Maimoun bin Qais bin Jundal, known as Abu Basir and popularly referred to as Al-A'sha, was a prominent Arab poet of the pre-Islamic era.

His nickname, Al-A'sha, which translates to 'the blind', reflects his visual impairment.

As a distinguished poet, he is recognized as one of the contributors to the renowned collection of the Mu'allaqat, a series of pre-Islamic Arabic poems that stand as a testament to the artistry and culture of the time.

Al-A'sha's poetic style encompassed a range of themes and subjects, demonstrating versatility and depth.

His poetry included various forms, often set to music, and he was known to have performed for both Arab and Persian kings, which contributed to his fame across disparate cultures.

Scholars have noted a significant presence of Persian vocabulary in his works, a reflection of the cultural exchanges of the period.

He lived a long life, reportedly reaching into the era of Islam without converting to the new faith.

Toward the end of his life, he became completely blind.

Al-A'sha was born and died in the village of Manfuhah in the Yamama region, located just south of modern-day Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

His residence remains part of the historical heritage of the area, alongside his grave.

One of the most famous lines from his poetry begins: "What is the weeping of the older man at the ruins, and my question, and your refusal to answer my question?" This opening illustrates his introspective nature and serves as a glimpse into his emotional landscape.

Al-A'sha is attributed with the title 'Sanjah al Arab' or 'The Piped One of the Arabs', a name believed to derive either from the appeal of his craft and lyrical style or from being the first poet to mention the 'sanj' (a type of string instrument) in his poetry.

The poet wrote, "And you can hear the sanj if it echoes in the voice of the musician."

Historical records attribute this title to Muawiya, who praised Al-A'sha for his ability to captivate audiences.

Al-A'sha is celebrated as one of the four poets unanimously acknowledged as the greatest of the Arab poets, straddling the transition between the age of pre-Islamic literature and the early Islamic period.

He is noted for having expressed praise for the Prophet Muhammad, although he did not embrace Islam.

Among his renowned verses are the lines that compose a notable insult to his contemporary, Alqamah bin Al-Atheeh, which poignantly captures the competitive spirit of Arab poetic tradition: "You spend your nights in comfort, with bloated bellies while your neighbors are suffering in hunger."

Throughout his body of work, Al-A'sha also offered wisdom through proverbs that have persisted across generations.

His famous saying, "Like a ram that butts a rock, it does not hurt it, but weakens its own horn," illustrates the themes of resilience and the consequences of futile efforts.

Another notable line states, "If you do not journey with provisions of piety, you will meet those who have prepared at death," reflecting his understanding of moral foresight and preparation for the afterlife.

Al-A'sha's legacy is firmly cemented in the annals of Arabic literary history, where his contributions to poetry and insight into human experiences resonate with audiences to this day.

His life and works provide valuable scholarly insight into the cultural milieu of pre-Islamic Arabia.