Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Laboun

Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Laboun (1790-1831) was a Saudi traditional poet who lived during the rule of the First and Second Saudi States. He was known as the "Prince of Nabati Poets," and the poems he composed were called "Labouniyyat." His poetry blended classical traditions with creative innovation, and he was among the pioneers who introduced new styles, meanings, and poetic meters in Nabati poetry.

Mohammed Bin Laboun was born in the town of Thadiq while his family was residing there after moving from the town of Harmah, as recounted by his father, the genealogist and historian Hamad Bin Laboun. He grew up in Thadiq, where he studied, learned to read and write, and memorized the Quran. He had the opportunity to explore major works of history and literature from his father’s extensive library.

His upbringing took place in a politically stable environment after the foundations of the First Saudi State had been firmly established. From a young age, he was exposed to political and governmental circles, as his father, Hamad Bin Laboun, would take him to the gatherings of Al Saud princes. At the age of seventeen, he migrated with several members of his tribe to az-Zubayr in Iraq and later moved between Kuwait, al-Qatif, al-Ahsa, Bahrain, and India.

Mohammed Bin Laboun began composing Nabati poetry at an early age. His religious background was evident in his poems, as he frequently referenced and incorporated verses from the Quran, sayings of the Prophet, and mentions of prophets and angels. His scholarly foundation was reflected in his eloquence, the strength and richness of his language, and his innovation in introducing new poetic meters while developing existing ones. He also introduced artistic innovations, made critical amendments to the works of renowned poets, and incorporated poetic borrowings from them.

He followed the traditional structure of classical poetry, often beginning his poems with Nasib (romantic preludes) and Ghazal (expressions of love). He then described the riding animals and their burdens, as well as the deserts and towns they passed through, before delving into the main theme of the poem. At times, he concluded his poems with praises to God, expressions of gratitude, and prayers for the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH).

Mohammed Bin Laboun passed away in Kuwait due to the plague that spread across Kuwait, Iraq, and az-Zubayr that year. He was forty-two years old.