Introduction
Diwani was written by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse (1900–1975) was a renowned Islamic scholar, Sufi leader, and poet from Senegal. He was the founder of the Faydah Tijaniyyah movement, a branch of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order, and is widely recognized for his spiritual teachings and deep love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
One of his most famous works is Diwani (Dawaawinu Sitta), a collection of Arabic poetry filled with devotion, praise, and spiritual wisdom. This poem is taken from Taisiril Whusul, the first chapter of Diwani, which consists of six chapters. Specifically, it is from Harfu Daal (the section of the letter “Daal”). In this section, Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse beautifully expresses his love for the Prophet ﷺ and acknowledges his unmatched role in creation.
Below is the original Arabic text, with an English translation provided line by line.
The Poem in Arabic with English Translation
Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse – From Diwani, Chapter 1 (Taisiril Whusul), Harfu Daal
دعاني من سلمى وليلى وقلِّلا
“Leave me from thoughts of Salma and Layla, and lessen my longing for them.”
تذكرَ ربَّاتِ الغدائرِ مسجلا
“Rather, let me remember the Lord of flowing locks (the Prophet) with devotion.”
لذكرِ الذي من ذكرهِ طيبَ قبلهُ
“For the remembrance of Him, by whose name everything is purified.”
على آدمٍ إذ كانَ فرعاً مؤصلا
“Even Adam was granted honor as a rooted branch from his lineage.”
لذكرِ الذي لم يذكرِ الحقَّ غيرهُ
“For the remembrance of the One whom none but the Truthful have praised.”
مدى الدهرِ والأيامِ خيرُ من أُرسلا
“Throughout time and eternity, he remains the best of those ever sent.”
لذكرِ الذي تعرو فؤاديَ هزةٌ
“At the mention of his name, my heart trembles with joy.”
لدى ذكرهِ والقلبُ صارَ مقتلا
“And upon his remembrance, my soul is overtaken with love.”
لذكرِ الذي طابَ الجنانُ بنشرهِ
“By his fragrance, the gardens of Paradise are perfumed.”
ومنهُ ضياءُ البدرِ بدراً مكملًا
“From him, the full moon derives its complete radiance.”
فلولاهُ لا تُلفى ليادًا فإنهُ
“Without him, the world would find no guidance.”
لبذرةُ هاذ الكونِ إذ كانَ مرسلا
“For he is the seed from which this universe was formed.”
ولولاهُ لا أرضى حياتي بلحظةٍ
“Without him, I would not desire even a moment of life.”
فحيٌّ بغيرِ المصطفى البدرِ أُهملا
“For a life without the Chosen One is a life neglected.”
ومن بصفاتِ المصطفى آلَ كلُّهُ
“And whoever adopts the attributes of the Prophet.”
حياةً وموتاً نالَ عزًّا مـبجَّلا
“In life and in death, he shall attain eternal honor.”
مآثرُ خيرِ الخلقِ غيرُ محصرٍ
“The virtues of the best of creation cannot be counted.”
فقلْ فيهِ ماقدْ شئتَ عبدًا مفضلا
“Say about him whatever you wish, for he is the most favored servant.”
فيا ربِّ فاجعلْني لديهِ مقرَّباً
“O Lord, make me among those closest to him.”
وصحبي وأحبابي ومن كانَ موصلا
“And grant the same to my companions and beloved ones.”
وتجعلُنا للمتقينَ أيِمَّةً
“And make us leaders among the righteous.”
إلى أبدِ الآبادِ سيباً مرسلا
“Until eternity, let Your blessings continue to flow.”
وليِّنْ صخورَ الماردينَ وهُدَّها
“Soften the hearts of the rebellious and humble them.”
وقوِّ يقينَ المقتفينَ ذوي العلا
“And strengthen the faith of those who follow the path of excellence.”
وأغنِ فقيرَ المنتمينَ لحزبنا
“Enrich the poor who belong to our path.”
ونجِّ جميعَ المؤمنينَ منِ ابتلا
“And save all the believers from trials and tribulations.”
ترقيهمُ يا ربِّ بالشكرِ دائماً
“Raise them, O Lord, through gratitude, always.”
فإنَّك ملجأُ العاجزينَ مجللا
“For You are the refuge of the weak, most exalted.”
أيَا ربِّ يا من جندُهُ الدهرَ غالبٌ
“O Lord, whose army prevails throughout time.”
ولو ضعفتْ آراؤُهم يا مؤمَّلا
“Even when their opinions seem weak, You are their hope.”
لك الحمدُ والشكرُ المسرمدُ دائماً
“All praise and gratitude belong to You, forever enduring.”
فلمْ يخشَ منْ يَلجَا إليكَ توكلا
“For none fears who places their trust in You.”
صلاةٌ وتسليمٌ على طاهَ أحمدٍ
“May peace and blessings be upon the pure, Ahmad.”
وآلٍ وأصحابٍ ومن كانَ مرسلا
“Upon his family, his companions, and all who were sent after him.”
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About Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse and Diwani
Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse was a great Sufi scholar, known for spreading the spiritual knowledge of Islam, particularly through the Faydah Tijaniyyah. His Diwani is a collection of Arabic poetry filled with wisdom, love for the Prophet ﷺ, and deep devotion to Allah. The Diwani is divided into six chapters, and this poem is taken from Taisiril Whusul, the first chapter, specifically from Harfu Daal (the section corresponding to the Arabic letter “D”).
Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse’s poetry is renowned for its eloquence, spiritual depth, and rich imagery, making it a source of inspiration for believers seeking a closer connection to their faith.
This poem is a shining example of his work, highlighting the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ unmatched status, his role in creation, and the immense blessings that come from following his path. It serves as a reminder for us to always keep the Prophet ﷺ in our hearts and to seek nearness to him through our words and actions.
Final Thoughts
Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse’s poetry continues to inspire Muslims worldwide, reminding them of the beauty of Islam and the greatness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. May we always be among those who remember him with love and devotion.
What are your thoughts on this poem? Share your reflections in the comments below!
