Mansur al- Hallaj
Iran/Persia (9th Century) Timeline
Muslim / Sufi


Poems by Mansur al- Hallaj
Books - Links

Mansur al-Hallaj is one of the more controversial figures of Sufism. Considered by many to be a great poet-saint, he was executed for blasphemy.

The name Hallaj means "wool carder," probably a reference to his family's traditional occupation. Hallaj was born in the province of Fars, Persia (Iran). He later moved to what is now Iraq, where he took up religious studies and Sufi practice.

Orthodox religious authorities took offense at his poetry and teachings, particularly the line in one of his great poems "Ana 'l-Haqq," which translates as "I am the Real," but can also be translated as "I am the Truth" or "I am God" -- acknowledging the mystical realization of unity with the Eternal. He was condemned by a council of theologians, imprisoned for nine years, and eventually put to death. He is revered today as a martyr for truth by many Sufis and mystics.

Poems by Mansur al- Hallaj


Recommended Books: Mansur al- Hallaj

Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish & Hebrew Poems Islamic Mystical Poetry: Sufi Verse from the Early Mystics to Rumi Perfume of the Desert: Inspirations from Sufi Wisdom Early Islamic Mysticism: Sufi, Quran, Miraj, Poetic and Theological Writings (Classics of Western Spirituality) Sufi Poems: A Mediaeval Anthology
Mansur Hallaj: Selected Poems The Passion of Al-Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr of Islam The Death of Al-Hallaj: A Dramatic Narrative



Related Links

Husayn ibn Mansur al-Hallaj
http://www.sufimaster.org/husayn.htm

An extended biography on-line.

The Tawasin of Mansur Al-Hallaj
http://www.leapinglaughter.org/archive/tawasin/index.htm

A complete translation of Mansur's Tawasin.

Barbar: a poetry and translation blog: Hallaj
http://adamahmed.blogspot.com/search/label/Hallaj

Some lovely original translations of works by Hallaj. Explore the blog further for several excellent translations by other poets, as well.
Mansur al- Hallaj