Aḥmad Shawqī (1868-1932), an Egyptian, was one of the foremost Arab poets of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His influence stretched beyond Egypt to embrace other parts of the Arab world because he frequently wrote on themes that resonated with supporters of pan-Arab nationalism and celebrated the great legacy of early Islam. His work has been a staple of school curricula throughout Arab countries for many decades. Although Shawqī's poetry had many detractors, especially among the literary avant-garde, his lyrics were also known for their