Qasida (Arabic: قصيدة qasida) is a very old kind of Arabic poem (an ode).
In Arabic literary theory from the 9th century, a qasida has three parts.
The first part is called Nasib. This part is a sad poem. The poet remembers someone they love. The poet feels sad because they are apart from this person.
The second part keeps telling the story. The poet rides a camel. The poet travels through the desert. The poet faces many dangers in the desert.
The third part is the last part. In this part, the poet may praise themself. This is called mufāḫara. The poet may also speak against an enemy. This can include mockery, called hiğāʼ. Or the poet may praise another person.