2017 – Ages 11 – 14: Runner Up

Ammar Kassam (Age 12)

Theme – A Beautiful Blessing of Allah

Judges’ comments: The commanding tone of this poem from the beginning and the extremely confident stating of the blessings of Allah (SWT) that followed in short, simple meter was extremely appealing and synchronous.  The end note of a question from Allah (SWT) and the reply from the poet was a perfect ending to a strong piece of verse.

Ar-Rahman

O men! Be grateful to your Lord.
Utter thanks and praise,
for His all-encompassing blessings,
and ever-expansive grace.

He has given us the moon and stars,
to illuminate the night,
He tells us what is wrong to do,
and also what is right.

He has provided us with food to eat.
from the plants and trees,
He has made for us the birds and bees,
that flutter in the breeze.

He has given us eyes to see and a mouth to eat,
to pray to Him and praise Him,
hands to pray and for walking: feet,
but we misuse these to lie and sin.

He has made the sea and sky,
and sun for warmth and light,
He’s given us all of this,
yet we argue and fight.

He sustains us every single day,
in all His glory, strength and might,
He’s sent us the Quran, a Holy guide,
and made the Ahlul-Bayt a shining light.

A question: ‘fabi ayyi ala i rabbikuma tukazziban,
in Surah 55 of the Quran,
‘And which of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?’
None my Lord, none, for you are Ar-Rahman.