Eulogy of Ali ibn Abi Talib
Now Ali’s name be praised to the sky
A champion brave and strong
One heart with two blades in his sword did defy
The hate of the heathen throng, the throng The hate of the heathen throng.
In the thirteenth spring of the Elephant’s year Did Abu Talib smile,
The Lion of God in this world did appear Full free of pride and guile.
Then Providence placed him in Prophecy’s house
As cousin to the chosen one,
When Gabriel came God’s truth to announce
Straightway to that truth he won.
He married the light of God’s chosen one
That Fatima al-Batul
Of worldly wealth he was owner of none illa irth ar-Rasul.
At peace he lay in his holy teacher’s place
Harun in Musa’s stead,
A Yemeni robe veiled the sight of Quraysh
And thus his master sped.
At Uhud and Badr and Hunayn was he seen,
Where swords flashed like the sun,
The rallying cry from the hill and ravine
Was know that our God is One.
La fata illa Ali comes the cry
Alone see him slay Walid,
The champions of Khaybar thought to defy
His sabre but did concede.
The city of knowledge took him for its gate
Two guards stood watch each side,
Its towers watched by the road that is straight
Its master the seer guide.
No beggar heard rebuke at his door,
He worked the fields for a wage,
He gave his humble fare to the poor
He had nor serf nor page.
The treasures of Persia and Rome at his feet
His eye never glanced that way,
Instead of the palace of Kufa so sweet
He slept on sand and hay.
Ibn Tayyah came to call him for the Prayer
He reached the prayer hall gate,
Then Ibn Muljam, his blade in the air,
He slew him in bile and hate.
Thus while he lived, and also as he died,
He filled the world with signs.
All noble youth take Ali as their guide
His saintly courage shines.
- Gleams from the Rawdat Al-Shuhada’ (Garden of the Martyrs) of Husayn Vaiz Kashifi by Abdal Hakim Murad
Peace of Allah be upon Muhammad the Messenger of Allah, the trustee of Allah over His Revelations, Messages and determined commandments, the core of the Divine Inspiration and Revelation, who sealed the previous Messages. Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon him.
O Allah, send blessings upon the Commander of the Faithful, Your servant, the best of Your creatures after Your Prophet, the brother of Your Messenger and the decisive judge among Your beings and the master of every believer.
Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon him.