I’ve been working on a series of esoteric Shi’a Muslim portrait illustrations called “The Fourteen Masoomeen,” (Masoomeen meaning “infallibles”) based on the central figures of Twelver Shi’a Islam, where rather than showing the face of the figures, different designs and symbols allude to important moments in their lives. I’ve finished thirteen–The Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali, Fatima Zahra, Imam Hasan, Hussein, Zayn al-Abideen, al-Baqir, as-Sadiq, al-Kadhim, al-Rida, al-Jawad, al-Hadi, and al-Askari–and the last one is Imam Mahdi, who is believed to be alive but hidden from the eyes of man until his time of reappearance occurs. I’m stumped on how to approach his illustration and it might take even years for the correct inspiration to hit me, so have these of his beloved thirteen first… :’)
The Earth itself mourns a great loss today The very skies thunder and rage and weep Flames worldwide crackle and spit in dismay At being a part of what caused this day That left a scar in History so deep Ya Allah! Ya Allah! Ya Allah!
The fire had played a part in her demise For it was the tool used to weaken Her door She was crushed behind it, as the devil tries To gain access to her home, causing her cries Oh Fudha! The Nail! My Muhsin’s on the floor! Ya Zahraa! Ya Zahraa! Ya Zahraa!
The Lion of Allah sat on the chest Of the tyrant, the devil, who crushed her rib He clutched Dhul Fiqar with his knee to his breast Ali’s patience that day, Allah knows best For the Prophet’s will he could his anger curb Ya Ali! Ya Ali! Ya Ali!
Ali had refrained from igniting a war For the sake of keeping peace amongst Muslims Not to take revenge, to the Prophet he’d swore Revenge for Zahraa’s spilt blood and gore Would be taken by the Avenger, for him Ya Mehdi! Ya Mehdi! Ya Mehdi!
