Recently, a song titled "Tab Tabi Tab Tab Taba Li" went viral on social media. It’s hard to find a social media user who hasn’t come across this tune. The song has also gained immense popularity, even if just for fun.
This song has spread across all platforms, with users making memes, recording videos of themselves singing it from memory, and engaging in various creative activities. At first glance, the song might seem meaningless, without any historical background. It would be natural to assume it was simply the creation of an idle mind.
However, if poetry is a game of strategy, then Imam Al-Asma'i (Rah.) was a master player, a legendary poet recorded in history. His timeless poem "Tab Tabi Tab Tab Taba Li", originally known in Arabic as "Sawtu Safiril Bulbuli" (Song of the nightingale), is an enduring testament to his brilliance. But the story behind this poem is even more fascinating.
The trickery of the Abbasid Caliph
Abbasid Caliph Abu Ja'far Al-Mansur was known for his exceptional memory. He had a unique strategy to deceive poets while announcing grand rewards for their work. Whenever a poet recited a poem in his court, the caliph would memorize it upon hearing it just once. His servant could memorize it after hearing it twice, and his maid after three times.
The trick worked like this; after hearing a poem, the caliph would claim, "I've heard this before!" Then his servant and maid would recite it exactly, proving that the poem was not original. As a result, the poet would be denied his promised reward.
Realizing this deception, the brilliant poet Imam Al-Asma’i (Rah.) devised a plan. He composed a poem so intricate and filled with complex words, rhythm, and riddles that even the caliph could not memorize it.
Dressed as a Bedouin, Al-Asma’i (Rah.) arrived at caliph’s court and began his recitation:
Sawtu Safiril Bulbuli (Song of the nightingale)
The song of the nightingale, Excited the heart of the ant. Water and flowers together, With a glance like a blooming flower. And you, my beloved, My leader and protector, Oh, how many times, Has my heart been captivated!
His verses were filled with tongue-twisting words, complex rhythms, and nonsensical yet melodic syllables:
"Wal-'oodu dandan dana li, Wal-tablu tabtab taba li!" (The oud played its melody, And the drums went tabtab taba li!)
As the poem progressed, the caliph listened attentively but struggled to retain anything. His servant and maid, too, failed to repeat the words. For the first time, a poet had outsmarted the ruler!
The unexpected twist
Realizing his defeat, the caliph had no choice but to reward the poet. He declared, "Whatever surface the poem is written on, its weight in gold will be given as a reward."
But then came the biggest surprise. Imam Al-Asma’i (Rah.) revealed that he had not written the poem on paper but had inscribed it on a massive stone slab! Ten soldiers were needed to carry it into the court.
Trapped by his own promise, the caliph had no choice but to honor his words. After granting the reward, he angrily accused the poet of deception, demanding the gold be returned.
With a smile, Al-Asma’i (Rah.) replied, "I will return it on one condition; you must never deceive poets again and must give everyone their rightful reward."
Realizing his mistake, the caliph agreed. From that day forward, poets in his court received fair treatment and respect.
The legacy of the poem
"Sawtu Safiril Bulbuli" is more than just a poem. It is a symbol of truth and intelligence overcoming tyranny. The poem has been preserved in several classical texts, including "Tarikh al-Adab al-Abbasi" (History of Abbasid Literature).
Additionally, a book titled "Sharh Qissat Sawtu Safiril Bulbuli" (Explanation of the Story of Nightingale’s Song) provides an in-depth analysis of its meaning and impact.
Through this ingenious poem, Imam Al-Asma’i (Rah.) proved that poetry is not just about beauty; it can also be a powerful tool of resistance. And sometimes, a few clever words are enough to break the arrogance of even the mightiest rulers.
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