SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

159.

Text 13

FATIMAH, the daughter of the Prophet, who married cALI IBN

ABI TALIB, the Prophet's cousin, and by whom she had three

sons, AL-IjASAN, AL-tIUSAIN and AL-MUI;-:lSIN, is highly regarded

in the Islamic tradition. She is spoken of as the perfect

woman, the virgin (BATULAH) who had renounced the world and

devoted herself to God and to her family. She is also the

beautiful FATIM.L\'H (FATIMATU I Z-ZAHRR) • Hence, among the

Somali Sufi women, FATIMAH, like HAWA~, is looked upon as

a woman saint who cares for the spiritual welfare of women

mystic.s. Normally the praises of FATIMAH are composed

and recited by women. The unusual feature of this poem is

that it was composed by Sheekh Caaqib Cabdilaahi. The poet

is known for his zeal to inspire audiences of both sexes

with religious fervour.

Ina Nebi

i. Sitooy Faadumo sirtii Nebiyay, sariican ajiib lanaa
madaddan

~. Adaa ina Nebi amaantaa mutee, Ilaah bari ehelu-khayr

ihidee

.3. Billaahi Batuula khayr badaneey, bishaaro na sii bayaan

cad ah

4. Tallaahi talaan ku waydiinee, tawaab bari taa]lr baad
   tahaye


5. Simaarta jannaa sadkaa yahayee, siyaaqo na Sll sawaab
   badaneey
   ~. Jinni iyo insi jawhartii u if tee, khayraadka jidaysay
   baad tahay


6. Xabiib ku dhalyeey xishood badaneey, xaqaad ifisaa xaqiiqo
   ah