Al-Khansā’: Voice of Defiance and Strength

Al-Khansā’ — Tumāḍir bint ‘Amr — was the fiercest poetic voice of pre-Islamic Arabia.

In the 7th century, when women were expected to stay silent, she stood in public

competitions and the greatest poets made room — not out of politeness, but respect.

Her elegies for her fallen brothers were so devastating she was called “the one who breaks hearts.”

At ʿUkāẓ, the famed poet al-Nābighah told her, “You are the best poet among those

with breasts.” She shot back, “I’m the best among those with testicles too.”

That was Al-Khansā’: fearless, brilliant, unshaken. She later embraced

Islam, and even the Prophet Muhammad admired her art. During the Battle