Lyrics Talib al-Habib - Hilya - A Pen-Portrait of the Prophet

Balagha al-`ula bi kamalihi
Kashafa ad-duja bi jamalihi
Hasunat jami`u khisalihi
Sallu `alayhi wa aalihi

For his face, that shone like the sun and moon
For the smile, that lightened a darkened room
For his life, that turned night to brightest noon
Send peace on him and his family.
As his hands brought fragrance to all they touched
With a perfume sweeter than rose or musk
His remembrance perfumes the dawn and dusk
Send peace on him and his family.

For his hair, that shone ebony and black
That like streams cascaded towards his neck
For the seal of prophecy upon his back
Send peace on him and his family.
For his teeth, that shone with a diamond’s gleam
For his neck, like silver and ivory
For his wisdom, priceless beyond all things
Send peace on him and his family.

For his hands that toiled yet were smooth and soft
For his feet that swelled as he worshipped God
For the marks on his back that brought tears to Umar
Send peace on him and his family.
When his blessed body was pierced by rocks
With blood streaming forth, he gave this response
‘Oh Allah, forgive them, for they know not!’
Send peace on him and his family.

For his name is Ahmad and Muhammad
He is praised in heaven and praised on earth
Though no praise can reach to his true worth
Send peace on him and his family.
All who came to him were in awe of him
All who stayed with him fell in love with him
Oh! How fortunate to have been one of them
Send peace on him and his family.