Poem: Hormuz
The poem criticizes attempts to monopolize the Strait of Hormuz, citing Islamic history and the Pharaoh's stance, and asserts that the seas belong to God and are not private property.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Praise be to Allah, the Generous, abundantly.
He created existence and watched over it with perfect vision.
Glory be to Him, by whose command ships sail;
He is the Creator, having made the seas subservient to His will.
Since the time of Adam, life has been a series of trials.
Our ancestors traversed the seas for ages.
In the sea lies the sustenance of those who venture upon it toward greatness,
Through a channel of provision that was never restricted.
They traveled to earn livelihoods for their families,
When the Strait of Hormuz was not yet under anyone’s control.
The strait was wide enough for larger vessels,
Such as the “bugla”* sailing through it toward the land of India.
Today, they unjustly claim it as their own,
And have begun demanding tolls.
Is the ocean of Allah exclusive to anyone?! What a distorted claim!
How much harm have they inflicted upon us without cause?
Allah has truly forbidden oppression.
Allah has forbidden monopoly; thus, the recompense for those who wrong people is severe.
Oppression in this matter is an unjust and stubborn act,
Exceeding all bounds of reason.
When did you come to own its seabed and waters?
When did you fill the vast sea with evil?
By what right do you block passages,
While our rights in its waters remain inscribed?
In the waters of a region beyond their borders,
They own not even a fragment* of its sea.
They have cut off the waterway from its natural course,
And threatened anyone who wishes to pass through it.
They have blocked the passage of supplies, even going so far as to
Construct barriers according to their whims against people.
“Pharaoh” trampled on necks in arrogance,
Deluding himself into thinking people were his enslaved subjects.
Then came to him a sign from his Lord, the Great,
For the Almighty is All-Pervading and Omnipotent.
May Allah bless the chosen Prophet,
The best of creation, who illuminated them with insight,
And his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his Companions,
Who followed the Prophet out of love and sincere conviction.
*“Bugla”: an old commercial ship.
*Waters outside their territorial sea.
Poem by: Nada Al-Sayed Yousef Al-Rifai
