More on Islam Samhan - the famously banned Jordanian poet

November 22, 2008

by Suzan Abrams

This is the book jacket design of the banned romantic poetry collection Grace Like A Shadow, written and published by Jordanian newspaper journalist

and poet, Islam Samhan.

As regular readers would have already seen the front cover(in blue) earlier on or as otherwise, evident if you scroll further down, here for the first time is the back cover (purple jacket with Samhan's photo).

As you will read from one of my many entries from Oct end to early November, Samhan must stand trial for being accused of having insulted the Islamic faith in his poetry. He gained worldwide fame when he was detained for two weeks before being set suddenly free. Jordanian journalists and writers have protested that this is the first time the natural freedom for an act of expression is being set upon. Up to the present day, he has lived his life amid constant death threats and for a time, lay in hiding.

According to Jordan's top religious mufti, Samhan is purported to have committed this grave act when he mixed Koranic imagery deemed as sacred lines with passionate, romantic lines.

To-date, Islam Samhan has already attended a hearing where the mufti was also present to give his views. Samhan will stand trial on December 3, 2008 in Amman, Jordan.

More on Islam Samhan - exclusive to Kafez

November 7, 2008

by Suzan Abrams

This afternoon, I received a free copy of Jordanian poet, Islam Samhan's, now banned poetry book, Grace Like A Shadow. On the subject proper, you only have to scroll down to read one of my many entries. It was sent to me as a gift with no strings attached by Islam Samhan, himself, courtesy of his boss at the newspaper where he once worked as a journalist; the indomitable Hada Sarhan. Of course, I never expect things like this. When I write my stories, it is from a diligence and love for the written word and simply to stay ahead of the game.

Hada Sarhan is a popular, veteran journalist who has also been a stout supporter and loyal friend for Samhan.

The book is beautifully printed and even the back design is artistic enough to command a second longer look. I'll scan it tomorrow so readers can have a look in.

I held the book in my hands very carefully, scanning over the pages for glimpses of the banned Arabic poems. Another copy had been sent to me earlier, together with an Arabic newspaper, also for my collection, but this never reached me.

For the record, Islam Samhan's case has been postponed to the week after next as the judges are presently away. Samhan has been questioned by the Jordanian judiciary over the telephone in a lengthy enquiry where once more, he has had to proclaim his innocence. As Jordan is not allowed to report on any news while a trial is in process, what you're reading here is exclusive information....news you're unlikely to pick up elsewhere.

Once the trial starts, I expect interest in the poetry book to hot up worldwide.

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By the way, I will most probably be in the Middle-East during the time of the trial or otherwise, I may just have missed it but will still be in Amman in the next few weeks. This by coincidence. I will definitely have easy access to exclusive stories and photographs during this time if I want. I have been invited by Hada Sarhan - who is truly a jewel and also the family of Islam Samhan to stay with them and to be looked after in Jordan by them and I thank them for their very warm hospitality and kindness. Soon, we will all meet for the first time.

This generosity came about as a token of appreciation from all the earlier stories. I guess that's what even an insignificant blog like mine can achieve at the end of the day, through nothing but dedication.

I am definitely going to revisit Petra, the Dead Sea and the Red Sea (the Gulf of Aqaba). My memories of these romantic places have always been splendid.

Grace Like A Shadow - part poetry in Arabic transcript from Islam Samhan's banned book

November 4, 2008

by Suzan Abrams

Exclusive to Kafez: For Arabic readers. I am placing two prized poems from the Jordanian poet Islam Samhan's now banned book, Grace Like A Shadow below.

This with the personal approval of the poet.

These are not the dangerous verses that got Samhan imprisoned for two weeks recently. The collection is presently in the Arabic transcript, not yet translated. Arabic readers who have not been able to read Samhan's poetry beforehand can do so now. Do tell me if you would like to see more poems.

Islam Samhan's court case starts this Thursday in Amman where he will be tried for insulting Islam, a conclusion made by Jordan's top religious mufti since Samhan had mixed Koranic imagery with his romantic verses.

A few verses from Grace Like A Shadow....

قر يباً من البحر

قريباَ من البحرِ كنتُ ألملمُ الخطى التي تركـَتـْها أنثى الأمس،

حبيباتي خطى الحبيبة ،

غريبة الطلا ّت في زبدِ الشاطىء تلـّوحُ بشالِ أنوثتها ،

دفقٌ من الغيب و الغياب يجتاحُ روحي ،

يذوب الرجلَ جُوّاي ،أصيرُ وليمة لكلب البحر،

لا بد أن أجمعَ نسيجي ،

كي أشكـّله أنثى تمشط الطحلبَ النامي على صدر الذي خذله الترقب عند البحر،

آه لو آنها خلعت ثوبَ النخلةِ وغدت شتلة ْ

لو آنها تركت قصاصَ أوراق وتركتْ عنوانا على الرمل،

الرمل حليفنا تحتَ خطوتها اليتيمة،

أنا اليتيم عند لؤم تقشفها في الحب، أنا المُكَسّر

"فأما اليتيم فلا تقهر"

الرسم بالقش

إنه الرسمُ بالقَـَشّ على سطح بحر، حيث السكون يرخي ألوانه فوق أشرعة حاكتها أم لإبنها ليلةَ الوداع ، وحيثُ ظلَّ بكاء الأب المكسور يخيم على صدر الولد الضالْ.

إنه الرسم والغاية نسيان ما تبقى من تضاريس ابنة الجيران التي أوهمتها القبلات بأنها العروس المنشودة ، وآبنة الجيران التي كانت تودعني بابتسامتها الخبيثة ترسل مع الموج رسائلَ مرنّخة بالرغبة ، ألن يعود الفتى ؟؟؟

ويلملم وشوشة شاعت في الشارع ، ويهرس رمانتيَّ بعدما تحجر الدم فيهما ، كتمثال نافر الثديين في حديقة،ألن يعود الفتى؟؟؟

إنه الرسم على سطح بحر والبحر أرجوزة المنتظرين على شاطئه والشاطىء هزيع الوقت المتبخر في بهو معتم يكتظ باحتمالات كثيرة،هل سيعود الفتى؟؟

أم أنه ؟؟؟

ألن يعود... الفتى

الن

ي

ع

و

د ؟؟

Grace Like A Shadow by Islam Samhan (October 30, 2008)

by Suzan Abrams

Here at last is the forbidden book cover for Grace Like A Shadow, a controversial poetry collection composed and published by 27 year old newspaper journalist and Jordanian poet, Islam Samhan in Amman.

The banned book was handed to me as a gift by Islam Samhan and his boss, Hada Sarhan. I haven't come across this book jacket design anywhere on the web up to the present time, so just remember you saw it here first.

Despite its earlier resounding success, the book's contents have been damned by the country's top religious mufti who reviled at the few romantic liners mixed with Koranic imagery and sections which used words like gods which Samhan said referred harmlessly to Greek mythology.

Grace Like A Shadow has now been officially banned in Jordan.

Samhan who denied that he could be anything close to what the mufti had labelled him; an enemy of the State will stand trial next Thursday in Amman. In the meantime, the Jordanian media and other sympathic supporters must stay tight-lipped about the case.

Islam Samhan had earlier been imprisoned for just over two weeks before being released.
However, the poet has now gone into hiding in another town with the aid of friends after constant death threats, hate mail and Arabic blogs written by extremists and attacking him voraciously in the Arabic language, threatened to engulf the core of his existence.

Reference: One of my earlier entries over here.

Oct 29 - Exclusive Photo of Jordanian poet Islam Samhan's wife and son

by Suzan Abrams

Here are photographs of 27-year old Jordanian poet Islam Samhan's young wife, Nadia and their two-year old son, Ward. Below, is Islam Samhan in deep conversation with the late Palestinian poet legend, Mahmoud Darwish.

Nadia is currently pregnant with the couple's second child.

The photographs are exclusive to Kafez and copyright usage is owned by Islam Samhan's family.

If Samhan is convicted from a court case that starts in Amman next Thursday and has to face imprisonment, there is a major possibility that Islamic law in Jordan will require for Samhan to divorce his wife and to never approach her or their son, Ward again. Samhan had already been detailed by police for a fortnight before being released a few days ago.

Islam Samhan's poetry collection Grace Like A Shadow was recently banned by the Jordanian Government for his allegedly amorous verses that were thrown in together with Koranic imagery. Samhan was accused of insulting Islam by a top religious mufti. However, the Jordanian Association of Journalists have fought for Samhan's acquittal, insisting that the charge hampered the freedom of expression in what was otherwise a tolerant Muslim nation and was based merely on one man's opinion.

The poet's life has been upturned while his career as a newspaper journalist has suffered tremendously. He also continues to live in fear of death threats that still targets his home everyday.

Grace Like A Shadow by Islam Samhan - A Personal Message from the Jordanian Poet for Kafez Readers

October 26, 2008

by Suzan Abrams

Caption: Jordanian poet Islam Samhan whose romantic poetry collection Grace Like A Shadow was banned by the Jordanian Government for allegedly insulting Islam, is seen here in deep conversation with the late legendary Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish. Darwish passed away last August from a prolonged illness in a Texas hospital. Samhan has been released from jail where he was detained for over a fortnight, to attend his court case which starts next Thursday.

Photo from Hada Sarhan's personal records, exclusive to Kafez.

I received a note from Islam Samhan early today - Monday, written for Kafez. His boss at the newspaper where he works, Hada Sarhan, has translated the message as Samhan only speaks Arabic. His life is currently in danger as he continues to receive death threats from unknown sources, while awaiting trial next Thursday in Amman. I am publishing the note as it is.

Personal note from Islam Samhan exclusive to Kafez

i am islam sarhan i want to thank you all for supporting me,,my court is on thursday and i need your Prays..am sorry i cant speak english but my boss Mrs hada sarhan is helping translate and write to me in english. i will keep you informed with what will happen.
greeting to all of you
islam samhan
amman jordan


Islam Samhan's banned poetry collection is on its way to me.


Please see earlier entries:
First entry
Second entry
Third entry &
Fourth entry.

Latest on poet Islam Samhan - temporary release from jail

October 24, 2008

The handsome 27 year old Jordanian poet, Islam Samhan whose poetry collection Grace Like A Shadow was banned after he incorporated Koranic imagery into his romantic verses has been released from prison and is back at work. However, his court sessions will start in November and no one can predict the verdict.

Rare photograph of jailed Jordanian poet Islam Samhan

October 23, 2008

by Suzan Abrams in Dublin

Here is a rare photograph of the now 27 year old jailed poet Islam Samhan in an earlier reflective mood.

The photograph was sent to me this morning by Samhan's boss, Hada Sarhan, a well-known journalist in Jordan who now works for the Arabic Alarab Alyawm newspaper with subscriptions all over the Middle-East. Sarhan described Samhan as "such a nice unassuming man" to have worked with. His colleagues are fighting for his release.

Please note that the copyright of this photograph belongs to Hada Sarhan's personal records.

Samhan has been arrested for his forbidden verses in Grace like a Shadow which incorporated Koran imagery into romantic discourses. This was viewed sternly by Jordan's highest religious mufti and a fatwa was issue against Samhan was declared an enemy of the State for insulting Islam. For more details, please read my last 2 entries below this post.

Latest on Islam Samhan - the young Jordanian poet now arrested and his work banned

October 23, 2008

by Suzan Abrams

For an earlier entry to this post as to why 27 year old Jordanian poet, Islam Samhan was arrested in Amman and his poetry collection called Grace like a Shadow, promptly banned by the Jordanian Government a couple of days ago, please see the entry below, over HERE or refer to my right sidebar.

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The Jordanian Writers Association (JWA) together with The Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists in Amman today came out in full force, to demonstrate a protective and blanketed defence over the arrest of young poet Islam Samhan who was alleged to have insulted Islam after throwing in verses from the Koran into his romantic poetry. Both associations demanded to stand behind the writer in full solidarity and support.

Apparently, if convicted, 27-year old Samhan who himself worked as a newspaper journalist faces an imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of JD20,000. I believe that the newspaper has now terminated his contract.

The 650-member association told the Jordan Times that Samhan's arrest was a worrying development as it signalled the curtailment of freedom and creativity in Jordan. The association also said that poets relied on a metaphoric language with unique characteristics about it and did not write Arabic in the ordinary way that most people do. For instance, Samhan had pleaded in court that he had used the word gods which had nothing to do with the Arabic but everything to do with Greek mythology. It was only a metaphor.

In another case, some of the poet's lines spoke of loneliness and compared its similarity to the prophet Yusuf in the Koran.

Unfortunately, one highly-powerful man became furious over the read and saw different.

The fatwa was issued by the Kingdom's mufti and top religious authority, Noah Alqdah, who labelled the poetry an act of blasphemy and Samhan, an infidel, although the association denies that the authority in question holds any specialised knowledge in poetry or literature and stood merely as one man's opinion.

Perhaps then a case of relative notion propelled to dangerous misgivings. This is the first time a religious authority has interfered with any form of a written, printed and published poetic expression in Jordan and the episode has caused feverish anxiety among writers in the country.

Samhan has denied he meant any harm. It did not help matters that his book was printed by an unlicensed press which makes him directly involved with an infringement of the law. His wife Nadia is pregnant. The deadly love poetry so passionately inscribed, were dedicated to her. They also have a 2 year old son, Ward. Islam Samhan's lawyer is Zeina Karadsheh.

Grace like a Shadow by Islam Samhan gets the poet into trouble.

October 22, 2008

by Suzan Abrams

Sorry for having stayed away. I was unwell.

Anyhow, back to blogging with a news clip from the Middle-East.

A 27-year old Jordanian poet, Islam Samhan was arrested yesterday (Oct 21), for the damning contents of his poetry collection called Grace like a Shadow. Samhan had combined Koranic imagery/verses with his love poems and was accused by the Jordanian Government of insulting Islam by wrongly mixing religious verses with sexual connotations. It was revealed that Samhan should have sought approval from the Jordanian government before publishing his book.

Basically to use Quranic verses in the creation of literature is not labelled as a crime in itself but how the usage is perceived to be, by the masses may account for future repercussions. If convicted, Samhan could be sentenced to prison for 2 years.

The poet has appeared shocked at being accused of apostasy. Although he had given poetry recitals to standing ovations not too long ago and the Ministry of Culture itself had purchased 50 copies of his work, Samhan's good fortune was soon overshadowed by rumours of court cases and threatening messages made to his private cell phone number.

It was only a matter of time before the police would come knocking on his door. However if there is one silver lining over this dark cloud, it is that Samhan's poetry collection is now known worldwide and his name suddenly made popular in the Middle East and with major newspapers in the West.