Al Arrayedh: A Bahraini Poet

Throughout the history of Bahrain there were many inspirational characters including actors, writers, poets and entrepreneurs. As a country rich in culture and arts, they all represent a fragment of the Bahraini experience.

One of many representatives of the Bahraini culture was Ibrahim Al - Arrayedh, who was generally regarded to be the one of the greatest Bahraini poets and a leader in 20th Century literature. Born in Mumbai to Bahraini / Iraqi parents in 1908, Al - Arrayedh was not able to visit Bahrain until the age of 14, where he started his education in Bahrain's first school. However, he did not permanently reside on the island as he later returned to Mumbai and enrolled at a local school to where he earned his high school diploma.

Ibrahim studied Persian and went on to show keen interest in Persian literature

He also studied English and expressed deep interest in Urdu Literature. Al-Arrayedh was a multi - linguist and therefore was able to translate his work between any of Persian, Urdu, English or Arabic. Although he lived between many different cultures, he still strived to find his identity and expressed it vividly through his literature. Remarkably, Al Arrayedh learnt a total of four languages and was able to write in all four!

His poems were popular in Iraq, Syria and Egypt and was awarded many honours including the Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Order - First Class. Also, after his death - on the 1st May 2002 (aged 94) - King Hamad named a very geographically important road in Bahrain after him - a road opposite to the national harbour. Also, UNESCO held an exhibition in his honour.

Ibrahim's achievement proves that challenges may be the factor that motivates the individual to work harder and storm their way to success. Although the way to success may seem overwhelming, the pleasure of achievement overpowers the hardships of the journey. Al - Arrayedh has passed away and it is now your chance to shine. Plan your way to success by setting your goals and working hard on achieving them. Always reflect on your goals and be keen on improving. It is a cycle that continues until you reach your goals, where you will then need to set new ones!

Ahmed Mansoor 12F