A Biographical Study of Poets of Al-Taff: Sayyid Haidar Al-Hilli (1246 AH – 1304 AH) as an Example

Abstract

Sayyid Haidar Al-Hilli was born in the village of Birmana, near the city of Hilla in Iraq. Besides the title "Al-Hilli," he was also known as "Al-Husseini" due to his descent from Zayd al-Shaheed, the son of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him). He rose to prominence in poetry, and many prominent figures of his time attested to his leadership in the field. Al-Hilli was influenced by two major poets: Al-Sharif Al-Radhi and Al-Muhyar Al-Daylami. His literary legacy includes three works in addition to his poetic diwan. He was a student of Sheikh Hassan Al-Falluji and his uncle Sayyid Mahdi Sayyid Dawood.

Sayyid Haidar passed away in 1304 AH at the age of 59 and was mourned by prominent poets, including Sayyid Muhammad Saeed Al-Haboubi, Sheikh Hassoun Al-Abdullah, and Sheikh Hassan Al-Qayyim. His poetry is marked by a variety of themes, although he was most renowned for his elegies, particularly in lamentation of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).