Bonjour,
Comme à Paris, le métro de Londres affiche des poèmes dans les wagons. Je suis tombé sur un poème traduit du swahili, datant du 18e siècle, dont l'auteur est Mwana Kupona Binti Msham, apparemment une femme.
J'ai tapé son nom sur internet et bizarrement je n'ai rien trouvé du tout. Si quelqu'un par hasard avait des informations sur cette poète, je serais preneur, merci !
Poète : Mwana Kupona Binti Msham
Moderators: kokoyaya, Beaumont, Sisyphe
Salut !!
Bon ce n'est pas grand chose et puis c'est en anglais, mais ça peut peut-être te donner quelques indications :
Mwana Kupona binti Msham, 1790-1860,
was a native of Pate who lived in Lamu. (Kenya)
On her deathbed, she dictated this poem to her only daughter,
giving her instructions on how she should tend for her husband.
Her daughter lived from 1841 to 1933
and was known in Lamu as
Mwana Heshima binti Sheikh.
Of her fortunate husband I can find no trace.
A part ça je ne trouve pas grand chose, elle est beaucoup sitée parmis les poètes africains mais il n'y a pas de biographie...
Bon ce n'est pas grand chose et puis c'est en anglais, mais ça peut peut-être te donner quelques indications :
Mwana Kupona binti Msham, 1790-1860,
was a native of Pate who lived in Lamu. (Kenya)
On her deathbed, she dictated this poem to her only daughter,
giving her instructions on how she should tend for her husband.
Her daughter lived from 1841 to 1933
and was known in Lamu as
Mwana Heshima binti Sheikh.
Of her fortunate husband I can find no trace.
A part ça je ne trouve pas grand chose, elle est beaucoup sitée parmis les poètes africains mais il n'y a pas de biographie...
Rien
Je ne trouve rien ni dans Universalis, ni dans l'encyclopédie universelle Larousse.
Dom
Dom
caline wrote:Salut !!
Bon ce n'est pas grand chose et puis c'est en anglais, mais ça peut peut-être te donner quelques indications :
Mwana Kupona binti Msham, 1790-1860,
was a native of Pate who lived in Lamu. (Kenya)
On her deathbed, she dictated this poem to her only daughter,
giving her instructions on how she should tend for her husband.
Her daughter lived from 1841 to 1933
and was known in Lamu as
Mwana Heshima binti Sheikh.
Of her fortunate husband I can find no trace.
A part ça je ne trouve pas grand chose, elle est beaucoup sitée parmis les poètes africains mais il n'y a pas de biographie...
Tu es plus forte que Google ! Merci...Je me demande comment les gars du métro de Londres ont fait pour la dénicher, si elle est si peu connue...
Je crois qu'elle est connue puisque je la trouve dans des listes de poètes africains, et je trouve ce poème (celui qui est dans le métro) sur des sites de poèmes africains, mais jamais de renseignement sur elle, juste qu'elle écrit des poèmes pour sa fille et c'est tout...
Je sais également qu'elle a été référencé dans un magazine féminin de littérature... Et je crois aussi qu'elle est sitée dans certains recueils de poèmes consacré à la vie des femmes...
Mais là encore aucun renseignement sur la vie de cette femme si talentueuse...
Je sais également qu'elle a été référencé dans un magazine féminin de littérature... Et je crois aussi qu'elle est sitée dans certains recueils de poèmes consacré à la vie des femmes...
Mais là encore aucun renseignement sur la vie de cette femme si talentueuse...
Ben mon arme secrète c'est google, j'ai juste tapé le nom de cette brave dame, et j'ai trouvé ces petites choses après avoir parcouru quelques pages...
http://www.google.fr/search?q=Mwana+Kup ... =firefox-a
Par contre il ne faut pas selectionner que les page en français, parce que là, c'est très pauvre...
http://www.google.fr/search?q=Mwana+Kup ... =firefox-a
Par contre il ne faut pas selectionner que les page en français, parce que là, c'est très pauvre...
Sur Google livre on trouve
Dom
Mais rien sur Gallica !The New Encyclopaedia Britannica - Page 128
de Encyclopaedia Britannica, inc, Robert MacHenry - Reference - 1993 - 32030 pages
The first well-known poet writing in this didactic vein was Mwana Kupona binti Msham. from Lamu Island, Kenya. His Utendi wa Mwana Kupona ("Poem of Mwana ...
Kindlers Literatur Lexikon
de Wolfgang von Einsiedel, Gert Woerner, Rolf Geisler - 1965
Page 87
Afrikaans LiteratureRecollection, Redefinition, Restitution. - Page 217
de Robert Kriger, Ethel Kriger, Evangelische Akademie Bad Boll - 1996 - 336 pages
... Mugo; Mwana Kupona Binti Msham; Njau; Ogot; ...
Shaaban Robert Mshairi - Page 4
de A. G. Gibbe, Shaaban Robert - 1980 - 133 pages
... wa Mwana Kupona. Utendi huu ni maarufu sana katika dunia ya ... na Mwana Kupona
binti Msham kwa ajili ya binti yake Mwana Hashima binti Sheikh (1841 ...
Le sein de la mèreintroduction à la littérature classique et moderne en swahili
de Kris Berwouts - 1991 - 140 pages
Page 137
Meyers enzyklopädisches Lexikon in 25 BándenMit 100 signierten Senderbeiträgen - Page 73
1971
Dichtung „(Utendi wa) Mwana Kupona" (1858) von Mwana Kupona binti Msham ...
Dom
-
mwanasimba
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Re: Poète : Mwana Kupona Binti Msham
Mwana Kupona binti Msham, 1790-1860, was a native of Pate who lived in Lamu. She married Bwana Mataka, who belonged to an old Siu family; he was the son of Sheikh Baraka bin Muhammadi bin Omari. On her deathbed, Mwana Kupona dictated her poem to her only daughter, for whose instruction it was composed. Her daughter, who was known in Lamu as Mwana Heshima binti Sheikh, lived from 1841 to 1933.
The early bird catches the worm
-
mwanasimba
- Membre / Member
- Posts: 36
- Joined: 20 Nov 2004 15:59
- Location: Terre-Sainte, 97410 La Réunion
- Contact:
Re: Poète : Mwana Kupona Binti Msham
Voici le poème en entier, dans sa traduction anglaise :
1 Come here, my daughter, and listen to my
advice; young though you are, perhaps you will
pay attention to It.
2 I have been ill for a whole year and have not
had an opportunity to talk properly to you.
3 Come forward and sit down with paper and ink.
I have something that I want to say to you.
4 Now that you are near, write In the Name of
God; and bless the Prophet and his Companions.
5 When you have recorded the Name of Almighty
God, now we pray for His bounty and God will be
pleased with us.
6 Man is nothing and the world does not belong
to us; there is none that shall endure.
7 My child, accept my admonition and God will
preserve you and keep you from ill.
8
1
Take the amulet that I give you; tie it firmly
with cord; honor it and pay attention to it.
9. I will make you a chain of pearl and coral to
dress you as a noble lady when it shines upon
your neck.
10 I will give you a clasp, fine without flaw, to
wear on your neck, and you will find it useful.
11 If you heed my advice you will have no trouble;
you will pass safely through this world and
ascend to the next.
1
The comparison of a poem with a necklace or amulet is very
common. For sunna and Faradbi, see Sacleux. Roughly speaking,
Faradhi is what is absolutely enjoined, while .Sunna allows some
discretion.
12 The first thing is to hold fast to your religion,
not rejecting the ordinances of God, and when
possible it is your duty to follow the Traditions.
13 The second is to behave properly and dis-
creetly, so that you are a welcome creature
wherever you go.
14 The third is to be trustworthy; what you do, do
it conscientiously, and do not make friends with a
dishonest person.
15 Then, my child, give respect to people of
quality, and wherever you see them, make haste
to greet them.
16 When they come in, rise to them gladly, and
afterwards escort them when they are about to
leave.
17 Make yourself amusing, but without malice;
do not make jokes that annoy people.
18 Talk with them cheerfully so as to give them
pleasure; but it is better to be silent than to give
offence.
19 Do not express opinions on matters that you
do not know about, and guard against talking
and whispering aside.
20 Do not consort with slaves unless there is
work to be done; they will lead you astray as I
must have told you
2
.
21 Do not associate with stupid people who do
not know how to behave; have nothing to do with
immodest creatures.
2
The word la buda’a, originally meaning ‘There is no escape’, in
modern Arabic and Swahili has come to mean ‘perhaps’; but in
verse and in some modern idiom, it retains some feeling of its
older meaning. Thus, after a warning, you may say to a child
Labuda nimekuambia—’You have no excuse: I have told you.’
22 Listen to me, my dear; a woman requires the
approval of five before she has peace in this world
and the next.
23 Of God and His Prophet; of father and mother,
as you know; and the 1:11th of her husband as
has been said again and again.
24 Please your husband all the days that you live
with him and on the day that you receive your
call, his approval will be clear.
25 If you die first, seek his blessing and go with it
upon you, so you will find the way.
26 When you rise again the choice is your
husband’s; he will be asked his will and that will
be done.
27 If he wishes you to go to Paradise, at once you
will go; if he says to Hell, there must you be sent.
28 Live with him orderly, anger him not; if he
rebuke you, do not argue; try to be silent.
29 Give him all your heart, do not refuse what he
wants; listen to each other, for obstinacy is
hurtful.
30 If he goes out, see him off; on his return
welcome him and then make ready a place for
him to rest.
31 If he lies down, do not neglect him; go to him
and fondle him and for air let there always be a
person to fan him.
32 If he is sleepy do not disturb him by making a
noise; sit still and do not get up, so that when he
wakes he may find you.
33 When he wakes, do not delay to set food before
him; care for his body, perfuming and bathing
him.
34
3
Shave his head and shape and tend his
beard; sprinkle and burn scent for him, morning
and evening.
35 Tend him like a child that cannot yet speak;
take particular care of his digestion.
36 Amuse him so that he may relax; do not
oppose his command; if it is ill advised, God will
defend you.
37 Do not, my child, be a Slut, keep things
looking nice; never be too proud to wash and
sweep the washroom.
38 Wash and perfume yourself and plait your
hair; string jasmine and lay it on the
counterpane.
39 Then make your clothes pretty, always like a
bride, and wear anklets on your legs and
bracelets on your arms.
40 Always have a necklace and clasp on your
neck, and never allow your body to be dirty nor
omit rosewater.
41 Always have rings on your fingers, always
henna on the palms of your hands; always kohl
on your eyes and eyebrows.
42 Your house must be neat and a credit to your
husband; then when people meet there you will
have a good reputation.
3
-pailiza is used for the careful trimming so that there is a
sharp division between the beard and the shaven part of the
face. The alternative reading puliza refers to blowing on the
skin to cool it after shaving.
43 Follow that which he desires, and do nothing
to annoy him.
44 If you have occasion to go out, ask his
permission; if you see that he is vexed, come back
and stay at home.
45 Follow his authority, so that he may be really
satisfied; and do not stay out after ten o’clock.
46 Do not gossip in the road nor unveil yourself;
keep your eyes down and your expression
modest.
47. Return home quickly and stay with your
husband; have cushions ready for you both to lie
on.
48 Praise your husband
and spread his
reputation; but do not make promises that he can
not fulfill.
49 What he gives to you take from him gratefully;
what he does not of his own accord you need not
mention to him.
50 When you look at him, show your teeth in a
smile; accept all that he tells you to do, so long as
it is not against the will of God.
51 Do not raise your voice, be like your mother; I
saw ten years
without a quarrel.
52 In my marriage with your father we had joy
and laughter, and never in the time that we were
together did either give the other cause for shame.
53. Not once did we quarrel; he found no fault
with me nor I with him.
54 When his time came he told me many times
how satisfied he was; I gave thanks and made my
peace and my heart was full.
55. From that day to this I have not ceased to
mourn his easy ways, his goodness and his
behavior.
56 When people are considerate, they always
think of each other; if they are quarrelsome, they
regret it for ever.
57. To carry out your husband’s instructions
and to be friendly with your family and relations
are my instructions to you.
58 When you meet friends of your own quality
and they invite you in, go in at once.
59 If they serve a meal and you are invited to
eat, do not be slow and hesitant.
6o Do not be too proud to eat your fill; but if
you have not had enough, do not admit it; ask for
the meal to be taken away.
61 Be friends with all believers; do not fawn on
the great and defeat them by keeping them away.
62. Do not frequent those who have elegance
and wealth, while you despise and disparage the
poor.
63 Love him that loves you and seek out him
that rejects you; wear him down with kindness
and he may accept you.
64 When anyone comes to you in need, do not,
my dear, ask too many questions; hasten to do all
that you can for him.
65 Listen to me, dear, and do not treat my
words lightly; you will find what I say useful to
you in this world and the next.
66 That is the end of my advice to you, my
daughter; now I will ask God to grant me a
petition.
67 For however much we talk, the children of
Adam are silly creatures; it is God that is able to
destroy and to save.
68 I pray God of His goodness to aid me in what I
say aloud and what I leave unsaid.
69 All that I have said Lord accept from me; and
what I have omitted supply, I pray Thee.
70 Look after my children and my younger
brother; may their names grow great and their
reputations be high.
71 Lord, look after my kin and the children of my
kin; may they flourish in this world with grace
and prosperity.
72 On all Muslims, Lord, have mercy; fulfill their
desires that their hearts may be glad.
73. 0 God, I have given my children in trust to
Thee; guard them and ever preserve them.
74 1 have given them to Thee in this world to
preserve and cherish; give them back to me in
Paradise before the Prophet.
75 Look on them mercifully, guide them in the
right way; keep them from trouble in this world
and the next.
76 I will not cease to pray to Thee, nor will I hold
my tongue. 0 Granter of content, bring me to the
end of my afflictions.
77 I stand before Thee as a suppliant; give quickly
of Thy comfort, deliverance and health.
78 Take from me the grave sickness that has
fallen hard upon me, and, Lord, forgive me my
sins and wickednesses.
79 To us it is a great matter, to Thee it is a trifle;
take from me the fever and relieve me quickly.
80 I pray Thee of Thy kindness to take from me
fear; by the day of Arafat and the feast of
Sacrifice.
81 By these great days, of the Pilgrimage and of
the Kaaba, save me, 0 Lord and send deliverance
down to me.
82 0 God, 0 God, 0 Lord, 0 Lord, Thou to Whom
prayer is made and by Whom it is fulfilled, answer
me when I call upon Thee.
83 I pray to Thee, 0 Lord, by Thy Beautiful
Names, ninety and nine, one hundred less one.
84 I have listened to the learned and they tell me
that if a Muslim prays this prayer it will be
answered.
85 1, Thy feeble servant, pray to Thee in my
troubles to ease them; lighten them, Lord, for me.
86 1 pray Thee hasten to do for me blessings
beyond my reckoning; grant me all good fortune
and deliver me from evil.
87 Lord, finish for me that which I cannot
complete; matters which I have never expected to
come to pass.
88 Lord, make me happy, grant me good gifts; put
evil away from me, so that we do not meet.
89 Keep me in this world in the company of the
blessed; that when I die I may go to Paradise, the
dwelling of the saved.
90 I have composed this poem in trouble and
sorrow by Thy decree and Thy dispensation Most
High Judge.
91 I have composed it in illness and without
great understanding; but read it, Muslims, when
you help one another on the Way.
92 My reason for composing it is not that I am a
poet or an expert; but I have a silly daughter,
whom I wish to instruct.
93 I want to Warn her, and perhaps she will heed
the warning, to follow God and her husband.
94 Read it all women and perhaps you will
understand and be blameless before Almighty
God.
95 Read it you who are growing up and be
obedient to your husbands; then you will not be
afflicted in this world nor in the next.
96 She who is obedient to her husband has good
repute and charm; she who obeys him has her
path made straight.
97 The composer of this work is a sorrowful
widow; the Lord will forgive her the worst of her
sins.
98 Her name, whose hope is in the Lord, is
Mwana Kupona Msham, born at Pate.
99 The date is 1275 of the Hejira.
100 The number of verses is one hundred when
they are counted, and two extra verses.
101 God will smooth our way by the blessing of
the Prophet and of the companions who
supported the Faith.
102 I give praise and prayer for the Prophet, our
Apostle, and his family and descendants; may
blessing be upon us all.
1 Come here, my daughter, and listen to my
advice; young though you are, perhaps you will
pay attention to It.
2 I have been ill for a whole year and have not
had an opportunity to talk properly to you.
3 Come forward and sit down with paper and ink.
I have something that I want to say to you.
4 Now that you are near, write In the Name of
God; and bless the Prophet and his Companions.
5 When you have recorded the Name of Almighty
God, now we pray for His bounty and God will be
pleased with us.
6 Man is nothing and the world does not belong
to us; there is none that shall endure.
7 My child, accept my admonition and God will
preserve you and keep you from ill.
8
1
Take the amulet that I give you; tie it firmly
with cord; honor it and pay attention to it.
9. I will make you a chain of pearl and coral to
dress you as a noble lady when it shines upon
your neck.
10 I will give you a clasp, fine without flaw, to
wear on your neck, and you will find it useful.
11 If you heed my advice you will have no trouble;
you will pass safely through this world and
ascend to the next.
1
The comparison of a poem with a necklace or amulet is very
common. For sunna and Faradbi, see Sacleux. Roughly speaking,
Faradhi is what is absolutely enjoined, while .Sunna allows some
discretion.
12 The first thing is to hold fast to your religion,
not rejecting the ordinances of God, and when
possible it is your duty to follow the Traditions.
13 The second is to behave properly and dis-
creetly, so that you are a welcome creature
wherever you go.
14 The third is to be trustworthy; what you do, do
it conscientiously, and do not make friends with a
dishonest person.
15 Then, my child, give respect to people of
quality, and wherever you see them, make haste
to greet them.
16 When they come in, rise to them gladly, and
afterwards escort them when they are about to
leave.
17 Make yourself amusing, but without malice;
do not make jokes that annoy people.
18 Talk with them cheerfully so as to give them
pleasure; but it is better to be silent than to give
offence.
19 Do not express opinions on matters that you
do not know about, and guard against talking
and whispering aside.
20 Do not consort with slaves unless there is
work to be done; they will lead you astray as I
must have told you
2
.
21 Do not associate with stupid people who do
not know how to behave; have nothing to do with
immodest creatures.
2
The word la buda’a, originally meaning ‘There is no escape’, in
modern Arabic and Swahili has come to mean ‘perhaps’; but in
verse and in some modern idiom, it retains some feeling of its
older meaning. Thus, after a warning, you may say to a child
Labuda nimekuambia—’You have no excuse: I have told you.’
22 Listen to me, my dear; a woman requires the
approval of five before she has peace in this world
and the next.
23 Of God and His Prophet; of father and mother,
as you know; and the 1:11th of her husband as
has been said again and again.
24 Please your husband all the days that you live
with him and on the day that you receive your
call, his approval will be clear.
25 If you die first, seek his blessing and go with it
upon you, so you will find the way.
26 When you rise again the choice is your
husband’s; he will be asked his will and that will
be done.
27 If he wishes you to go to Paradise, at once you
will go; if he says to Hell, there must you be sent.
28 Live with him orderly, anger him not; if he
rebuke you, do not argue; try to be silent.
29 Give him all your heart, do not refuse what he
wants; listen to each other, for obstinacy is
hurtful.
30 If he goes out, see him off; on his return
welcome him and then make ready a place for
him to rest.
31 If he lies down, do not neglect him; go to him
and fondle him and for air let there always be a
person to fan him.
32 If he is sleepy do not disturb him by making a
noise; sit still and do not get up, so that when he
wakes he may find you.
33 When he wakes, do not delay to set food before
him; care for his body, perfuming and bathing
him.
34
3
Shave his head and shape and tend his
beard; sprinkle and burn scent for him, morning
and evening.
35 Tend him like a child that cannot yet speak;
take particular care of his digestion.
36 Amuse him so that he may relax; do not
oppose his command; if it is ill advised, God will
defend you.
37 Do not, my child, be a Slut, keep things
looking nice; never be too proud to wash and
sweep the washroom.
38 Wash and perfume yourself and plait your
hair; string jasmine and lay it on the
counterpane.
39 Then make your clothes pretty, always like a
bride, and wear anklets on your legs and
bracelets on your arms.
40 Always have a necklace and clasp on your
neck, and never allow your body to be dirty nor
omit rosewater.
41 Always have rings on your fingers, always
henna on the palms of your hands; always kohl
on your eyes and eyebrows.
42 Your house must be neat and a credit to your
husband; then when people meet there you will
have a good reputation.
3
-pailiza is used for the careful trimming so that there is a
sharp division between the beard and the shaven part of the
face. The alternative reading puliza refers to blowing on the
skin to cool it after shaving.
43 Follow that which he desires, and do nothing
to annoy him.
44 If you have occasion to go out, ask his
permission; if you see that he is vexed, come back
and stay at home.
45 Follow his authority, so that he may be really
satisfied; and do not stay out after ten o’clock.
46 Do not gossip in the road nor unveil yourself;
keep your eyes down and your expression
modest.
47. Return home quickly and stay with your
husband; have cushions ready for you both to lie
on.
48 Praise your husband
and spread his
reputation; but do not make promises that he can
not fulfill.
49 What he gives to you take from him gratefully;
what he does not of his own accord you need not
mention to him.
50 When you look at him, show your teeth in a
smile; accept all that he tells you to do, so long as
it is not against the will of God.
51 Do not raise your voice, be like your mother; I
saw ten years
without a quarrel.
52 In my marriage with your father we had joy
and laughter, and never in the time that we were
together did either give the other cause for shame.
53. Not once did we quarrel; he found no fault
with me nor I with him.
54 When his time came he told me many times
how satisfied he was; I gave thanks and made my
peace and my heart was full.
55. From that day to this I have not ceased to
mourn his easy ways, his goodness and his
behavior.
56 When people are considerate, they always
think of each other; if they are quarrelsome, they
regret it for ever.
57. To carry out your husband’s instructions
and to be friendly with your family and relations
are my instructions to you.
58 When you meet friends of your own quality
and they invite you in, go in at once.
59 If they serve a meal and you are invited to
eat, do not be slow and hesitant.
6o Do not be too proud to eat your fill; but if
you have not had enough, do not admit it; ask for
the meal to be taken away.
61 Be friends with all believers; do not fawn on
the great and defeat them by keeping them away.
62. Do not frequent those who have elegance
and wealth, while you despise and disparage the
poor.
63 Love him that loves you and seek out him
that rejects you; wear him down with kindness
and he may accept you.
64 When anyone comes to you in need, do not,
my dear, ask too many questions; hasten to do all
that you can for him.
65 Listen to me, dear, and do not treat my
words lightly; you will find what I say useful to
you in this world and the next.
66 That is the end of my advice to you, my
daughter; now I will ask God to grant me a
petition.
67 For however much we talk, the children of
Adam are silly creatures; it is God that is able to
destroy and to save.
68 I pray God of His goodness to aid me in what I
say aloud and what I leave unsaid.
69 All that I have said Lord accept from me; and
what I have omitted supply, I pray Thee.
70 Look after my children and my younger
brother; may their names grow great and their
reputations be high.
71 Lord, look after my kin and the children of my
kin; may they flourish in this world with grace
and prosperity.
72 On all Muslims, Lord, have mercy; fulfill their
desires that their hearts may be glad.
73. 0 God, I have given my children in trust to
Thee; guard them and ever preserve them.
74 1 have given them to Thee in this world to
preserve and cherish; give them back to me in
Paradise before the Prophet.
75 Look on them mercifully, guide them in the
right way; keep them from trouble in this world
and the next.
76 I will not cease to pray to Thee, nor will I hold
my tongue. 0 Granter of content, bring me to the
end of my afflictions.
77 I stand before Thee as a suppliant; give quickly
of Thy comfort, deliverance and health.
78 Take from me the grave sickness that has
fallen hard upon me, and, Lord, forgive me my
sins and wickednesses.
79 To us it is a great matter, to Thee it is a trifle;
take from me the fever and relieve me quickly.
80 I pray Thee of Thy kindness to take from me
fear; by the day of Arafat and the feast of
Sacrifice.
81 By these great days, of the Pilgrimage and of
the Kaaba, save me, 0 Lord and send deliverance
down to me.
82 0 God, 0 God, 0 Lord, 0 Lord, Thou to Whom
prayer is made and by Whom it is fulfilled, answer
me when I call upon Thee.
83 I pray to Thee, 0 Lord, by Thy Beautiful
Names, ninety and nine, one hundred less one.
84 I have listened to the learned and they tell me
that if a Muslim prays this prayer it will be
answered.
85 1, Thy feeble servant, pray to Thee in my
troubles to ease them; lighten them, Lord, for me.
86 1 pray Thee hasten to do for me blessings
beyond my reckoning; grant me all good fortune
and deliver me from evil.
87 Lord, finish for me that which I cannot
complete; matters which I have never expected to
come to pass.
88 Lord, make me happy, grant me good gifts; put
evil away from me, so that we do not meet.
89 Keep me in this world in the company of the
blessed; that when I die I may go to Paradise, the
dwelling of the saved.
90 I have composed this poem in trouble and
sorrow by Thy decree and Thy dispensation Most
High Judge.
91 I have composed it in illness and without
great understanding; but read it, Muslims, when
you help one another on the Way.
92 My reason for composing it is not that I am a
poet or an expert; but I have a silly daughter,
whom I wish to instruct.
93 I want to Warn her, and perhaps she will heed
the warning, to follow God and her husband.
94 Read it all women and perhaps you will
understand and be blameless before Almighty
God.
95 Read it you who are growing up and be
obedient to your husbands; then you will not be
afflicted in this world nor in the next.
96 She who is obedient to her husband has good
repute and charm; she who obeys him has her
path made straight.
97 The composer of this work is a sorrowful
widow; the Lord will forgive her the worst of her
sins.
98 Her name, whose hope is in the Lord, is
Mwana Kupona Msham, born at Pate.
99 The date is 1275 of the Hejira.
100 The number of verses is one hundred when
they are counted, and two extra verses.
101 God will smooth our way by the blessing of
the Prophet and of the companions who
supported the Faith.
102 I give praise and prayer for the Prophet, our
Apostle, and his family and descendants; may
blessing be upon us all.
The early bird catches the worm