Abu Madyan al-Tlemcani
Abu Madyan Shuaib ibn al-Husayn al-Ansari al-Andalusi was a renowned poet and Sufi born in the outskirts of Seville. He pursued his education in Fez before undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca. He eventually settled in the coastal town of Bejaia and passed away near Tlemcen, where he was interred in the village of Al-Abad. The following are key details about Abu Madyan al-Tlemcani:
Early Life
Abu Madyan experienced the misfortune of becoming an orphan at a young age, losing his father while he was still a boy among his siblings. His father, a shepherd, left him with the responsibility of caring for the sheep, which confined him to this task. Despite his obligations, he yearned for knowledge and spirituality, often neglecting his duties as a shepherd in pursuit of learning.
He was known for his admiration of individuals who read and prayed, often feeling melancholic about his own lack of familiarity with the Quran and the proper way to pray. Determined to change his circumstances, Abu Madyan resolved to leave his home in search of knowledge.
Pursuit of Knowledge
Abu Madyan’s journey in the quest for knowledge was filled with numerous challenges and dangers. He finally arrived in the city of Fez, where he dedicated himself to the local mosque, learning the practices of prayer and participating in scholarly gatherings. He was particularly influenced by Sheikh Abu al-Hasan ibn Harzaham, attending his lessons and striving to gain various fields of knowledge under his guidance. To support himself financially, he worked as a copyist for his mentor.
As he continued his studies, Abu Madyan developed a profound interest in Sufism, inspired by the ascetic Sheikh Abu Yaza Yalnoor Maimun. After passing his master’s tests, he developed a strong bond with him, learning extensively and receiving assurances of his future significance in spiritual matters. Moreover, the writings of Imam Al-Ghazali significantly shaped Abu Madyan’s character. Whenever he learned a verse or a hadith, he would not move on until he fully practiced what he had acquired.
His Poetry
Sheikh Abu Madyan al-Tlemcani became well-known for his miraculous deeds and extraordinary experiences, which were reflected in his poetic and prose works. However, much of his beautiful creations remain dispersed and require diligent efforts for compilation and editing to become more accessible. Sheikh Al-Arabi ibn Mustafa al-Shawar Tlemcani has actively sought to gather his works and consolidate them into a single volume entitled “Diwan al-Shaykh Sidi Shuaib Abu Madyan,” which still needs further validation.
Among his collected works are notable pieces such as his Lamiya poem dedicated to supplications, which begins:
The utmost grace, I stretch forth my hand in hope,
While my condition, as you know, awaits your mercy.
I seek you, desperate, my heart seeks you,
And you are ever compassionate, generous, and benevolent.
It concludes with:
And the purest of peace, its fragrance still,
Surpassing the finest musk, prefers.
And friends and kin, like moons in splendor,
They are all delightful; each one in their charm complete.
Additionally, his Nuniya poem, a notable early work, begins as follows:
Pour it for us pure, leave the mixing behind,
For we are people within the blend since we began.
Sing to us, for the hour is auspicious in its name,
For we have travelled towards it, departing with it.
And it ends with:
Even the branches of the willow arched with joy,
And every melodious nightingale sang along.
If only I could have a moment to gaze upon,
A shadow other than a visitor at my resting place.