Mount of Knowledge, Sword of Eloquence: Collected Poems of an Ismaili Muslim Scholar in Fatimid Egypt(Ismaili Texts and Translations)

I.B.Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies A distinguished scholar, author and statesman, al-Mu'ayyad fi'l-Din al-Shirazi (1000-1078 CE) lived during one of the most turbulent periods in Islamic history. The 11th-century was characterized, among other things, by an acute struggle for supremacy between the Sunni and Shi'a braches of Islam, represented politically by the 'Abbasid and Fatimid caliphates. Al-Mu'ayyad was originally a Fatimid missionary; but his outstanding intellectual and literary skills eventually gained him important positions in the Fatimid administration. Eventually he attained the highest ranks in the religious hierarchy, and won widespead acclaim for his scholarship and sagacity. "The Diwan", the work here translated, is notable for its exceptional poetic quality and covers a wide range of facinating political and religious issues, from al-Mu'ayyad's intellectual disputations to devotions in praise of the Prophet Muhammad and his family. This first complete English translation seeks to recapture some of the poetic power and flavour of one of the undoubted masterpieces of medieval Arabic literature.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Introduction by Kutub Kassam A Biographical Chronology of al-Mu’ayyad D?w?n al-Mu’ayyad fi’l-D?n d?’? al-du??t The D?w?n of the chief d?’? al-Mu?ayyad fi’l-D?n first lines of the qas?das 1. Praise be to the Lord, the victorious Authority 2. Abundance of praise and unique thanks are due 3. Old age has eradicated the evidence of youth 4. He said: ‘Ask him, you two, if his departure was 5. He said: ‘When the load was carried for decamping 6. O two companions! May you greet your 7. May All?h confer victory upon the banner 8. O (the way of) exile, how appalling is your malady 9. Impossible has become the separation in our love 10. Greetings to those beloved to us 11. Is it good to rejuvenate after reaching old age 12. The pen has provided me with good fortune 13. I have been tormented in my love for a long time 14. All?h’s religion has been invigorated by al-??hir 15. O companion of the heart, near and afar 16. Welcome be to those who dwell in my heart 17. O Eastern breeze! Pass by Persia on coming back 18. May my life be sacrificed for the guide of the world 19. A glory so exalted it became a sky for the heavens 20. Verily, Egypt and Syria have come to know 21. O Lord, You are my (only) hope 22. A crescent moon appeared out of the darkness 23. O why is it that the sky does not move to and fro 24. Who will take pity on a body emaciated by passion 25. Who is there to take pity on an old man 26. O my Lord! I have made devotions to you, openly and secretly 27. O my God, it is my hope to receive salvation by 28. O God! If I am always complaining about 29. I swear by God, (the One) who has no partner 30. A soul whose ornaments are the engraving of its Lord’s Oneness 31. O my two companions! May you be secure 32. I permitted the sanctuary of my blood to be spilled for their sake 33. High above the stars of Ursa Major is a palace established 34. O descendants of T?h?! May I be sacrificed for you 35. O God, how weary have I become of myself 36. I have been guided by Ma?add to the ways of my return 37. O companions! Let us prepare the camels for departure 38. If I were a contemporary of Prophet Mu?ammad 39. I am pleased with the hard bitter life 40. Generous are my eyes in making the tears flow 41. May peace be upon (the Prophet’s) pure progeny 42. O inquisitor who questions me about myself 43. O You who beholds a gnat spreading its wings 44. I dissociate myself from the first Hubal 45. O Abu’l-?asan! O he who is like the Warner (Mu?ammad) 46. Come to the holy land, the dwelling place 47. O conspirator! Plot actively as much as you can 48. Justice has become evident in the Imam’s domain 49. My love for A?mad and ?Al? suffices me 50. They took my heart away when they departed 51. God’s eye has taken care of you wherever you have settled 52. By (the grace of) our lord, Imam Ab? Tam?m 53. All?h alone suffices me 54. I have mounted the stallions of hope 55. She saw me when grey hair was dawning upon my head 56. O friends! Separation has become so long for us 57. O community that put up a cruel idol as her arbiter 58. The burdens of Time can be difficult or easy 59. O Time, how much enmity and prejudice is there between us 60. I swear by All?h that if you were to crown me 61. O Thursday morning, welcome be to you 62. My tongue begins with Your name, O God Select Bibliography

About the Author :
Mohamed Adra is an independent scholar of Ismaili literature based in Salmiyya, Syria. A graduate of Damascus University where he studied English language and literature, he is currently preparing an English translation of the first volume of al-Mu'ayyad's al-Majalis al-Mu'ayaddiya (The Counsels of al-Mu'ayyad).