Qais and Layla (The Eternal Love)

"Majnoon Layla" is Qays ibn al-Mulawwah, from the tribes of Hawazin, and one of the great poets who lived in the first Islamic century during the Umayyad rule. Qays is considered one of the passionate lovers whose tongues flowed with poetry in love and romance. He was called Majnoon Layla because of his obsession with her and his love for her, a love that exceeded all boundaries, to the point that he became an example for lovers. Despite this love, Layla's family refused to marry her to him, so he wandered aimlessly, reciting poetry and traveling between countries, until he died of grief. What companionship does he have in life after he has become lonely, and what reassurance does he find within himself after his anxiety has increased? What love is he seeking in this world after loving Layla! This poetic play by the master poet Ahmad Shawqi has addressed that dramatic tragedy in a distinguished and wonderful manner.