SULAIMÿ
Introduction
It was customary in pre‑Islamic Arab
poetry to write poems about the poet’s beloved. However, the identity of the
beloved was not disclosed in these poems. She was represented by one of the
several legendary beauties of the Arab folk‑lore. These were Salmah, Lubnah,
Sulaim«, Lailah etc. This poetic tradition continued and was strengthened by
Islamic poets also, particularly the sëfâ poets. However, the difference
was that God and/or the Holy Prophet S.A.W became the focus of their Love
instead of humans. The tradition of using legendary beauties was also adopted by
‘All«mah Iqb«l. He has usually adopted the name of Sulaim« in his works.
This poem is the artistic presentation of the concept of "Waédat al‑Shuhëd ". The essence of the poem is that though the Jam«l and Jal«l of God is reflected in all His creation it is found par excellence in the human beauty, because Man is the master‑piece of His creation. Sulaim« represents human beauty, which is a reflection of Divine Beauty as stated in the last verse of the poem.
Translation
The one whose manifestation witnessed the astronomer's eye
In the sun, in the moon, in the assembly of stars
Whom the sëfâ found in the dark recesses of his heart
Whom the poet saw in the midst of elegance of Nature
Whose brilliance exists, whose fragrance persists
In the pearls of dew, in the shirts of flowers
Who has inhabited the wilderness by becoming tranquillity
Whose Presence creates the uproar in the midst of the garden
Though His Beauty is manifest in everything
In your eye is Its climax, O Sulaim«!