محبوبة وصيفة المتوكل

Mahbuba, a slave-girl of al-Mutawakkil. Al-Suyuti says that she was a poet, learned in the various sciences, and a singer. ² She was linked to al-Mutawakkil.

Al-Suyuti relates that after his killing she was added to Bugha al-Kabir's household. He ordered her to attend his drinking gatherings, and she excused herself. He swore on her, and she sang an improvised verse weeping for Ja'far, and Bugha wept until he fainted, and ordered that she be given the choice. ²

Al-Suyuti also says that she grew up in al-Ta'if, learned literature and related poetry. Then al-Mutawakkil became angry with her and forbade the slave-girls of the palace to speak to her. He saw her in a dream as if he had been reconciled with her; he found her playing the lute and singing, reconciled with her, and returned her to her rank. ³

Al-Mas'udi has another report: she composed a melody and sang it, and wrote the name of Ja'far in musk upon her cheek, and sang when he was angry with her until he heard her and was reconciled. ⁴