Qays ibn al-Mulawwah, nicknamed “Majnun Layla” (24 AH / 645 CE – 68 AH / 688 CE): An Arab love poet, one of the most passionate lovers, from Najd. He lived during the caliphates of Marwan ibn al-Hakam and Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan in the first century AH in the Arabian desert.

He was not insane, but was given this nickname because of his intense love for Layla al-Amiriyya, with whom he grew up and whom he loved deeply. Her family refused to let him marry her, so he wandered aimlessly, reciting poetry, finding solace in the company of wild animals, and singing of his chaste love. He was sometimes seen in Syria, sometimes in Najd, and sometimes in the Hijaz.

He was one of the two famous poets known as Qays, the other being Qays ibn Dharih, “Majnun Lubna” (the Madman of Lubna). He died in 68 AH (688 CE). He was found lying dead among some rocks and was taken to his family.