Our Hearts Too Are Dancing With Joy – By Shyrose Rashid

Ya Mawla our hearts too are dancing with joy

The intezari tasbih is well under way

There is no stopping us now we’re on this highway

The highway to happiness

This shall surely bring us peace

O Loving, O Generous, O magnanimous

O the Exalted, O He Who is praised, the Gracious

O the Reliever of difficulties

The Provider of endless mercies

May peace be upon Muhammad and his progeny

It is only through them that we are set free

Muhammad the city of knowledge and Ali its Gate

Together a fortress of protection they create

O Mawla our hearts too are dancing with joy

The biryani and samosas we shall enjoy

Dandia raas we shall play till late

Celebrating Your praises while our souls are in a blessed state

I was born in Mengo Hospital in the Ugandan capital of Kampala. I studied at Aga Khan Nursery School, Aga Khan Primary School, and spent a short time at Aga Khan Secondary School before my family was forced to leave the country by President Idi Amin in 1972. Mawlana Hazar Imam sent airplanes to get all Asians out safely.

I was fortunate enough to receive a grammar school education after arriving in England. I went on to study Medicine at the University of Manchester, and then embarked on my General Practitioner Vocational Training in Bury (near Manchester). This became the turning point in my life: my health began to suffer, and I had to give up my profession and stay at home. My wonderful husband and two lovely daughters supported me through my illness. I drew strength from my faith during this difficult time, beginning to read books on Ismaili history as well as philosophy by al Sijistani, poetry by Rumi, and works by Nasir Khusraw. I also began teaching at Bait al-ilm, using the most enlightening Talim series, and I taught for nine years. There were times when I felt utterly alone, but Allah and the Noor of Ali and Mawlana Hazar Imam never left me. I gained strength with the help of my Imam’s guidance.

When plans for the Golden Jubilee were announced I felt words come rushing through my mind. I felt the need to share my thoughts and feelings with friends and relatives. I wished to share my feelings of joy and happiness for the Imam of the Time who has been my ark that saved me from drowning and the silver lining on dark cloudy days.

My love for and trust in my Imam got me started on my poetry-writing journey.

Poet Shyrose Rashid featured at Ismaili Mail

Author: ismailimail

Independent, civil society media featuring Ismaili Muslim community, inter and intra faith endeavors, achievements and humanitarian works.

3 thoughts

  1. thank u very much 4 sharing this beautiful poem with all of us may Our Beloved Hazir Imam bless u & may He bring u everlasting joys & happiness in life.

    Like

  2. Ya Ali Madad Suhail.Thankyou very much for your prayers.May Mawlana Hazir Imam’s mercy and grace be upon all of us, ameen.

    Like

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