The English Noha Collection About Islam

The English Noha Collection About Islam

Across generations, the message of Karbalāʾ has been carried not only in history books but in the rhythm of lament and devotion. Noḥah (a mourning elegy) serves as a bridge between emotion and faith, allowing hearts to remember shahādah (martyrdom) through words that awaken both ḥuzn (grief) and rajāʾ (hope). This collection brings that sacred tradition into English, making the spirit of ʿĀshūrāʾ (the tenth of Muḥarram, the day of Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) martyrdom) accessible to a global audience.

About the Book

Published by the Hubeali Organization, The English Noha Collection About Islam gathers a range of contemporary noḥas written in English and inspired by the events of Karbalāʾ. It reflects the universal message of Imam Ḥusayn (ʿa, an honorific meaning ʿalayhi al-salām — “peace be upon him”) — the defense of ḥaqq (truth) and ʿadl (justice) through ṣabr (patience) and maḥabbah (love).

Each elegy captures a unique aspect of ʿAzāʾ (ritual mourning), from the sorrow of Lady Zaynab (ʿa) to the devotion of the Imam’s companions, showing how poetic remembrance becomes an act of ʿibādah (worship) and dhikr (remembrance of God). The book also explains key terms and symbols within Shīʿī devotional poetry, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of how language becomes remembrance and verse becomes faith.

What You Will Discover

• The meaning and development of noḥah in Islamic devotional expression.
• How the tragedy of ʿĀshūrāʾ inspired artistic and spiritual creativity.
• The moral values of ḥaqq (truth), ʿadl (justice), and ṣabr (patience) conveyed through mourning poetry.
• The role of ʿAzāʾ (mourning) and dhikr (remembrance) as forms of ʿibādah (worship).
• How English poetic language preserves the essence of maḥabbah (love) and devotion in Karbalāʾ’s remembrance.

About the Author

Compiled by the Hubeali Team, this collection is part of their continuing work to present authentic Shīʿī literature in English. The editors provide context and commentary for each noḥah, helping readers grasp its spiritual depth and its link to Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) enduring message of justice and compassion.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for readers who wish to experience the emotional and spiritual power of ʿAzāʾ through English verse — students, poets, educators, and believers seeking to connect their hearts to the timeless message of ʿĀshūrāʾ and the legacy of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa, an honorific meaning ʿalayhim al-salām — “peace be upon them”), the Prophet’s Household.