Ala Ya Allah Bi Nadhra – Imam Haddad’s Poem at His Wife’s Death

Shaykh Muhammad Ba-Dhib explains Imam Haddad’s famous poem “Ala ya Allah bi Nadhra (ألا يالله بنظرة),” which he composed upon the passing of his wife.

Not only was Imam Haddad a great scholar and Knower of Allah, but he was also a skilled poet and literary author. One of the characteristics of his poetry is a great sense of grief and sadness, and this poem, “Ala ya Allah bi Nadhra,” was composed after his wife’s passing.

He begins by saying,

“O my friend, do not be overburdened with worries.

And submit to God’s decrees so that you can become praiseworthy and rewarded.

And be content with what the Master has decreed, and don’t have any displeasure with the decree of Allah, Lord of the Lofty Throne.”

Although the Imam was experiencing intense pain and grief, he was advising himself and others to not complain or worry too much, so that they can be rewarded and honoured by Allah for having patience.

“And be patient and grateful,

You will become victorious and rewarded (by Allah)

And be from the people of Inward Secrets.

The people of Allah have an illuminated heart that is purified from all dirt, pure, and a purification for others.”

Here he is saying that when one is patient with Allah’s decree, Allah gives one a purified heart. Most people become very distressed or complain when they are tested, but the true believers are patient, having love of Allah and hope for reward from Him.

“And this lowly world, it’s problems are many in every moment, and life within it does not have a value,

And one does not seek this dunya unless their sight is completely blinded. If they had an intellect, they would have been more reflective.

Reflect over the fading of this world.

And on the great difficulties that occur.

And on the low worth of its value.

So blessed, truly blessed, is to the who is careful of it, and who divorced the world and focus themselves towards obedience of their Lord.”

No matter how rich or poor we are, we all need the same things; a little bit of food, something to drink, and clothing and shelter. Whether those are expensive or cheap, our needs are the same, and so is the end result; a grave and a shroud.

We could spend our lives working, but in the end, it will all come to nothing. Therefore, the best person is the one who recognizes this, and uses the world only for his needs, nothing more.

“Oh my eye! Let the tears flow regarding that beloved that used to be with us, 

Who then went on their journey, and my heart and mind after them have become overtaken

But Allah is my Sufficiency,

And the entire affair belongs to Allah,

And no one remains except Allah.”

Here, the Imam is reflecting on the passing of his beloved after years of spending time together and taking care of each other. He consoles himself by reminding himself that he should rely on Allah, and that everything besides Allah will come to an end.

“Upon Bashar have come the clouds of Allah’s mercy, and Allah has given them glad tidings and has blessed them. 

Within it are our Masters, teachers, our family and our loved ones; those who are beloved to my heart are there. 

And those who have taken residence in the deepest depths of my heart.  And in this plain of the graveyard, its dust is more beautiful than musk. 

Because it is the resting place of the best of the Sayyids,

Exemplars for all people,

Loving them is felicity,

Fortunate is the one who visits them with sincerity. By the blessing of visiting them, what they seek from Allah will come.”

Bashar is the name of the graveyard that his wife was buried in. Imam Haddad recalls this fact that gives him comfort; that his wife is surrounded by righteous men and woman who are teachers, family members, and loved ones who are descendants of the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace. He advises everyone to follow the sunna of visiting graves.

Listen to this poem here: