Hajjaj Salama

In his investigation of "The Diwan of Abu Muslim Al-Bahlani," Ali Al-Najdi Nasif tells us about the life of the poet "Al-Bahlani" from his birth until his death, diving into the worlds of his poetry, drawing a clear picture that brings us closer to that great poet who died in the year 1339 AH - 1920 AD, leaving behind a rich poetic legacy that remains worthy of reading and study. Our poet is Abu Muslim Nasir bin Salim bin Adim bin Salih bin Muhammad bin Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al-Bahlani Al-Omani. He was born in the village of Muharram, in the Samail district of Oman, in 1277 AH or 1278 AH. The poet grew up in his home with a direct lineage to the judiciary; his grandfather Abdullah Muhammad was a judge during the Ya'ariba days, and his father Salim bin Adim was a judge for Imam Azzan bin Qais in 1285 AH.

The poet studied in his village of Muharram, accompanied in his studies by his colleague, the diligent scholar Ahmed bin Said bin Khalfan Al-Khalili. The two friends found it pleasant—as narrated about them—to devote themselves to d for the sake of seeking knowledge, and to adopt the manners of Sufis in practicing the affairs of life. The poet did not spend his whole life in Oman; he departed for East Africa in 1295 AH, when he was still a young man in his early twenties. He entered Zanzibar and settled there during the reign of Sultan Barghash bin Said. His father also moved to Zanzibar after the end of Imam Azzan bin Qais's era. He stayed in Zanzibar for five years, then returned to Oman in 1300 AH for five years before returning again to Zanzibar.

The poet won the trust of Zanzibar's rulers, especially Sayyid Hamoud bin Muhammad and Sayyid Hamad bin Thuwaini. Thus he held the judiciary of Zanzibar, then its chief justice. The poet appreciated their favor and rewarded them with lasting panegyrics. He was the poet of the land and the prince of the poets of the era, undisputed. He was keen on seeking knowledge, especially in Zanzibar, taking from various sciences to gain a blessed wealth that allowed him to participate in Sharia, language, and literature, and to excel in poetry.

His Works and Poetry

The investigator of the Diwan provides a list of Al-Bahlani's works: (1), The Muhammadan Origin, (2) The Muhammadan Light, (3) The Merciful Breath of Abu Muslim Al-Bahlani, (4) Nithar al-Jawhar in three parts (unfinished), (5) Questions in Jurisprudence, (6) A book on Monotheism, and (7) Tablets of Lights and Spirits of Secrets... in addition to his Diwan. Ali Al-Najdi Nasif says Al-Bahlani composed his poetry naturally without thinking of it until his talent aided him. In his religious poetry, he appears deeply devout, submissive to d's greatness, taken by His wisdom. In his panegyrics and elegies, he is truthful and moderate in praise, maintaining his personality. In his praise of the Prophet (PBUH), his heart overflows with flowing love and sincere loyalty. His poetry is devoid of obscure words or vulgarity, and is marked by its clarity and skill in versification. He died in Zanzibar in the month of Safar 1339 AH at the age of seventy.