Sahban Wa'il

Sahban ibn Zafar ibn Iyas ibn Wa'il was an Arabic literary figure and an exceptional orator. He is sometimes mentioned as a standard of expressive skill in the combination of eloquence and literary style.

Life and historical context

He belonged to the Bahila tribe. The surname "Wa'il" is used as the name of a tribal ancestor.
He is considered one of the Mukh'zaramin - that is, he lived during the Jahiliyyah and later converted to Islam, although sources indicate that he did not meet the Prophet Muhammad. And is said to have traveled in the Levant during the reign of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan.

Reputation and works

Sahaban Wa'il is known in the later Arabic literary tradition as an exceptional orator. In classical sources, he is sometimes claimed to have never repeated a word, even when speaking for extended periods, and to have adapted similar meanings to new expressions.

Death

Wa'il is said to have died in 54 AH during the Umayyad Caliphate.

Legacy and influence

Sahaban Wa'il is often cited as a model of eloquence in Arabic rhetoric and literary discourse, especially in his alleged ability to reformulate similar ideas in fresh expression. In later Arabic literature, his name appears in works commenting on style and oratory, sometimes alongside other famous orators.
In Arabic conversation and idioms, it is often used against others: for example, in contrast to Baqil, one can say: "This is the age in which Baqil prevails and Sahaban wa'il declines," meaning that eloquence favors foolishness.