The Lost Joseph, Hafiz and some things to think on in these times.
We are curating some lists of things to read and watch while in self-isolation. It’s a mix of free, to buy, @ihrc resources and others. Please send us your feedback, requests and suggestions.
Before getting to the issue at hand, we have had an overwhelming response to our last post, Quarantine Quran Time. In particular everyone loved the image and the line. We can’t take credit. A number of such images and the concept have been circulating on social media for a few days now. May the originators receive all the reward.
The Lost Joseph by Hafiz
The great poet and mystic Hafiz (Hafez) needs no introduction. This poem of his has struck a chord in these discordant times ‘The Lost Joseph / یوسف گمگشته بازآید به کنعان غم مخور’
It is addressed to the Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) about the loss of his son Yusuf (Joseph).
Your lost Joseph will return to Canaan, do not grieve
This house of sorrows will become a garden, do not grieve
Oh grieving heart, you will mend, do not despair
This frenzied mind will return to calm, do not grieve
When the spring of life sets again in the meadows
A crown of flowers you will bear, singing bird, do not grieve
If these turning epochs do not move with our will today
The spheres of time are not constant, do not grieve
Don’t lose hope, for awareness cannot perceive the unseen
Behind the curtains hidden scenes play, do not grieve
Oh heart, should a flood of destruction engulf the world
If Noah is at your helm, do not grieve
As you step through the desert longing for the Ka’aba
The thorns may reproach you, do not grieve
Home may be perilous and the destination out of reach
But there are no paths without an end, do not grieve
Our state in separation from friends and with demands of foes
The God who spins fate knows all, do not grieve
Hafez, in the corner of poverty and loneliness of dark nights
As long as your words are prayers and lessons of Quran, do not grieve.
Here is a rendition by Shajarian
For our part we have many volumes of Hafiz in store. Including this beautiful ‘Pocket Hafiz’. It is in Farsi and comes with a small leather case. For multiple language and English only Hafiz please browse our Hafiz catalogue.
Prophet Yusuf
We do have the DVD set of the epic and superlative TV series Yusuf Payambar (The Prophet Yusuf) instore, but to be honest, we think you can find it online too with translations in various languages here on its very own Youtube channel. Here is the link to the first episode with English dubbing (you may find other versions with subtitles if you prefer). A warning though, it does depict prophets. If you have fiqh issues in this regard, please don’t watch.
There are 40 some episodes, but it’s well worth the effort.
The trials and triumphs of Prophet Yusuf (pbuh) contain many lessons for us in our lives. Find his story conveyed for younger readers in the store alongside the lives of other Prophets here.
Finally on the theme of Prophet Yusuf’s later imprisonment, a memory from Dawud Wharnsby Ali with ‘The Beautiful Story of Yusuf’ (acapella). Buy the Book of poetry Colours of Islam by Wharnsby Ali with CD here.
Send us your own suggestions and links and we’ll try and share too.
Prayers and Peace,
The IHRC Bookshop & Gallery team
Shop[AT]ihrc.org
Twitter @ihrcbookshop
PS [added 29 March 2020] A great recording of The Lost Joseph dated today.
35 The Lost Joseph by Hafez of Shiraz (یوسف گمگشته بازآید به کنعان غم مخور), read by @khalidabdalla #PandemicPoems https://t.co/aivXfIK9Ng pic.twitter.com/QRlltopJRo
— Samuel West (@exitthelemming) March 29, 2020
