SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

191.

Text 22.

This alphabetical poem, which is composed by Sheekh Cali

Cabdiraxmaan, summons Muslims to prayer and meditation. It

is closely related to Text 5, both in spirit and style.

It differs from it, however, by being almost entirely

didactic and inspirational rather than theological. The

poet advises Muslims to practice the Remembrance of God,

and to abandon the fleeting comforts of the temporal world.

Moreover} he reminds his audience that those who repent and

pray are rewarded by God with the fruits of Paradise. The

speakers who expound the tenets of Islamic doctrine in

each line of the poem are personified letters of the Arabic

alphabet.

Alif Yeenne

i. Alif yeenne, 'Aakhiradaa u sugnow, hoy Ilaahay bal ka

yaaboo is ogow.'

.2 • Bali teen,

3. 
   

   Ta'i teen,

   
   


4. 
   

   Sa'i teen,

   
   

lBaabka Quran aad u bilaw, hoy belaayaa dhulka

joogtee bal is jir.'

'Taa'ib ahaw tawbana keen, taajir waa wiil

cilmi laabtiisu taqaari.'

'Saabid ahaw 00 hel sawaab, simaraatkii janna

macaan fasabid.'

S. Jirnna yeenne, 'Janna doon saw rna ]lrO, nin jawaabtayda

maqlaa saw rna janto.'

6. Xa'i teen,
   1.(' 1 na ,. l teen,

'Xaafid ahaw xaraf Quraan, xubliyo xaasidba

daayoo xaq aqoon.'

'Khaatuma doon khaaf Rabbaka, Khaaliqa caabud

adooD khayrle ahaw.'

8. Deellna yeenne, 'Diinta Furqaan baa da"io leh, Daa' imka

caabud samaanna ku dadaal.'