Abu Layla ÿUday ibn Rabëÿa ibn al-ḤÃÂriṯ at-Taghlibë (; 443 â 531 CE), also known by the nicknames al-Muhalhil ("he who finely weaves poems") and az-Zër SÃÂlim ("the philander"), was an Arabic pre-Islamic poet and warrior born in Najd. He led the Banu Taghlib tribe in the forty-year long War of Basus.
He was known for having a handsome appearance and an eloquent tongue. In his youth he devoted himself to amusement and courting women, which led his brother Kulaib to call him âÂÂZër al-nisÃÂþâ (the companion of women). When JassÃÂs ibn Murrah killed Kulaib, al-Muhalhil rose in anger and abandoned drinking and leisure until he could avenge his brother. This led to the famous conflicts between Bakr and Taghlib, which continued for many years and in which al-Muhalhil played a prominent role.
In his youth, al-Zër SÃÂlim was known less for warfare and more for a life of leisure, poetry, and romantic pursuits. He gained a reputation for his eloquence and charm, as well as his fondness for wine, music, and the company of women. This lifestyle earned him the nickname âÂÂal-Zër,â meaning âÂÂcompanion of women,â a title reportedly given to him by his brother Kulaib as a form of criticism. During this period, he was not seen as a serious political or military figure within his tribe.
Despite this carefree lifestyle, al-Zër developed a strong reputation as a poet and is often credited in classical sources with contributing to the early development of the Arabic qaṣëdah form. His poetry in this early stage frequently revolved around themes of love, tribal pride, and personal expression, reflecting both his personality and the cultural environment of pre-Islamic Arabia. 
This phase of his life came to a decisive end following the killing of his brother Kulaib by Jassas ibn Murrah. The event transformed al-Zër SÃÂlim from a figure associated with leisure into a central leader and avenger, marking the beginning of his role in the Basus War. From that point onward, he abandoned his earlier lifestyle and devoted himself to warfare and vengeance, a shift that would define his legacy in both historical accounts and later epic traditions.
Al-Muhalhil became the leader of Taghlib and one of the main figures in the Basus War. During the battle known as the Day of Qidah (one of the final battles of the war), he was captured by al-ḤÃÂrith ibn ÿAbbÃÂd without the latter recognizing him. Al-ḤÃÂrith asked him to lead him to ÿUday ibn Rabëÿah al-Muhalhil and promised him safety if he did so. Al-Muhalhil asked: âÂÂIf I show you where ÿUday is, will my life be spared?â When al-ḤÃÂrith agreed, he replied: âÂÂI am ÿUday.â Al-ḤÃÂrith then cut off his forelock and released him.
Al-Muhalhil later went to Yemen, where he stayed among the tribe of Janb. MuÿÃÂwiyah al-Khayr ibn ÿAmr al-Janbë sought the hand of his daughter ÿUbaydah (according to another report, his sister), but al-Muhalhil initially refused until he was compelled to consent. By that time he had grown old and weakened, and he died not long afterward. Another account states that two slaves he had purchased to accompany him on raids grew weary of him and, while traveling with him through a desolate area, decided to kill him. While others claim he was killed by members of the rival Banu Bakr tribe. They did so, thus ending his life and bringing the events of the Basus War to a close.
He is: the knight-poet al-Muhalhil ÿUday ibn Rabëÿah ibn al-ḤÃÂrith ibn Zuhayr ibn Jusham ibn Bakr ibn Ḥabëb ibn ÿAmr ibn Ghanm ibn Taghlib ibn WÃÂþil ibn QÃÂsiá¹ ibn Hinb ibn Afṣàibn Duÿmë ibn Jadëlah ibn Asad ibn Rabëÿah ibn NizÃÂr ibn Maÿadd ibn Adnan.
ÿUday ibn Rabëÿah was known by several titles, the most famous being:
His brother Kulaib reportedly gave him the nickname âÂÂZër al-nisÃÂþâ (companion of women) because he spent much time among them.
It is said that he received this nickname because he wore worn or tattered clothing. Another explanation is derived from a verse he composed in which he used the word *halhala*. It is also said that he was called al-Muhalhil because he âÂÂloosenedâ poetry, meaning he refined and softened its structure.
Another famous verse attributed to him states:
> âÂÂWere it not for the wind, the people of Ḥijr would hear > the clashing of swords striking against shields.âÂÂ
His niece Al-Yamamah bint Kulayyib is reported to have recited verses about his death.
This was his kunyah (honorific). He had no sons, so he was called after his eldest daughter, LaylÃÂ. He also had another daughter named ÿUbaydah. Laylàmarried Kulthum ibn MÃÂlik of Taghlib and gave birth to ÿAmr ibn Kulthum, the famous poet of the Muÿallaqa. His daughter ÿUbaydah married MuÿÃÂwiyah al-Khayr ibn ÿAmr al-Janbë of Madh'hij and bore the clan of Banà « ÿUbaydah. Sources differ regarding the names of his daughters, though they agree he had only two; some say Laylàand ÿUbaydah, others Hind and ÿUbaydah, and others Salmàand SulaymÃÂ.
Al-MuhalhilâÂÂs poetry was a means of stirring people to seek vengeance. He constantly lamented his brother in his verses so that the tragedy would remain vivid among his tribe as it was within himself. Most of the poems he composed mourning his brother describe his tears and grief, repeatedly calling out to him and praising his virtues, generosity, and bravery.
Among his notable verses are:
Another example of the poems attributed to him:
The character of ÿUday ibn Rabëÿah (al-Zër SÃÂlim) has appeared in several television productions, including: