My people will remember me when their trials grow grave…
Quote
My people will remember me when their trials grow grave; in the dark night, the full moon is missed.
Arabic original
سيذكرني قومي إذا جدّ جدّهم، وفي الليلة الظلماء يفتقد البدر.
What it means
Someone’s value may become most apparent through absence. The full moon stands for a person who gives light or help, whose absence is deeply felt when circumstances become difficult.
The story behind this quote
The line belongs to Araka ‘asiyya al-dam‘, associated with Abu Firas’s captivity poems. The poet asserts his worth to his people despite being far away.
The full moon is especially noticeable when other light is absent. Applying the image to his own absence, the poet claims that his people will understand his role when times grow difficult. The line combines the pain of separation with confidence in his worth.
The source
قصيدة «أراك عصي الدمع شيمتك الصبر» (الروميات), من الروميات، قالها في الأسر
The text appears in the indicated source. A traditional attribution remains distinct from proof of authorship: see the context.
More quotes by Abu Firas al-Hamdani
Yes, I yearn and carry a burning ache, but a man like me does not let his secret be spread.
I see you resisting tears, patience your nature; does love have no command or prohibition over you?