Mohamed Adra is an independent scholar of Ismaili literature based in Salmiyya, Syria. A graduate of Damascus University where he studied English language and literature, he is currently preparing an English translation of the first volume of al-Mu'ayyad's al-Majalis al-Mu'ayaddiya (The Counsels of al-Mu'ayyad).

• AcknowledgementsIntroduction by Kutub KassamA Biographical Chronology of al-Mu’ayyad D?w?n al-Mu’ayyad fi’l-D?n d?’? al-du??t The D?w?n of the chief d?’? al-Mu?ayyad fi’l-D?nfirst lines of the qas?das1. Praise be to the Lord, the victorious Authority 2. Abundance of praise and unique thanks are due 3. Old age has eradicated the evidence of youth 4. He said: ‘Ask him, you two, if his departure was 5. He said: ‘When the load was carried for decamping 6. O two companions! May you greet your 7. May All?h confer victory upon the banner 8. O (the way of) exile, how appalling is your malady 9. Impossible has become the separation in our love 10. Greetings to those beloved to us 11. Is it good to rejuvenate after reaching old age 12. The pen has provided me with good fortune 13. I have been tormented in my love for a long time 14. All?h’s religion has been invigorated by al-??hir 15. O companion of the heart, near and afar 16. Welcome be to those who dwell in my heart 17. O Eastern breeze! Pass by Persia on coming back 18. May my life be sacrificed for the guide of the world 19. A glory so exalted it became a sky for the heavens20. Verily, Egypt and Syria have come to know 21. O Lord, You are my (only) hope 22. A crescent moon appeared out of the darkness 23. O why is it that the sky does not move to and fro 24. Who will take pity on a body emaciated by passion25. Who is there to take pity on an old man 26. O my Lord! I have made devotions to you, openly and secretly27. O my God, it is my hope to receive salvation by 28. O God! If I am always complaining about 29. I swear by God, (the One) who has no partner 30. A soul whose ornaments are the engraving of its Lord’s Oneness31. O my two companions! May you be secure 32. I permitted the sanctuary of my blood to be spilled for their sake33. High above the stars of Ursa Major is a palace established34. O descendants of T?h?! May I be sacrificed for you 35. O God, how weary have I become of myself36. I have been guided by Ma?add to the ways of my return37. O companions! Let us prepare the camels for departure38. If I were a contemporary of Prophet Mu?ammad39. I am pleased with the hard bitter life 40. Generous are my eyes in making the tears flow41. May peace be upon (the Prophet’s) pure progeny42. O inquisitor who questions me about myself43. O You who beholds a gnat spreading its wings44. I dissociate myself from the first Hubal45. O Abu’l-?asan! O he who is like the Warner (Mu?ammad)46. Come to the holy land, the dwelling place47. O conspirator! Plot actively as much as you can48. Justice has become evident in the Imam’s domain49. My love for A?mad and ?Al? suffices me 50. They took my heart away when they departed 51. God’s eye has taken care of you wherever you have settled52. By (the grace of) our lord, Imam Ab? Tam?m 53. All?h alone suffices me 54. I have mounted the stallions of hope55. She saw me when grey hair was dawning upon my head56. O friends! Separation has become so long for us 57. O community that put up a cruel idol as her arbiter58. The burdens of Time can be difficult or easy 59. O Time, how much enmity and prejudice is there between us 60. I swear by All?h that if you were to crown me 61. O Thursday morning, welcome be to you 62. My tongue begins with Your name, O God Select Bibliography

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