Poem: The Birth of Guidance, A Beacon for Existence
The esteemed poet, Ahmed Shawqi, expressed his admiration for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the following lines:
Born was the guidance, lighting the universe,
And the face of time shines in praise,
The spirit and the heavenly beings surround him,
Bringing joy to religion and the world through him.
The Throne exults, and the garden blossoms,
The utmost limit and the celestial lote-tree gleam.
The garden of discernment radiates with laughter,
With fragrant melodies and joyful songs.
Revelation flows like water from a spring,
The tablet and the exquisite pen flow with wisdom.
The names of the Prophets are written as a record,
With Muhammad’s name highlighted in bold.
His name in the majestic lettering,
With an “A” followed by “Ta” — a beautiful commencement.
O the best of those who graced existence with greetings,
The Messengers came to guidance through you.
The house of Prophets wherein only the righteous gather,
For therein meet the monotheists and those who seek Him.
The best lineage that Adam held for you,
Above all mankind, with Eve as protector.
They grasped the honor of Prophethood, concluding in you,
In which lies utmost honor amidst you forever.
Created as a sanctuary, and its purpose for you,
Indeed, great things are equal to their great origin.
With you, Allah announced glad tidings from the heavens,
And the earth basked in the sweet aroma of your presence.
Your face emerged, adorned with truth,
Bliss and gentleness guide the way.
Upon him shone the light of prophecy,
And from a friend, guidance embodies virtue.
The Messiah sang praises of him from his heavens,
And the Virgin Mary rejoiced in the miracle of his arrival.
A day that befuddles time, morning shining through,
And evening aglow with the light of Muhammad.
Truth is exalted upon him and triumphant,
In royalty, no flag can surpass his reign.
The thrones of tyrants trembled, disintegrating beneath,
With echoes of his dominion reigning over their crowns.
Surrounded by voids of fire and anguish,
Its flames diminished, and the waters receded.
Miraculous signs continuously unravel,
As Gabriel sweeps through, bringing forth sustenance.
Indeed, the orphan stands as a symbol of his grace,
With the orphanage as bounty, its foundation is fortitude.
In the cradle, life is infused with hope through him,
And by his intention, adversity flees away.
Through integrity in youth and truthfulness,
He was unrecognized by the people of honesty and trust.
O you to whom virtue aspires for higher realms,
From which the noble yearn in admiration.
Had you not established a religion, it would have thrived alone,
A religion illuminating the evening with its radiant light.
Your noble traits dress you with magnificent qualities,
That entice the generous and inspire the kindhearted.
As for beauty, you are the sun of its sky,
And the splendor from your countenance shines bright.
Your goodness surpasses all dignitaries and leaders,
For when you are generous, you reach the utmost possibility.
And when you forgive, you are mighty and considerate,
And the ignorant cannot ignore your forgiveness.
And when you exercise compassion, you are a mother or father,
These two in this world are the epitome of mercy.
And when you are angered, it is merely righteous indignation,
In truth, untainted by animosity or detestation.
And when you are pleased, that is in accordance with His contentment,
And the satisfaction of many is mere pretension and show.
And when you address, of the pulpits, there is an awakening,
Causing the dew to weep and stirring hearts to ache.
And when you pass judgment, there is no doubt, as if,
Thus came the adversaries from the heavens’ decree.
And when you safeguard water, none may approach it,
Even if the kings and rulers thirst in despair.
And when you offer refuge, you embody the sanctuary of Allah,
From which no oppressor can enter the one seeking peace.
And when you command your soul, you do righteousness to it,
Even if that which your hands possess be the sheep.
And when you build, you build the best spouse in companions,
And if you reside, your ancestors reside beside you.
And when you associate, you witness loyalty materialized,
Through your generous embrace, friends and companions unite.
And when you take an oath or give it,
All your promises are sacred trust and integrity.
And when you walk towards enemies, steadfast you remain,
And when you run, indeed, you overshadow the calamity.
And extend your patience to the foolish, cautiously,
Until the foolish in your presence become reflective.
In every being of your stature is reverence,
And in every soul in your presence is hope.
Poem: O Muhammad, Send Blessings Upon Him and Salutations
Kuwaiti poet and Gulf poet Khaled Al-Faraj praises the best of messengers, the Prophet Muhammad:
O Muhammad, send blessings upon him and salutations,
The dark universe has illuminated.
Night extended its fabric in disbelief,
And shooting stars fell, scattering the heavens.
It rejoiced at his arrival, and all opposers trembled,
As miracles unfolded before him.
The priests were astonished, and the guardians perplexed,
The light of guidance broke forth, like dawn emerging.
The fire of the Magians extinguished, ceasing its rage,
The idols toppled from their pedestals,
Teetering at the weight of their demise.
It was as if omens spoke to the deaf and mute,
He was born to Amina, blessed and radiant,
Foretold by the principles of Prophethood concluded,
Adorned with the marks of excellence that shine bright.
All virtues found their home within him,
In character and stature, he was a perfect complement.
Poem: How Can the Prophets Ascend to Your Elevation?
Shair Bousaīrī, in one of his most notable poems praising the noble Prophet:
How can the Prophets ascend to your elevation,
O sky, that they could not reach at all?
They did not equal you in your excellence and stature,
For indeed, no light shines except from your radiance.
They represent your attributes for our understanding,
As water mirrors the stars of the night.
You are the lamp of all virtue; no light in the world,
Without your light, would ever exist.
You have the essence of knowledge from the highest scholars,
And from Adam came the names bestowed upon him.
There has not been a period of Prophets without
Bringing news of you to their people.
All ages boast of you, rising higher and higher,
And existence gleams with your essence,
As of noble lineage, his ancestors were honorable.
He hailed from noble kin, regarded with esteem,
A lineage that the stars proudly would choose.
Delightful is this necklace of noble virtue and honor:
In it is the blessed and faultless lineage of humanity.
Poem: The Revered One Who Was Never Seen By My Eyes
The skilled poet Al-Hassan Ibn Thabit speaks of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
The most beautiful one my eyes have never seen,
More handsome than you, women have never borne.
You were created devoid of all imperfections,
As if crafted just the way you desired.
Poem: Send Blessings Upon the Best of Creation
Poet Ibn Al-Janan from Andalusia writes:
Send blessings upon the best of creation,
And the most esteemed among all who bear glory.
Send blessings upon the one who graced existence,
In the sacred sanctuary of Mecca, with Zamzam and Hitiima.
Send blessings upon the highest of Quraysh’s rank,
In whose gentle presence greatness found its place.
Send blessings upon the light that emerged at dawn,
Illuminating darkness with radiance divine.
Send blessings upon the guide who revealed guidance,
A clear path of the pure and righteous faith.
Send blessings upon this Prophet, for indeed,
He has always shown mercy to the faithful.
Send blessings upon the noble and treasured Muhammad,
For no other in messengers shines like him.
He who secured lofty virtues by which he was ennobled,
Patterns organized within him for righteousness.
Who is more courageous than Usama in battle,
And among the generous, he embodies their essence.
His face shines with a radiance complimented by modesty,
Among the abundant good, he is honored and renowned.
Wise all agree to bestow every accolade upon him,
In the Revelation, the book lays down its precepts.
Witnesses of his truth cleave their way,
The moon fulfills its design amidst his lamp.
Many wonders speak of him, extolling his honor,
Even inanimate beings converse with him in praise.
The tree trunk mourned, longing for his companionship,
And become a lament of separation, gripped in emotion.
From the virtues of the Seal of the Messengers,
Whose birth arrived with light and illumination.
He ascends with prestige among the celestial spheres,
In the realm of truth so lofty and serene.
Hence, his banner of praise remains unassailable,
And for intercession when he is called, there arises hope.
On the Day of Judgment, we seek him indeed,
In reverence for his supreme position, so revered.
We shall have nothing but our love as our legacy,
And greetings—our finest tribute, sincere and bright.
O you who seek his intercession and grace,
Send blessings upon him and greet him with peace.