“Al-Lammi ‘Alaik”.. Bids Farewell to Its Composer

The news of the passing of the veteran composer Farouq Hilal is not merely a fleeting item in the artistic milieu; it has brought to the forefront a melody that continues to resonate in the hearts of lovers of Gulf music. It was famously sung by the veteran singer Abdullah Al-Ruwais, may God protect him, in the 1980s. The song, “Alimni Alayk” (Teach Me About You), was more than just a successful work; it was an artistic milestone that united a Kuwaiti voice capable of reaching the people with a composer who possessed a unique sensibility, allowing his melodies to endure for a long time.

The lyrics were written by poet As’ad Al-Ghareer, and the track was recorded at the studios of the late Ammar Al-Sharaei in Cairo. Al-Ruwais released the song in his 1988 album through Al-Nathir Records. The album featured a collection of distinctive songs that are still listened to today, including: “Ala Eish Natfaham” (On What Will We Agree), “Law Fardadna” (If We Assume), “Ya Dunya” (Oh World), “Alimni Alayk” (Teach Me About You), “Maghib Al-Shams” (Sunset), “Qalbi Ma’ak” (My Heart Is With You), and “Ayni Bi Aynik” (My Eye in Your Eye).

Although these songs were distinguished in both poetry and melody, “Alimni Alayk” stood out in this album because it was a “heavy” song in terms of both lyrical depth and musical complexity. Al-Ruwais, known as “Boukhaled,” performed it in a manner that no other singer could replicate, allowing it to reach audiences from the Gulf to the entire Arab world. It remains one of the songs that the public revisits whenever they recall that era, cherished for its warmth, simplicity, and artistic sincerity.

Although their collaboration was not limited to this single work—there was a project for another song titled “Qalbi Yumak” (My Heart Is Yours)—it was never officially released. Al-Ruwais only performed it at one of his private concerts, leaving it as a piece known only to those close to his career, without getting the full opportunity to reach the general public.

The composer may depart, but the melody does not leave. Sincere works know no end; they continue to live whenever a voice brings them to the ear or memory calls them to the heart. Today, as the artistic community bids farewell to Farouq Hilal, “Alimni Alayk” seems to whisper a sorrowful farewell to its composer, who gave it life. It stands as a testament that while composers may pass away, their melodies remain immortal in people’s memories. May God have mercy on Farouq Hilal, and may God grant Abdullah Al-Ruwais health and recovery.