Wadah Abdel Wali
(وضاح عبد الوالي)Yemen
Waddah al-Yaman, born Abdul Rahman bin Isma'il al-Khawlani in the latter half of the 7th century, was a prominent Yemeni poet renowned for his evocative and romantic verse. His poetry, characterized by its delicate expression and emotional depth, has left a lasting imprint on Arabic literature. Al-Yaman's works often explored themes of love and desire, reflecting the cultural and social milieu of his time.
His life was marked by a tragic end; he was executed in 708 by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I, reportedly due to his intimate association with the Caliph's wife. This dramatic conclusion has only amplified the mystique surrounding his legacy. Today, Waddah al-Yaman is celebrated as Yemen's national poet, with his contributions continuing to inspire and influence generations of poets and readers alike.