Nasheed Hub: Salamun ‘Ala Ahl al-Hima
The Nasheed Hub, an initiative of SeekersGuidance Global, aims to showcase the traditional Islamic art of nasheed, or Islamic devotional songs.
Salamun ‘Ala Ahl al-Hima (Peace be Upon the People of the Sacred Precinct)
This poem which appears as the final song in the Diwan of Shaykh Muhammad Ibn al-Habib, the famous guide of the Darqawi spiritual path. Some of the poems included in the collection, Nahnu Fi Rawda and Qasida Salamiyya, focus on his love for the Prophet Muhammad, Allah bless him and give him peace.
However, this one, titled “Peace be Upon the People of the Sacred Precinct,” reflects his love for the awliya, or Allah’s elect. It was written by Shaykh Abdul Salaam Jassus, and his nephew would regularly quote his poetry, especially in his final illness before death:
The author refers to the awliya as “those of the Sacred Precinct,” thus giving the analogy of being close to the Divine Presence, just like one would be close to holy places such as the Kaa’ba in Mecca or the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. He congratulates them for the magnitude of their state, in which Allah has revealed to them about His beauty.
Out of his humility, he asks them to allow him to be among them despite his unworthiness, since they are worthy of bringing even the unworthy with them. He prays to Allah to elevate them even further, and that the blessing of Allah’s presence stay with them for ever.
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About Nasheed Hub
Throughout the decades and civilisations of Islam, the vocal tradition, sometimes known as nasheed or devotional songs, were penned as a way of celebrating and giving thanks to Allah for the message of Islam, as well as for the Messenger himself.
These nasheeds were a way for people to turn towards their Lord in joyful celebration, rather than stringent routine. They were also tools to spread the message of Islam in a non-confrontational way. These nasheeds were able to reach out to those who were alienated or indifferent to the religion and the Muslim community, as well as to teach children who were too young for academic study.
These nasheeds originating from all corners of the Muslim world – from West Africa to Malaysia, from Turkey to Great Britian – mirror their own culture but all carry a common thread: love of Allah and His Messenger.
This series will explore the different nasheeds, penned by some of the great historical Muslim figures, poets, and scholars.
