A R C H I V E S
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
Legacy |
---|
se7en |
02/24/04 at 16:55:21 |
Legacy by Shazia Ahmad MSA University at Albany While doing some research on African Muslims enslaved in the Americas, two stories struck me particularly deeply: Umar ibn Said was an African Muslim writer from Pulo who was enslaved on a rice plantation in South Carolina in the early 19th century. Shortly after running away, he was captured while praying, and thrown into jail. Finding some coal in the ashes in his cell, he filled the walls with Arabic writing, asking for release. He caught the attention of a general from Wilmington, NC, who purchased him, and he lived the rest of his life as a house servant and gardener. Ibrahim Abd-ar Rahman was a prince, the son of the leader of Futa Jalon, who was captured in jihad. As a young man in Africa he was lauded by his tutors for his intelligence, and sent to various centers of learning to further his education. Having memorized the Quran by age 11, he went on to become a full fledged faqih [jurist], and acquired aptitude in at least six languages. He lived the vast majority of his life as a slave on a plantation in Natchez, Mississippi. * Dear Umar Named after he who made even the devil quiver Your nobility knows no bounds. Dignity was your raiment When they stripped you on the Middle Passage And you lay in the belly of the whale Though the transgression was theirs. The New World greeted you on Atlantic shores Only to shackle you to her fields. Once trapped in a four walled prison, You have tasted the sweetest freedom That dark souls are unfit to capture. From your hands flowed smooth Arabic letters Elegant shadows on crude walls The results of which only the Divine had portent. Your call was heard by He who liberates hearts and your chamber was opened. My prince, my brother Ibrahim Named after our father, the father of nubuwwa How could they be blind to your distinguished rank? Orator of six tongues, literary master, Mastered over by deep southern tyrants. Man of honor now a beast of burden Back bent in labor some twenty odd years While your soul nourished gardens of 'Ilm. This land absorbed your blood and tears and sweat And I stand in the shadow of your strength. Their dark clouds could not overwhelm The vastness of your inner sky And from your story, I find my place. |
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board |