The Story and Poem of “Al-Khalouj”
Rallying Resolve and the “Sons of Ali” in the Levant
Poet: Mohammed Al-OuniThe people of Al-Qassim gathered to discuss the matter while the poet Mohammed Al-Ouni was in Kuwait. One night he arrived late. When asked why, he replied: “I was on my way to you when I heard a camel crying with a sound that broke the heart. The moment inspired me to compose a poem.”
When he finished reciting it, he immediately asked: “Who is prepared to deliver this poem to the Al-Oqilat in the Levant?” They declared their readiness and entrusted the poet Ali Al-Humaidah with the task, beginning the epic call to rally the Al-Oqilat.
A bereaved she-camel rends the heart with the last of her cries *** Broken by tears that have shattered her strength
Her hoarse call stirs every grief-stricken soul *** Whenever she casts out her voice, her sobbing grows
I weep for the homeland in whose shade we were raised *** Khashm Al-Ra‘an marks its northern side
She is our mother, and sweet is the milk of her breast *** She nourished and raised us, and we are her children
She wraps us in broadcloth and shawls *** While she stands naked, weeping, with no one to weep for her
When you reach the afternoon market, young men greet you *** Their sandals adorned with fine silk
Sons of Ali, today is the hour when you can help *** A young man gains from giving nothing but praise
This is a call that only a rare man can answer *** Sons of Ali—which of you says, “I will take it on”?
The Al-Oqilat Respond: “We Will Take It On”
Abdulkarim Al-Jasser, who was with the Al-Oqilat in the Levant, relates: “Ali Al-Humaidah reached us while the Al-Oqilat were gathered, as usual, in the evening at Al-Hamidiyah Market—the afternoon market—and the poem was recited to them. As soon as the reciter reached the verse:” “Sons of Ali—which of you says, ‘I will take it on’?” everyone present cried out with one voice: “We will take it on!”
Those present repeated the rallying cry “Pride of the Sons of Ali.” The Al-Oqilat gathered in a procession through the streets of Damascus, assembling 1,200 fighters. They liquidated their business interests, purchased weapons and ammunition, and set out for Kuwait through Iraq. By the time they arrived, their number had reached 3,000 warriors, ready to join King Abdulaziz’s armies in the two battles of Al-Bukairiyah and Al-Shinanah —the two decisive battles.