Abu Layla al-Muhalhel

Who was Abu Layla al-Muhalhel?

Al-Zeir Abu layla almuhalhl Adi ibn Rabia', whose real name was Adi bin Rabi'a, was a poet and warrior in pre-Islamic Arabia. He died in 531 AD. He is the hero and main character of the famous 6th century Epic of Adi, revolving around the murder of his Brother Kulaib Bin rabia.

The Epic of Adi primarily revolves around his trauma as a result of his brother's loss, and the ensuing war of attrition known as Albasoos.

The story is well known through Arabian, Syrian and Bedouin vocal folklore, and was documented and continues to be read in the coffee houses of Damascus and Aleppo by the Hakawaties.