Moyo Nakukanya (MS 380764a)
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Material Information

Title:
Moyo Nakukanya (MS 380764a)
Series Title:
Knappert Collection :
Creator:
Jambein Al-Bakry, Mohamed, Sheikh ( Author, Primary )
Publication Date:
Language:
Swahili
Materials:
Paper ( medium )
Technique:
Typescript manuscript : In black, somewhat blurred type on thin paper

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Swahili poetry ( LCSH )
Islam ( LCSH )
Religious belief
Religious practice
Imani za kidini
Uislamu
Kiswahili mashairi
Faith ( LCSH )
Mazoezi ya kidini
Islam -- Customs and practices ( LCSH )
Genre:
Poem
Shairi
Poetry ( LCTGM )
Shayari
Spatial Coverage:
Africa -- Kenya -- Lamu County -- Eastern Africa -- Lamu -- Lamu Island
Coordinates:
-2.269444 x 40.902222

Notes

Abstract:
This is a 56-stanza poem of religious admonition by Sheikh Mohamed Jambein Al-Bakry of Lamu. The poet urges his audience - probably best understood as himself as well as Others - to bear in mind that they exist only by the will of God. He urges abstention from such behaviour as eating food that has been unjustly obtained, immodestly gazing at women and listening to the whisperings of Others. He urges avoidance of pride and envy. He describes what will occur after death, both for the deceased in the grave and among the family and friends of the deceased. ‘Mkata’ in stanza 26 refers not to a poor person, maskini, but (with an aspirated ‘k’) to the angel Azrael, the angel of death. In stanza 43, the poet refers to ‘ngoa,’ which is often defined as lust, jealousy or envy but is more accurately translated as desire to emulate another’s success. That is, unlike ‘hasidi’ it does not involve a desire that another person be deprived of success or happiness. The poem concludes with a prayer. The poet identifies himself in stanza 45 and gives the date in the final stanza. ( en )
General Note:
Biographical information: Jan Knappert, in an introduction to the 1964 publication of ‘Kisa cha Miiraji’ (see MS 380747), 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) and ‘Mashairi ya Faraidhwi’ (see MS 380748). In the present MS, the poet identifies himself as a native and resident of Lamu
General Note:
Date of Composition: circa 1962 AD (circa 1382 A.H.)
General Note:
Languages: Swahili (Roman script)
General Note:
Dialects: KiAmu
General Note:
Poetic Form: Shairi
General Note:
Extent: 6 leaves
General Note:
Incipit: Bismillahi natamka, Swala na salamu piya, Kwa Tumwa wake Rabuka, Zote kumfikiliya
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

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 380764 ( SOAS manuscript number )
MS 380764a ( SOAS manuscript number )