Love Sonnets during Hajj

Hajj is one of the most glorious rituals annually held in Mecca. Studying this holy ritual introduces several cultures and myths to us. In spite of its religious roots, Hajj has been a time to enjoy material life for some Muslims. For some poets, it was a time to find a mistress among the women pilgrims and to compose some love sonnets. This article attempts to study the social roots of such a tendency among some Arab poets. This was rooted in the socio-cultural context of the pre-Islam era, also known as Ignorance era. However, it continued after the emergence of Islam as well. More specifically, the pre-Islam era and the Umavid-era up to sixth century (AH) are focused on. It seems that it has served different functions including being a religious pilgrim and a happy festival wherein artists performed their artistic abilities and skills. Among the poets, we can mention Umar bin Abi Rabie and Sharif Al-Razi. The love affairs near Kabba, the dating with the mistresses, and the prayers of the pilgrims with God are among the themes of these sonnets composed during Hajj.