I love you so,” Songs & Hymns”
(Songs of divine inspiration)
By: Shumaila Munib Shumail
Introduction!
Henrik Yusuf Vielura:
Henrik Yusuf Vielura Lives in Ottawa, Ontario Cannda. He belongs to Sunni sect and he works as a teacher. He got Diploma in Islamic Psychology from Cambridge Muslim College in 2023.
Henrik began his career as a teacher of language and literature. Noticing in students the need for mental health support, he pursued studies in counseling psychology in order to acquire the clinical competencies and knowledge to help alleviate their suffering and impart valuable skills that foster resilience.1
I Love You So “Songs & Hymns”:
He has studied spirituality extensively, and in his book “I Love You So “Hymns, Naat, Qasaid and prayers are included. He compiles some translated poems along with his poetry in it. This book consists of just 34 pages and is published from Sanad Collective, Canada.
As we know, Henrik Yusuf Vielura is a psychologist who helps youth in educational activities. He is currently living in Canada and is also an excellent Naat reciter. He has a deep interest in sacred literature and spirituality because of his love and devotion to the Prophet (PBUH). We can feel his feelings by reading his book. This book is based on the biography and praise of the Prophet (PBUH), in which he has collected all his favorite Islamic sacred poetry in one place, which he recites on his own YouTube channel. In this book, some Arabic poetry is translated into English in a very good way. His work incorporates a beautiful combination of hymn (Hamd) and Naat, which shows the charm and versatility of his poetic expression.
As a poet and compiler, Henirk Yusuf has tried to bridge the linguistic and cultural divide by bringing her poetry to a wider audience. His poetry is the pure qualities and themes of human emotions, spirituality, and love of the Prophet (PBUH) from one language to another and promoted sacred literature, the purpose of which is to convey the light of the Prophet’s love to the English-speaking class. The book can be seen as Henrik’s spiritual journey. On the other hand, if we study the background of Heinrik Vielura, a psychotherapist with a holistic approach to healing, we get to read excellent poetry of Hamd-O-Naats and Qasaid in his book on the topics of spirituality and religious sentiments of Muslims. . The following are the names of the poets that he includes in his book who translate poetry from Arabic to English: S. Karim Faris Abu Rashid.
Here I mention hymn couplets from his book “I Love You So, Songs & Hymns”.
Ya Rabbu Ya Kareemu
Translated by: S. Karim
O you, the one who is truly-living ,
Who never dies, giver of life,
O you who sustains all and needs no sustenance!
Who you know us best ,p.10
Ya Rabbu Ya Kareemu
Translated by: Farris Abu Risheh
Oh you care for our every need
Who treats us with generosity?
Oh you who is so kind to us
Who’s closer than our families, p.16
A letter to the Beloved (PBUH)
By Henrik Yusuf Vielura:
My Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), I wrote you this verse,
For your good pleasure(and)to increase my thirst.
I love you, Muhammad, though these are just words,
I pray that our Lord adds the weight they deserve.p.5
Of you my Lord I’m asking
(Group chorus)
Of you Lord we’re asking
The gaze of your affection
To cure all our diseases
And heal us from depression
Who els but you to go to
Escaping this stagnation, p.21
When we reflect on the good
That we have been exposed to
And I think of the one God chose
To pass his gift to us through
Muhammad, our dear master
Our source of revelation
A gift from God to us all
Preceding this creation.p.22
Rabbi Sali ‘Ala An –Nabi
By: Abudllah Quilliam (1896)
Chorus:
Rabbi Sali ala an-Nabi
Shafi’inaa Ahmad
Mawlana Muhammad
The one to whom the stones would speak
The mountains would whimper with love
To feel his touch the trees would weep
Muhammad Prophet of God, p.18
Ahmad’s Seerah,
By: Faris Abu Risheh
In Makkah there was strife
Then threats against your life, p.31
Moreover:
Madinah’s now in sight
Abu Bakr to your right, p33
Additionally:
You came and broke the door
And prison walls down to the floor. p34
Deep Analysis:
This collection of poems combines contemplation, awe, and a strong bond with Allah and the Prophet (PBUH) to create a wealth of spiritual and devotional themes. Each poem embodies Islamic spirituality through its passionate feelings and poetic beauty, whether it be a direct prayer or a tribute to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
As can be seen in the translations of S. Karim and Farris Abu Risheh, one of the main themes is the invocation of God’s qualities. “Ya Rabbu Ya Kareemu” is translated in two ways, each emphasizing God’s eternal character, sustaining strength, and deep regard for people. While Farris Abu Risheh concentrates on God’s generosity and mercy, depicting these attributes, S. Karim’s version highlights God’s role as the provider of life who needs no sustenance.
Henrik Yusuf Vierula’s poem “A Letter to the Beloved (PBUH)” is a personal and devotional piece dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The poet expresses deep love and longing for the Prophet, recognizing the limitations of his poem in conveying the full depth of his devotion.
The group chorus poem, “Of You, My Lord, I’m Asking,” is a communal plea for divine mercy and healing. It reflects the collective human condition of suffering and the hope for relief through God’s affection. The poem also underscores the role of reflection on God’s blessings and the Prophet Muhammad as the conduit of divine revelation and guidance.
The poem of “Rabbi Sali ‘Ala An-Nabi” is a classic example of praise poetry, describing the miraculous nature of the Prophet Muhammad’s relationship with Allah and his creation. The imagery of stones speaking, mountains whimpering, and trees weeping at the Prophet’s touch evokes a profound sense of his spiritual significance and the love he inspired in all beings.
“Ahmad’s Seerah” by Faris Abu Risheh describes important occasions in the life of the Prophet Muhammad, including the battle in Makkah, the journey to Madinah, and the release of the disadvantaged. In addition to providing historical context, this poem serves as a reminder of the Prophet’s purpose to spread compassion and justice throughout the world.
When read as a whole, these poems effectively convey the Islamic religion, reverence for the Prophet Muhammad, and unwavering trust for God’s mercy and direction in the lives of believers.
Conclusion:
This book reflects their love and deep connection with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). His hymns and Naat recitations not only express his thoughts but also show his ability to evoke deep emotions and spiritual reverence through his performance
References:
1- Henrik Yusuf Vielura, I Love You So, Sanad Collective, Canada,
2- Henrik Yusuf Vierula
