s. Bakr had a guest whose camel strayed into the land of Kulaib, while grazing. Kulaib belonged to the family of Taghlab. So Kulaib shot an arrow at its utter. The Bakr tribe became angry over this and a person named Muhalhil killed Kulaib with a dagger. This started a battle among the tribes, which continued for a long time. 18 Musaddas Madd-o-Jazar Isl a m, Musaddas H a l i Shamsul-‘Ulam a ’, p. 14 – 15, Feroz Sons Lahore, First Edition (1988)