Died: 398 A.H.
“There is majesty and greatness for Ali – who is pure and famous – which exceeds the height of the Sabeer mountain. He is the brother of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and his successor on Ghadeer day. He is the husband of Fatima and father of Imam Hasan and Imam Husain (a.s.).”1
Explanation of the verse
Sabeer is tallest mountain of Mecca, situated between Mecca and Arafah. It
is named after a man of Huzail tribe, who died on this mountain.
Abu Nuaim says in his book of Maa Nazala minal Quran fee Ali,2 and
Natanzi in Khasaisul Alawiya has narrated from Shoba bin Hakam from Ibne
Abbas that when I was in Mecca, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), held my and Ali’s
hand and came on top of Mt. Sabeer and prayed four units of prayers for us. Then
he raised his head to the heavens and said:
“O God, Moosa bin Imran beseeched You; and I, Muhammad, Your Prophet
ask You to widen my breast and ease my affair and untie the knot of my tongue,
so that they may understand me and appoint a vizier from my family. Make my
back strong with my brother, Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) make him assist me in my
duties.”
Ibne Abbas says: I heard a caller say: “O Ahmad, you are given what you
asked for.”
Introduction to the poet
The incomparable sufficer, Abu Abbas Ahmad bin Ibrahim Zabbi – related
to Zabba – was a minister, who was given the title of chief (Raees). He succeeded
Sahib bin Ubbad in literature and politics. He was his close associate and
successor. He continued to be like this till Sahib bin Ubbad passed away in 385
A.H. and Fakhrud Daula Buwaihid appointed him as minister. Contemporary
poets composed poems in his honor.3
29. Abu Raqamaq Antaki4
Died: 399 A.H.
1. In the gathering, he is like fragrant incense. After this incense do not
be distressed. 2. When I remember the time of dawn, I recall my beloved. 3.
Although I will be distressed, because they when they cooked the food, the
pot was near. 4. They went when the bread was baked, but they could not eat
fresh bread. 5. No, by the one, in whose favor the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
spoke on Ghadeer day. 6. That for my father, Imam Ali there is no equal
among the creatures.5
Introduction to the poet
Abu Hamid Ahmad bin Muhammad Antaki, resident of Egypt, famous as
Abu Raqamaq, was a famous personality, who had command over the art of
poetry and his style was inimitable; his eloquence at the peak, only sometimes
accompanied with humor to some extent. He grew up in Shaam, then moved to
Egypt and became famous over there and achieved great prominence in the
literary field.
Ibne Khallikan has mentioned his biography in his Tarikh6 and after praising
him, and mention of some of his verses, has written as follows:
Amir Mukhtar Masabahi has mentioned him in his Tarikh Misr and said: He
passed away in 399 A.H…and I think that he died in Egypt.
30. Abul Aala Sarawi
1. After the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), Ali is my Imam. He would
intercede for me before Almighty Allah. 2. I don’t claim anything regarding
Ali (a.s.), except merits, which are undoubted. 3. And I don’t claim that he is
a prophet, but on the basis of clear evidences, he is the Imam. 4. The
statement of the Prophet, when it was issued, proved excellence for Ali. 5.
Know that: Indeed, of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is without any doubt
his master.7
Introduction to the poet
Abul Ala Muhammad bin Ibrahim Sarawi was an outstanding poet of
Tabaristan and a standard of incomparable excellence. He has corresponded with
Abul Fazal bin Umaid (d. 360 A.H.). In the same way, he has books to his credit,
interesting and satirical verses and some important ones are mentioned in
Yateematut Dahar8.
31. Abu Muhammad Auni
My Imam is one, for whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) declared on
Ghadeer day that whoever denied him, denied Islam. 2. At that time, he rose
up and began to recite the sermon and after divine praise, clearly declared: 3. Know that: This Murtada, husband of Fatima, Ali, the pleased, is my sonin-law and what a good son-in-law he is. 4. He is the inheritor of my
knowledge and my successor among you and I declare immunity from all his
enemies. 5. Did you hear? Do you obey? Did you pay attention to me? All
said: We will never disobey his commands. 6. We heard and we obeyed, so
rest assured from our side, but they intended to deceive and cheat.9
Introduction to the poet
Abu Muhammad Talha bin Ubaidullah bin Abi Aun Ghassani10 Aini: perhaps
his fame, his eloquent verses and his satirical words, which are compiled in
books, would make us needless of his introduction, expertise and creativeness. As
his life history and his compact and detailed verses make the researcher needless
to prove his Shia faith and his being an ardent follower of Wilayat.
His verses in praise of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) are mentioned in Manaqib of Ibne
Shahr Ashob, Rauzatul Waizeen of Fattal and Siratul Mustaqim of Bayazi.