The Poetry of Imam al-Haddad About the eventAlthough Imam al-Haddad lived in Yemen more than three centuries ago, his writings continue to attract interest across diverse cultural and intellectual settings around the world, with his poetry studied, translated, and recited in communities from California to Jakarta. A new English translation of his original Arabic works offers contemporary readers an opportunity to engage with the thought and literary legacy of an influential and enduring spiritual and intellectual figure. This event will feature a presentation on the new translation “Pearls from the Diwan of Imam al-Haddad,” an introduction to the Imam’s life and work and a recitation and explanation of some of his poetry.Speakers:Syed Zain al-Haddad is a direct descendant of Imam al-Haddad and travels constantly between Europe, Yemen and Malaysia. His work centres around communications strategy and community building. Syed Muhammad Muhiyuddīn Al-ʿAttas is a lecturer on Islamic Philosophy and the Malay-Islamic intellectual tradition. He has also spent time in traditional learning circles in Yemen. Ayman Muhammad is a creative across multiple disciplines, ranging from photography, graphic design and poetry. His “Breezes of the Elect” project aims to make spiritual poetry accessible to an English-speaking audience. Amin Buxton is a community imam and counsellor. He has spent years delving into the works of Imam al-Haddad and currently teaches them to prisoners. Amin is also Honorary Muslim Chaplain at the University of Edinburgh.RegistrationRegister hereAccessibility guideAccessing the venue Sep 23 2026 18.00 - 19.30 The Poetry of Imam al-Haddad Join us on 23 September for a presentation of Yemeni scholar Imam al-Haddad's recently translated poetry. Teaching Room 07, Old College, University of Edinburgh Find Venue Register here This article was published on Friday 28 August 2026
The Poetry of Imam al-Haddad About the eventAlthough Imam al-Haddad lived in Yemen more than three centuries ago, his writings continue to attract interest across diverse cultural and intellectual settings around the world, with his poetry studied, translated, and recited in communities from California to Jakarta. A new English translation of his original Arabic works offers contemporary readers an opportunity to engage with the thought and literary legacy of an influential and enduring spiritual and intellectual figure. This event will feature a presentation on the new translation “Pearls from the Diwan of Imam al-Haddad,” an introduction to the Imam’s life and work and a recitation and explanation of some of his poetry.Speakers:Syed Zain al-Haddad is a direct descendant of Imam al-Haddad and travels constantly between Europe, Yemen and Malaysia. His work centres around communications strategy and community building. Syed Muhammad Muhiyuddīn Al-ʿAttas is a lecturer on Islamic Philosophy and the Malay-Islamic intellectual tradition. He has also spent time in traditional learning circles in Yemen. Ayman Muhammad is a creative across multiple disciplines, ranging from photography, graphic design and poetry. His “Breezes of the Elect” project aims to make spiritual poetry accessible to an English-speaking audience. Amin Buxton is a community imam and counsellor. He has spent years delving into the works of Imam al-Haddad and currently teaches them to prisoners. Amin is also Honorary Muslim Chaplain at the University of Edinburgh.RegistrationRegister hereAccessibility guideAccessing the venue Sep 23 2026 18.00 - 19.30 The Poetry of Imam al-Haddad Join us on 23 September for a presentation of Yemeni scholar Imam al-Haddad's recently translated poetry. Teaching Room 07, Old College, University of Edinburgh Find Venue Register here This article was published on Friday 28 August 2026
Sep 23 2026 18.00 - 19.30 The Poetry of Imam al-Haddad Join us on 23 September for a presentation of Yemeni scholar Imam al-Haddad's recently translated poetry.
