Mahmoud Darwish In Jerusalem BY MAHMOUD DARWISH TRANSLATED BY FADY JOUDAH In Jerusalem, and I mean within the ancient walls, I walk from one epoch to another without a memory to guide me. The prophets over there are sharing the history of the holy … ascending to heaven and returning less discouraged and melancholy, because love and…
Between you and me…
al-Ḥallāj Translation: Is it you or me? In this there are two gods yet You forbid, You forbid affirming duality Your selfhood is in my negation eternally My all clothes the all in two respects So where is your self [hidden] from me when I see? For my self became clear where there’s no…
The Iwan of Chosroes
The Iwan of Chosroes in Iraq is the only visible structure remaining of the Sassanid capital of Ctesphion (Madā’in in Arabic), about 35 km south of present-day Baghdad. Its Iwan, or arch, the largest vault of unreinforced brickwork in the world, is considered an architectural marvel. Possibly constructed during the reign of Anushirwan (Chosroes I)…
You are Light
One of my favorite poems in praise of the Prophetic Light: Translation: Prayers of God upon You, Light Light of all the dwelling places O you, best of all in spaces Messenger of God, You are You are light in form and shape As “light upon light” you came The Qur’an…
My glance at the Beloved’s face…
Translation: My glance at the face of the beloved is bliss and separation from she whom I love is agony to me I am he who has not been pitied as a lover until, worn out, I became a mercy for the lovers O planter of the basil around our tents Don’t plant the basil for you…
For the Mawlid
These short Arabic verses by the Persian poet Sa’adi are some of the best known and loved praises on the Prophet: Translation: He attained eminence by his perfection The darkness was lifted by his beauty Lovely are all of his qualities Blessings upon him and his family Original: بلغ العلى بكماله كشف الدجى بجماله…
Arabic Poetry Videos
Some beautiful visual poems of lovely Arabic verse: Al-Mutannabi Translation: When the lion bares his teeth, do not fancy that the lion shows to you a smile I have slain the man that sought my heart’s blood many a time Riding a noble mare whose back none else may climb Whose hind and fore-legs…
When she begins to sway — لمّا بدا يتثنى
Another gem from al-Andalus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRGlzIhWgAY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GV6P3YSvrY Translation (of the most common version, in Arabic below): When she began to sway my Love’s beauty entranced me With a glance, she captured me the branch bends when it sways O my promise, O my wonder, None can console my complaint of love and…