Farazdaq, al- (c. 641–c. 728)

Arabic poet. He and his rival Jarir were the most prominent poets of the Ummayad period, and their satirical poetry was a major feature of disputes between different tribal groups at that time.

Most of Farazdaq's satires are directed against the people of his home town of Basra. His criticisms led to his being forced to flee, first to Al-Kufa, then to Medina, from where he was later expelled by the caliph for licentiousness. He was allowed to return to Basra, where he died.