We all have an audio stuck in our heads this Ramadan season- the โTab Tabi Tabโ song. I’m sure you have also come across this viral meme sensation that has taken over the social media and is being featured in numerous reels and hilarious relatable content.
But little do many people know that this audio goes beyond the meme culture and has an insane 1200-year-old back story to it. Yes, the meme has a connection to the ancient history!
The Origin of the โTab Tabi Tabโ Audio
It is stated in the historical folklore that the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur of the 8th century had an exceptional memory and was able to memorise an entire poem just by hearing it once. Talk about a good memory!
The Caliph then competed with the poets of his time and called them in his court to recite their literary poems, listen to their recitals and tease them by saying that this isnโt their original piece and that he had heard it before. He would then repeat it word by word to prove his point and then make their art his own. Poor poets didnโt know they were getting played.
The Poem that Outwitted the Ancient Caliphย
However, then a poet named Al-Asma’i recognised the Caliphโs trick. He then devised a brilliant trick and recited a very strange poem with a weird rhyme scheme. The poem had very complex verses and odd repetitions that were almost impossible to memorise.
The verses of this confusing poem were:
“Fi wasat bustan halฤซ, bazhar wal-surur lฤซ
Wa laudu dandan danฤlฤซ, at-tabl tabtab tabฤlฤซ
Tab tabi tab tab tabฤlฤซ, tab tabi tab tab tabฤlฤซ”
This trick left the mighty Caliph speechless; he couldnโt recall a word and poet Al-Asma’i won the round. This allowed the poet to protect his poem.
Read More:ย Ramadan 2025: Countries Fasting the Longest and Shortest Hours
From Ancient Folklore to an Internet Viral Meme
This old folklore has now resurfaced and has taken the shape of a viral meme, allowing history to be turned humourous too.
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However, this is still at the end of the day just a folklore and has the purpose of keeping people intrigued with a good ending. Just like the sound, the story is for entertainment too and both are playing their role even after 1,200 years.
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