Ahmad Shawqi in Praise of the Prophet
Ahmad Shawqi’s Islamic themes prominently feature in numerous poems throughout his body of work. He often wrote verses emphasizing the significance of prayer and dedicated many pieces to the pilgrimage of Hajj, illustrating it with exquisite artistic imagery. Furthermore, his poetry progressed to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through a vast number of commendatory verses that showcased his deep admiration. His eulogies did not merely focus on religious aspects; they also encompassed political elements, reflecting the dual representation of the Prophet as a figure of both spirituality and worldly authority, infusing his verses with wisdom and ethical teachings.
One of Shawqi’s most renowned contributions to Islamic poetry is his poem “Al-Burda,” inspired by the classic work of the early Islamic poet Al-Busiri. In this piece, Shawqi vividly expresses profound love and praise for the Noble Prophet. Both poets align in their thematic approach, establishing a unified purpose in their compositions. Shawqi opens his distinguished poem with the following lines:
Born is the guidance; the universe shines bright,
And the time’s lips smile with praise and delight.
The soul and the celestial beings around,
Bring tidings of faith for the worlds they surround.
Works of Ahmad Shawqi
Ahmad Shawqi gained acclaim for composing poetry associated with national and social events, dedicating numerous works to religious themes such as the “Hamziyyah” and “Al-Burda.” His literary repertoire also includes several plays, including “Majnun Layla,” “The Miser,” and “The Tragedy of Cleopatra,” as well as novels like “The Virgin of India” and “The Last Pharaoh.” His poetry is compiled in a four-volume collection titled “Al-Shawqiyyat,” and additional poems not included in this collection have been compiled by Dr. Muhammad Al-Sirboni into two volumes titled “The Unknown Shawqiyyat.”
Introduction to Ahmad Shawqi
Ahmad Shawqi, known as the “Prince of Poets,” was born Ahmad bin Ali bin Ahmad Shawqi in Cairo. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the modern era. Shawqi received his education in public schools and studied for two years in the translation department before being sent by the Khedive to France, where he studied law. Shawqi was not only a poet of Egypt but also a significant literary figure among Arab and Muslim circles. He skillfully balanced a love for life’s pleasures with deep spiritual beliefs, making him a poet of wisdom and mastery of the Arabic language. His distinct and independent personality further enriched his literary contributions.