The Qasida: Understanding the Ode of Praise in Court Poetry

In the glittering courts of kings and sultans, where eloquence was as prized as power, the qasida (or qaṣīda) reigned as one of the most prestigious forms of classical Persian and Arabic poetry. With roots deep in pre-Islamic Arabia and a flourishing legacy in Persian literary tradition, the qasida is a poetic ode of praise, lament, or moral reflection, written in a single meter and rhyme throughout.

But beyond its formal grandeur, the qasida is a cultural window—revealing how poets shaped identity, virtue, and political allegiance in the poetic courts of medieval Iran and beyond.

What Is a Qasida?

The word qasida derives from the Arabic root qaṣada, meaning “to aim” or “to intend.” True to its name, a qasida is a deliberate and purposeful poem, often extending from 20 to over 100 lines, written in monorhyme (the same rhyme repeated at the end of every line) and single meter.

While the structure remains consistent, the content of a qasida is often divided into sections, commonly beginning with personal or emotional themes and gradually moving toward the central purpose—usually praise of a patron, ruler, scholar, or deity.

A Formal Structure with Deep Tradition

A classical qasida often includes three main parts:

1. Nasib (Introduction) – A lyrical prelude, often nostalgic or romantic. The poet might lament a lost beloved, a ruined dwelling, or the passage of time. This section sets the emotional tone.

2. Rahil (Journey) – A depiction of travel or the hardships of …