Kisa cha Miiraji (MS 380747a)

Material Information

Title:
Kisa cha Miiraji (MS 380747a)
Series Title:
Knappert Collection :
Creator:
Jambein Al-Bakry, Mohamed, Sheikh ( Author, Primary )
Publication Date:
Language:
Swahili
Materials:
Paper ( medium )
Technique:
Typescript manuscript : In black type, often faint and blurred, on thin paper

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Islam ( LCSH )
Religious practice
Religious belief
Swahili language ( LCSH )
Poetry ( LCSH )
Imani za kidini
Uislamu ( Faith )
LCSH ( Islam -- Customs and practices )
LCSH
Muḥammad, Prophet, -649 ( LCNA )
Prophet Mohammed
Genre:
Poem
Utenzi
Poetry ( LCTGM )
Spatial Coverage:
Africa -- Kenya -- Lamu County -- Eastern Africa -- Lamu -- Lamu Island
Coordinates:
-2.269444 x 40.902222

Notes

Abstract:
This poem narrates the Prophet Mohammed’s miraculous journey to heaven. Its content may be outlined as follows: Stanzas 1-5: Praises for God, the Prophet and the Prophet’s family and companions Stanzas 6-24: Arrival of the three angels in Mecca and the washing of Mohammed’s heart Stanzas 25-44: Arrival of the miraculous creature Burak, the Prophet’s mount, and visits to Medina, Mount Sinai and the birthplace of Jesus Stanzas 45-48: The appearance of a demon; Jibril teaches Mohammed a prayer Stanzas 49-59: The rewards to be enjoyed by participants in jihad; the faith of the wife of Firauni and her death as believer Stanzas 60-81: The Prophet observes the punishments endured by evildoers in Hell Stanzas 82-95: The Prophet is addressed by various figures, to whom he refuses to speak; Jibril stops him from speaking to a devil Stanzas 96-104: The Prophet prays in Jerusalem, alone and in the company of Other prophets, whom he leads in prayer Stanzas 105-110: Jibril offers beverages to the Prophet, who chooses milk Stanzas 111-126 [most of which are missing in this manuscript]: Ascent and admittance into heaven, greetings from Adam; the Prophet sees the gate of Paradise and the gate of Hell Stanzas 127-130: The second heaven, greetings from Jesus and John Stanzas 131-135: The third heaven, greetings from Joseph Stanzas 136-140: The fourth heaven, greetings from Idris Stanzas 141-148: The fifth heaven, greetings from Aaron Stanzas 149-158: The sixth heaven, greetings from Moses; Jibril quiets the envy of Moses Stanzas 159-263: The seventh heaven Stanzas 264-300: The Prophet descends through the heavens, returns to Mecca and tells of his journey; the mockery of Abu Jahal and the belief of Abu Bakr. This is the poem published in the journal ‘Afrika und Ubersee’ (Mohamed Jambein, 1964), with slight variations. Each version contains small errors, and in many instances one may be used to correct mistakes in the Other. Knappert (1966) discusses Other versions of the poem. ( en )
General Note:
Biographical information: Jan Knappert, in an introduction to the 1964 publication of this poem, writes that Mohamed Jambein Al-Bakry lived for some time in Mombasa, ‘probably at the beginning’ of the 20th century. Mohamed Jambein was also the author of ‘Kiokozi cha Banati’ (see MS 380749), ‘Mashairi ya Faraidhwi’ (see MS 380748) and the Maulid contained in MS 380759. In the present MS, the poet identifies himself as a resident of Lamu
General Note:
Date of Composition is unknown
General Note:
Languages: Swahili (Roman script)
General Note:
Poetic Form: Utenzi
General Note:
Extent: 16 leaves
General Note:
Incipit: Nimeanda kukutubu, iliyokuwa ajabu, Miujiza ya Habibu, Rasuli wetu Nabiya
General Note:
Page 7, which would contain verses 108 to 125, is missing. These verses may be found in Mohamed Jambein (1964)
General Note:
Archival history: This manuscript was formerly part of MS 380526
General Note:
Africa -- Eastern Africa -- Kenya -- Lamu County -- Lamu -- Lamu Island
General Note:
Part of a collection purchased from Dr. J. Knappert in March 1993
General Note:
Publication information: Knappert, Jan. 1966. Miiraji: the legend of Mohammed’s ascension. Swahili 36 (2): 105-156.
General Note:
Publication information: Mohamed Jambein. 1964. Utenzi wa Miiraji: the ascension of the Prophet Mohammed. Ed. by Jan Knappert. Afrika und Ubersee 48: 241-274

Record Information

Source Institution:
SOAS University of London
Holding Location:
Archives and Special Collections
Rights Management:
This item may be in the public domain. Its status has yet to be assessed.
Resource Identifier:
MS 380747 ( SOAS manuscript number )
MS 380747a ( SOAS manuscript number )