Poem on Happiness by the Poet Amara Al-Yemeni
Amara bin Ali bin Zaidan Al-Hakami, known as Amara Al-Yemeni, is a distinguished Yemeni poet and scholar. Born in the Tihama region, he later moved to Zabid and eventually traveled to Egypt, where he received remarkable hospitality from the Fatimids. In gratitude, he composed verses praising them. Among his notable works is a poignant poem reflecting on happiness, which includes the following lines:
Indeed, happiness has embraced its time,
And revealed the joy upon its radiant face.
The first year has arrived with delight,
Neither Eid nor Ramadan gifted it grace.
A year as if its months, in their perfection,
Are pearls that sparkle in life’s embrace.
Your triumphs opened the door to happiness,
So rejoice in a kingdom of noble stature.
The generosity of the day seems to pour forth,
While gratitude blooms like flowers in the sun.
O glory of the descendants of Abdul Majid,
Your branches are a shield of prophecy’s might.
Since the voice that spoke of it has faded,
You are the essence remaining in the night.
How many verses have revealed your secrets,
O family of the Prophet, proclaiming your light?
As time unfolds, you hold the mysteries,
And you possess faith in your sight.
Did not the caliphate share its name with you,
Is there not a distinct tie in your plight?
It seems your interpretations bring forth souls,
And your insights give body to the right.
Many have claimed leadership over you, yet,
Your imamate stands firm, without delight.
The verses spoke of your victory over Shirku,
So truthful were the tidings they conveyed.
You informed us of his coming before he arrived,
Factual news that was perfectly laid.
Thus, the knowledge of existence is a treasure,
Safeguarded within your hearts, well-stayed.
Events unfold as you document their tales,
Leading to new occurrences masquerading.
Thus, as fortunes dance to your commands,
The skies above bow to your crusade.
Allah is Great, and the caliphate resides in you,
Not easily swayed by those who are dismayed.
How can your noble pledge be a paradise,
In consultation with approval that will not fade?
It is the gaze of the world and the eye of the strong,
The supporter born from the chosen one’s aid.
The Almighty promised that your faith will prevail,
And it is a guarantee for those unafraid.
Will the enemies extinguish the flame of a call,
Illuminated by the guidance each night displayed?
If among kings one finds his place,
It would not compare to the flames of his charade.
Turns out, it is said that patience gives its all,
Where fate beckons in its tight parade.
From a group that embodies generosity and mercy,
In their hearts, they have oft been arrayed.
Indeed, I have faced three grave trials,
That threatened to gray the locks of youth dismayed.
A savage band that departed from me,
And the utmost hope I craved was security remade.
A Roman faction I mingled with,
And they educated my thoughts, unafraid.
And an Egyptian group welcomed me,
Above the land, the scales of justice displayed.
Every tribe found solace from its foe,
As the ties loosened and formed a stronger braid.
It resembled the story of Noah’s guidance,
In a community that faced growing dismay.
And just as the great tower is a vessel,
The Nile, when broken, brought forth a swell.
The affection from Bilbeis has returned to you,
Big enough for time and its people, to swell.
I swear, but for your wise counsel,
The bell in Bilbeis would have rung its knell.
A land that, even if its walls crumbled,
In the hands of the enemies, would not quell.
You preserved it for the Muslims, even though,
After its ruin, its thriving would compel.
Women advocated for you and you ensured,
Their men’s faults would recede and dispel.
Righteousness is capable of forgiving crimes,
Accepting the force, though one may rebel.
A thought that has saved lives entirely,
While believing that their armors are their shells.
Your ancient ministry was a sanctuary,
Clear in concept, but struggle stained its wells.
Your dignified men were robbed of their crown,
After they had bowed to their jeweled spells.
You gave them a path to lead with honor,
Knowing a devil may breathe in their cells.
He placed the service within the necks of men,
But they strayed, with their disobedience, and fell.
Ministry abandons when it seeks to hide,
And so too does prophecy, if it rebelled.
And I observe the alignments of stars have always,
Had traces of conflict, in their tales they tell.
And if you hurl a scheme toward an adversary,
Seeking their downfall in time’s chaotic spell.
A storm rises from the winds of fate,
Chasing down the path of fortune’s excel.
And thus, a protected lineage of the caliphate,
Reigns for its justice, shining with brilliance as well.