Sharjah Launches 15th Edition of the Ramadan Majlis Highlighting the Hidden Stories Behind Poetic Texts
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, attended the launch of the 15th Ramadan Majlis at Aljada, Sharjah on Sunday evening. The event, organised by the Sharjah Press Club under the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, is set to run until 26 February and aims to enrich the Emirates’ vibrant literary and cultural scene during the holy month.
The opening evening featured the first literary session, titled “Beyond the Poem: Hidden Stories that Shaped Poetic Texts.” This session brought poet and content creator Abdullah Al Anzi (widely known as “Abu Aseel”) into conversation with media professional Hamed bin Mohammadi, who served as moderator.
Expressing his gratitude at the start of the session, Abdullah Al Anzi gave special thanks to the Emirate of Sharjah and the event organisers for their warm welcome and hospitality.
He shared his perspective that “classifying poets is not necessarily a matter that must be uniform among people, as it varies according to their poetic tastes and intellectual orientations.” He highlighted the dynamic spectrum of Arabic poetry, spanning classical (vertical), Nabati, and free verse, as well as classical and modern styles. Al Anzi underscored that these diverse schools depend largely on each poet’s environment, culture, and personal journey.
Abdullah Al Anzi also disclosed that he has extensively read the works of most Arabic poets, stating this wide exposure has enriched his artistic and intellectual arsenal. According to Al Anzi, “continuous reading represents the fundamental pillar for any poet seeking growth and distinction.” The poet named Al Jawahiri, Al Mutanabbi, Abu Firas Al Hamdani, Abu Tammam, and Al Buhturi as the five leading poets in Arab literary history. He delved into their life stories, the historical events that shaped their legacy, and the remarkable qualities—such as intelligence, forbearance, quick wit, and a strong poetic presence—that set them apart.
He underlined the importance of recognizing that poetry defies fixed standards. In Al Anzi’s words, “it is impossible to establish fixed standards by which all poetic experiences can be measured, as poetry is an art characterised by flexibility and renewal, influenced by its time, place, and the circumstances of its author.” He insisted that a poem’s beauty lies not in rigid adherence to structure, but in its power to stir emotion and express sincere ideas and feelings. The poet also spoke of the many “overlooked poets” whose powerful verses merit greater recognition.
The session further explored elegies—poems written in memory of the deceased. Al Anzi remarked that these works are especially poignant, often marked by an authenticity and spontaneity born of deep personal loss. He observed, “this type of poetry reveals the most genuine and profound emotions and immortalises the memory of the departed through words that remain present in the conscience, carrying true loyalty and heartfelt impact.”
At the close of the event, His Highness, as Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, honoured both Abdullah Al Anzi and Hamed bin Mohammadi for their insightful contributions, wishing them ongoing success in their creative pursuits.
The evening also witnessed the attendance of senior officials, including Tariq Saeed Allay (Director-General, Sharjah Government Media Bureau), Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri (Secretary-General, Sharjah Media Council), Salem Ali Al Ghaithi (Director, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority), Alia Al Suwaidi (Director, Sharjah Government Media Bureau), along with numerous officials, media professionals, poets, and poetry enthusiasts.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
