The Soliloquy of the Full Moon
The First Original English Mawlid
Love of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the beating heart of religion. The purpose of mawlid celebration is precisely to inspire this deep love of and reverence for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, – to transcend outward aspects of his words and deeds to reveal something of his inward reality. To assist this noble endeavour, for over a thousand years, traditional works of mawlid have been composed in every language spoken by believers. English-speaking Muslims – long bereft of a work to call their own – can now fully enjoy the experience of mawlid in the highest rhythms and prose of their native tongue.
The Soliloquy of the Full Moon is an epic poem composed over twelve nights in Rabi al-Awwal 1436H. Over a thousand lines, it celebrates the virtues of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, the signs preceding his advent, the wonders of his birth and nursing, the first revelations and his night journey and ascension. It is the first work of its kind written in the English language – Barzanjian in form, Shakespearean in cadence – composed by the author at the age of only 15. May it be read, celebrated and reflected upon for generations to come.
Some reviews of the Soliloquy
A work of exceptional beauty – the first of its kind in the English language. The mind is astonished at the maturity of its style, and is excited as it considers the bright future for this young author.
Shaykh Nasir Rashid
After reading the soliloquy, I was left with two thoughts: profound admiration and thankfulness. Admiration for the ability of one so young to capture the immense love so many have, but cannot express so eloquently. Thankfulness for that we now have something to read in our mawlids, for our children to relate to in a language that is their own. May Allah bless Noor for bringing this light in our mawlids.
Anika Arshad
Noor Yusuf is a prodigal young author who has produced a phenomenal piece of work without peer. The Soliloquy of the Full Moon is an ode to the Beloved which illuminates hearts and nourishes minds. It is a gleaming pearl effusing with love and reverence for the best of creation. One is taken on a fantastic journey with an enduring companion to a time when the light of humanity walked on the earth, removing the darkness inflicting mankind. The lines of this composition deserve to be read, sung and recited by individuals, groups and families.
Dr Abdul Jabbar Ghauri
Original, inspiring, lucid, creative and accessible. This timely produced book is a great addition to the canon of Mawlid literature, yet it is unique because it is written in articulate, poetic English. With every page, every song, every couplet, one can get a sense of what yearning for the Beloved is. It is conducive not only for gatherings but also for solitary recitation and reflection. For those of you who want to know the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), look no further.
Sajad Ali
A unique rhythmic creation of poetry where the author’s emotions of love and awe have been beautifully translated into words.
Fahad Ali