Subject: Kenya / Resource Type: text - UCLA Library Digital Collections Search Results

Tunda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau linahusu kuzaliwa kwa mtoto wake wa kwanza aliyeitwa Fathi. Analinganisha kupokea zawadi hiyo kutoka kwa Mungu na matunda ambayo wanadamu wamebarikiwa nayo. Shairi linazungumza juu ya matamanio ya Ustadh Mau kupata "tunda" ambapo siku hiyo alibarikiwa tunda kwa umbo la mtoto wake. Anamshukuru Mungu kwa zawadi hii ya uhai na anaomba kwamba mtoto wake akue na afya njema na kulindwa na Mungu. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau is about the birth of his first-born child named Fathi. He compares the receiving of such a gift from God to the fruits that humanity is blessed with (tunda translating to fruit). The poem speaks on Ustadh Mau's yearning for "fruit" which that day he received in the form of his baby. He thanks God for this gift of life and prays that his son will grow up to be healthy and protected by God.
Date:: October 10, 1976
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kimya ndio nembo yangu

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili juu ya umuhimu wa kujua wakati wa kukaa kimya. Anabainisha kuwa unapoambiwa uvumi kuhusu jambo au mtu fulani ni vyema ukanyamaza na kutoingilia kwani kujihusisha na mambo hayo ni tabia ya kukosa heshima. Anaandika kwamba ikiwa kuzungumza kunaweza kuonekana kama pesa basi ukimya ungekuwa dhahabu. Anaandika jinsi angependelea kujiuma ulimi na kutozungumza badala ya kusema na kujiingiza katika hali ngumu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem on the importance of knowing when to stay silent. He notes that when being told rumours about something or someone it is best to keep quiet and not interfere as engaging in such things is disrespectful behaviour. He writes that if talking could be seen as money then silence would be gold. He writes how he would rather bite his tongue and not speak as opposed to speaking and possibly getting into difficult situations.
Date:: October 7, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ufisadi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limeandikwa na Abdalla Soud Maawiya. Shairi hili ni jibu la shairi ambalo Ustadh Mau aliwahi kuliandika kuhusu ufisadi na pia liliandikwa kama mashairi ya mazoezi ya Abdalla Soud Maawiya mwenyewe. Katika shairi hilo, anasisitiza kwamba ufisadi ni jambo la ulimwengu wote na si jambo mahususi kwa Kenya. Anasema pia kwamba ni wakoloni wa Magharibi ambao kwanza waliwafundisha watu ufisadi na hongo halisi ni nini, pamoja na dhana kwamba wanasiasa wengi ni mithili ya watangulizi wao. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Abdalla Soud Maawiya. The poem is a response to a poem that Ustadh Mau had previously written about corruption and also written as practice poetry for Abdalla Soud Maawiya himself. In the poem, he makes the point that corruption is a universal thing and not a phenomenon specific to Kenya. He also argues that it was the Western colonizers who first taught people what true corruption and bribery was, as well as the notion that most politicians are replicas of their predecessors.
Date:: September 8, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Arafat

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau limeandikwa kwa mtazamo wa Madam Sauda, mke wa pili wa Ustadh Mau. Madam Sauda alikuwa ameenda kuhiji na anamuita Mola kumwambia kuwa amefika mahali pake patakatifu katika shairi hili, akitokea sehemu ya mbali. Anamuomba Mwenyezi Mungu ayakubali maombi yake, kama vile kutamani watoto wake wakue na kuwa watu wema na wachamungu na umma wa Kiislamu uwe na nguvu na umoja. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau is written from the perspective of Madam Sauda, Ustadh Mau's second wife. Madam Sauda had gone for hajj and she calls to the Lord saying she has arrived at his holy place in this poem, coming from a faraway place. She prays for Allah to accept her prayers, such as the wish that her children will grow up to be good and pious people and for the Muslim community (ummah) to be strong and united.
Date:: December 29, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Waqti

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linazungumzia umuhimu wa kuchunga wakati usitupite ovyo ovyo. Lazima tutumie kila dakika ipaswavyo kwani kila mda ukienda haurudi. Ustadh Mau anakumbuka beti moja kwa moyo "mapigo ya moyo wa binadamu ni ukumbusho kwamba maisha ni dakika na sekunde". ENGLISH: This poem is about the importance of time and being aware of the passing of time and not letting it pass unknowingly. The poem emphasizes that we should make every minute count since once time passes it cannnot be recovered again. Ustadh Mau still remembers one of the verses by heart ("the heart beat of a human being reminds the heart that in fact life is all about minutes and seconds").
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kiswahili

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi moja mashuhuri la Ustadh Mau linaloitwa kiswahili, linazungumzia umuhimu wa kiSwahili kwa waswahili. Ustadh Mau aliingiwa na motisha wa kuandika shairi hili baada ya kusoma gazeti la Taifa Leo lililokua gazeti pekee la kiswahili wakati huo nchini Kenya. Kwenye gazeti kulionesha kulikuwa na warsha ya kiSwahili na kwenye picha hakukuonekana mswahili asili hata mmoja. Kwenye shairi Ustadh Mau amewanukuu malenga wa kiswahili mashuhuri kama Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy, Bwana Zahidi Ngumi na Mwengu Athmani. Shairi hili limeandikwa kwa mtindo wa ubinafsishaji. Mama kiSwahili analalamika jinsi wanae (waswahili halisi) walivyo kipuuza kiSwahili mpaka kunakiliwa na kuekwa viwango kwa kiSwahili kumetawaliwa na wageni wasiokuwa waswahili. KiSwahili kinaita wanawae wawe ni wenye kukiwajibikia na kukitilia juhudi kama zamani. Shairi hili limeshachapishwa: “Kiswahili: a poem by Mahmoud Ahmad Abdulkadir, to which is appended a list of the poet’s compositions in verse.” Swahili Forum 20: (2013) 1–18. ENGLISH: One of Ustadh Mau's most famous poems, ''Kiswahili'' discusses the importance of the Swahili language for the Swahili people. Ustadh Mau was inspired to write this after reading an article in Taifa Leo, the only Swahili-language based newspaper published in Kenya. The article was about a workshop about the Swahili language and included a picture with no apparent native Swahili speakers. In the poem Ustadh Mau draws on famous Swahili poets such as Muyaka bin Haji al-Ghassaniy, Bwana Zahidi Ngumi and Mwengu Athmani. It is written from the perspective of a personified Swahili. ''Mother Swahili'' criticizes the way her children (native Swahili speakers of the coast) have long neglected the language and that the documentation and standardization of Swahili has been dominated by foreigners instead. It calls on her children to make an active effort for Kiswahili again. This is a published poem: “Kiswahili: a poem by Mahmoud Ahmad Abdulkadir, to which is appended a list of the poet’s compositions in verse.” Swahili Forum 20: (2013) 1–18.
Date:: July 30, 2003
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Al-Aqswaa

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili ambalo limepewa jina la Al-Aqsa, likirejelea msikiti maarufu uliopo Jerusalem, linahusu masaibu ya Waislamu kupigania Palestini. Ustadh Mau anaitaka jamii ya Kiislamu ya kimataifa itambue dhulma wanayofanyiwa na nchi za Magharibi na hasa zaidi dhulma wanazokabiliana nazo Wapalestini kutoka kwa Wazayuni. Anaeleza jinsi majeshi ya Marekani na Kizayuni yanavyokusudia kuwaangamiza Waislamu na hivyo basi kuuacha msikiti wa Al-Aqsa bila watoto wa kuulinda. Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa msikiti huo muhimu sana ni jukumu la Waislamu wote na hivyo basi jamii inapaswa kuwafahamisha watoto wao yanayojiri Palestini na dunia nzima ili waweze kuelewa mambo yanayoendelea duniani. Tazama pia shairi linalofanana na hili; umada_ms_00072, yenye jina la "Qudsi" ENGLISH: This poem which is titled Al-Aqsa, referring to the famous mosque located in Jerusalem, is about the Muslim plight to fight for the Palestinian cause. Ustadh Mau urges the international Muslim community to be aware of the injustices done to them by Western powers and more specifically the injustices Palestinians face at the hands of Zionists. He describes how American and Zionist forces are intending to exterminate Muslims and consequently leave Al-Aqsa mosque without children to protect it. Ustadh Mau notes that this highly important mosque is the responsibility of all Muslims and that therefore the community should be informing their chilren on what is happening in Palestine and the world at large, so that they may understand what is going on in the world. See also similar poem; umada_ms_00072, titled "Al-Maqdis".
Date:: August 15, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kabila za waswahili na mbari zao

Description:: SWAHILI: Hati hii ni mukhtasari wa makabila ya Waswahili na familia mashuhuri katika ukanda wa pwani ya Afrika Mashariki. Iliandikwa na mwanazuoni maarufu wa pwani Sheikh Ahmed Nabhani, ambaye alitoka Lamu. ENGLISH: This document is an overview of Swahili ethnic groups and prominent families along the coastal region of East Africa. It was written by famous coastal scholar Sheikh Ahmed Nabhani, who was from Lamu.
Date:: March 24, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa niaba ya mwanamke anayeitwa Khadija ili kutoa shukrani kwa watu waliochangisha fedha katika siku za mwisho za Ramadhani. Mchango huu ulikuwa wa kuwasaidia maskini na pia watoto yatima ili waweze kupata nguo mpya kwa ajili ya Eid. Shairi hilo linawashukuru na kuwaombea wafadhili hao ili Mungu azidi kuwabariki na kuwalinda na uovu wowote. ENGLISH: This poem was written on behalf of a lady called Khadija to give thanks to the people who raised some funds during the last days of Ramadhan. This donation was to help the poor and also the orphaned children so that they can get new clothes for Eid. The poem thanks and prays for the contributors for God to bless them more and to protect them from any evil.
Date:: August 18, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Yondi la nyonda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe Sauda ambaye alikwenda safarini. Shairi linaeleza jinsi anavyotamani uwepo wake na jinsi anavyohisi huzuni kwa sababu ya umbali huo. Anaeleza jinsi alivyotambua mapenzi yake yalivyokuwa mazito kwake baada ya muda na anamsihi arudi haraka kwani hawezi kuzuia hamu yake tena. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife Sauda who went away on a trip. The poem expresses how much he misses her presence and how he feels sadness because of this distance. He describes how he realized how deep his love has become for her over time and urges her to come back quickly as he cannot contain his longing for her anymore.
Date:: December 21, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nyonda hizi ndaajabu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe. Ni shairi la kimapenzi, linaloelezea upendo wake na kushikamana kwake. Anaelezea jinsi jina lake haliachi kamwe ulimi wake na jinsi uso wake hauondoki machoni mwake, kumaanisha kuwa anamfikiria kila wakati, wakati wowote. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife. It is a romantic poem, describing his love and attachment to her. He describes how her name never leaves his tongue and how her face never leaves his eyes, meaning he thinks about her continuously, at any given moment.
Date:: April 30, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Makumbusho ya mwaka

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau kusherehekea kumbukumbu ya harusi yake na mke wake. Anabainisha kuwa wakati huu ulikuwa ni kumbukumbu ya mwaka wao wa kwanza ambapo hawakuwa pamoja kwani mkewe alikua ameenda hijra (kuhiji). Anaelezea upendo wake kwake katika shairi lote. ENGLISH: This is a poem written by Ustadh Mau to celebrate his and his wife's wedding anniversary. He notes that this moment was their first anniversary in which they were not physically together as his wife went for hijra (pilgrimage). He describes his love for her throughout the poem.
Date:: December 28, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mashairi for the day of an African child

Description:: SWAHILI: Siku ya mtoto wa Kiafrika ni shairi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau linalozungumzia tatizo la watoto yatima barani Afrika. Imetajwa jinsi sisi kama watu tunavyopaswa kuwahurumia zaidi mayatima wanapokabili matatizo makubwa maishani. Pia anataja watoto ambao wanaweza kuwa na mzazi mmoja au wawili, lakini ambao wametelekezwa sana na hawakutunzwa. Watoto hawa wanaweza kuwa na wazazi waliopo kimwili lakini wakakosa mwongozo, matunzo na upendo katika malezi yao. Ustadh Mau anatumia ishara ya kuku anayekinga vifaranga vyake dhidi ya madhara kwa kuvifunika kwa bawa lake. Anawaombea akina mama wawepo zaidi na watoto wao na mayatima wapate mtu ambaye atawapenda kama wazazi wa kweli wangefanya. Vilevile anaitahadharisha jamii kutoingilia mirathi ya mayatima hao na kuwaacha wapate haki zao. ENGLISH: The day of an African child is a poem written by Ustadh Mau discussing the problem of orphaned children in Africa. It is mentioned how we as a people should be much more sympathetic towards orphans as they face great difficulties in life. He also mentions children who may have one or two parents, but who are severely neglected by them and not looked after. These children may have physically present parents but lack guidance, care and love in their upbringing. Ustadh Mau uses the symbolism of a hen protecting its chicks from harm by covering them up with her wing. He prays for mothers to be more present with their children and for orphans to find someone who will love them like true parents would. He also warns the community not to interfere with the inheritance of these orphans and to let them have what is rightfully theirs.
Date:: June 19, 2009
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Hijja iwe makbuli

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau kwa ajili ya mwanamke aitwae Mariam Hassan ambae alikuwa ameenda kuhiji. Inataja jinsi wapendwa wake walioomba aandikiwe shairi hili wanavyotumaini kwamba atasafiri salama na kwamba maombi yake yatasikilizwa na kukubaliwa na Mungu, na pia Mungu amtimizie mahitaji na matakwa yake. ENGLISH: This is a requested poem written by Ustadh Mau for a woman named Mariam Hassan who had gone for hajj (pilgrimage). It mentions how her loved ones who requested this poem hope that she will travel safely and that her prayers are heard and accepted by God, as well as for God to fulfill her needs and wishes.
Date:: January 28, 2004
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mlango twaushindika

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linazungumzia wakati ambapo Ustadh Mau alitaka kufunga biashara yake ya kuoka mikate kwa sababu biashara haikuwa ikiendelea vizuri. Anasema huu ulikuwa uamuzi mgumu kwake kufanya lakini hakuwa na chaguo. Watu walianza kumshutumu kwa kutowajibika. Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa mambo yanapoharibika ndipo utajua nani yuko pamoja nawe na nani yuko kinyume nawe. Limeshapishwa kwenye: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], uk. 324-327. ENGLISH: This poem talks about a time when Ustadh Mau wanted to shut down his bakery because business was not going on well. He says this was a difficult decision for him to make but he was out of choice. People started accussing him of being irresponsible. Ustadh Mau notes that when things go wrong that is when you will know who is with you and who is against you. Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], pp. 324-327.
Date:: June 27, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kutayarisha Siasa za Uchaguzi kwa Kiswahili: Uchunguzi wa Mahmoud Abdulkadir

Description:: SWAHILI: Haya ni makala ya kitaaluma yaliyoandikwa na Profesa Rayya Timammy, msomi mashuhuri na Dean Msaidizi wa zamani wa Chuo Kikuu cha Nairobi. Makala haya yamechapishwa katika kitabu cha ''Nyimbo na Siasa katika Afrika Mashariki'', chenye insha mbalimbali za nyimbo na siasa kutoka eneo hilo. Profesa Rayya Timammy alimtumia Ustadh Mau na kazi yake kama kielelezo cha kuonyesha uhusiano kati ya serikali ya jadi, siasa na hotuba. Anafanya hivyo kwa kuchunguza jinsi siasa inavyodhamiriwa katika tamthilia iliyoandikwa na mshairi. ENGLISH: This is an academic article written by Professor Rayya Timammy, a well-known academic and previous Associate Dean of the University of Nairobi. This article was published in the book ''Songs and Politics in Eastern Africa'', containing various essays on songs and politics from the region. Professor Rayya Timammy used Ustadh Mau and his work as a case study to portray the connection between the traditional state, politics and orature. She does this by examining how politics is thematised in the epic written by the poet.
Date:: circa 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani kwa ziara

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa ajili ya Richard Peck, rafiki wa muda mrefu wa Ustadh Mau kutoka Marekani. Katika shairi hilo anamshukuru sana Richard kwa kuchukua safari ndefu na ngumu ya kufika Lamu na kwa kuhakikisha urafiki wao unaendelea. Ustadh Mau anaandika kwamba urafiki wao ni wa nguvu na wenye mizizi na hauwezi kukatika kwa urahisi. Zaidi ya hayo, anabainisha kuwa Richard na kampuni yake ni wageni waheshimiwa Lamu na kwamba Ustadh Mau anafuraha kuwa na Richard katika mji wake tena. ENGLISH: This poem was written for Richard Peck, a long-time friend to Ustadh Mau from the United States. In the poem he thanks Richard deeply for taking on the long and difficult journey to Lamu and for making sure their friendship continues. Ustadh Mau writes that their friendship is strong and rooted and cannot be easily cut. Furthermore, he notes that Richard and his company are esteemed guests in Lamu and that Ustadh Mau is delighted to have Richard in his hometown again.
Date:: August 30, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kimya ndio nembo yangu

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili juu ya umuhimu wa kujua wakati wa kukaa kimya. Anabainisha kuwa unapoambiwa uvumi kuhusu jambo au mtu fulani ni vyema ukanyamaza na kutoingilia kwani kujihusisha na mambo hayo ni tabia ya kukosa heshima. Anaandika kwamba ikiwa kuzungumza kunaweza kuonekana kama pesa basi ukimya ungekuwa dhahabu. Anaandika jinsi angependelea kujiuma ulimi na kutozungumza badala ya kusema na kujiingiza katika hali ngumu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem on the importance of knowing when to stay silent. He notes that when being told rumours about something or someone it is best to keep quiet and not interfere as engaging in such things is disrespectful behaviour. He writes that if talking could be seen as money then silence would be gold. He writes how he would rather bite his tongue and not speak as opposed to speaking and possibly getting into difficult situations.
Date:: October 7, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Sara

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kumuaga Sara Hillewaert, ambaye kwa sasa ni profesa msaidizi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Toronto ambaye alifanya utafiti Lamu. Ustadh Mau anabainisha watamkosa kiasi gani sasa atakapoondoka Lamu. Anamtakia safari njema, anamtakia mafanikio na anatumai wataweza kukutana tena siku zijazo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to say goodbye to Sara Hillewaert, currently an associate professor at the University of Toronto who did research in Lamu. Ustadh Mau notes how much they will miss her now that she will leave Lamu. He wishes her safe travels, wishes her success and hopes they will be able to meet again in the future.
Date:: June 13, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ufisadi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linazungumzia ufisadi na athari zake kwa jamii. Mshairi analinganisha ufisadi na sumu ambayo huondoa maisha kutoka kwa kila kitu. Katika jamii ambayo viongozi wake ni wafisadi hakuna kitu kinaonekana kustawi kwani rasilimali zote za maendeleo zinawekwa kwenye mifuko ya watu binafsi. Shairi linamalizia kwa kuuliza ni nani ana jukumu la kukomesha ufisadi? Abdalla Soud Maawiya alitunga shairi kujibu hili. ENGLISH: The poem talks about corruption and its effects to the society. The poet compares corruption to poison that drains life out of everything. In a society whose leaders are corrupt nothings seems to develop since all the resources for development are put into personal pockets. The poem ends with a question as to who is responsible of ending corruption? Abdalla Soud Maawiya composed a poem in response to this one.
Date:: June 6, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Twamuaga kwa Huzuni

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau ametunga hili shairi kwa niaba ya Mama Azra. Shairi kumwaga mwalimu Sharifa Skanda mkuu wa Mkomani Primary School. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau composed this poem on behalf of Mama Azra. The poem was composed to say goodbye to Headmistress Sharifa Scanda of Mkomani Primary School.
Date:: June 26, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mama musimlaumu + Mwalimu + Kiswahili

Description:: SWAHILI: Waraka huu uko na mashairi manne tofauti: Mama musimlaumu ni shairi kuhusu mwanamke aliyetupa binti yake mchanga vichakani. Mtoto huyo aliokolewa na mbwa na jambo hili lilizua tafaruku katika jamii. Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupitia kwa muonekano wa yule binti aliyetupwa na mamake akiambia jamii isimhukumu mamake. Mwalimu ni shairi linalopendekeza kuwahusisha walimu katika mambo ya kijamii kwani wao ndio wenye kufunza jamii ijayo, wajibu wa walimu katika elimu na jamii lazima ieleweke na isisitizwe. Shairi pia linazungumzia umuhimu wa elimu na kupeleka watoto mashuleni. Kiswahili ni shairi lililoandikwa kwa mtindo wa ubinafsishaji. Mama kiSwahili analalamika jinsi wanae (waswahili halisi) walivyo kipuuza kiSwahili mpaka kunakiliwa na kuekwa viwango kwa kiSwahili kumetawaliwa na wageni wasiokuwa waswahili. KiSwahili kinaita wanawae wawe ni wenye kukiwajibikia na kukitilia juhudi kama zamani. Shairi hili limechapishwa. Yamechapishwa kwenye: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], uk. 329-354. ENGLISH: This manuscript contains Three different poems : Mama musimlamu (page 1-2); Mwalimu (page 3-4); Kiswahili (page 5-6). Mama musimlaumu is a poem regarding a woman who threw out her newborn daughter in the bushes, meaning to abandon her there. The newborn was saved by a dog and it caused a big spark of rage across the nation. Ustadh Mau's poem is written from the perspective of the daughter, telling the nation not to criticize her mother. Mwalimu, touches on how teachers should be involved in the community as they are teaching the next generation of kids. The role of teachers in both education and the larger community should be well recognized and emphasized. The poem also mentions the importance of education and schooling for children. and Kiswahili the poem is written from the perspective of a personified Swahili. ''Mother Swahili'' criticizes the way her children (native Swahili speakers of the coast) have long neglected the language and that the documentation and standardization of Swahili has been dominated by foreigners instead. It calls on her children to make an active effort for Kiswahili again. Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], pp. 329-354.
Date:: 2006, 2005, 2003
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Bandari

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili wakati wa ujenzi wa Bandari ya Lamu mwaka wa 2009. Anabainisha kuwa bandari hii itatoa fursa za kiuchumi kwa watu wa Lamu na kuwataka watu kusoma na kupata vyeti ili waweze kufanya kazi katika bandari hiyo. Hata hivyo, anabainisha pia hofu yake ya bandari kuathiri utamaduni na urithi wa Lamu na kuonya watu wa Lamu kuwa waangalifu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem during construction of the Lamu Port in 2009. He notes that this port will provide economic opportunities to the people of Lamu and urges people to study and get qualifications so that they may work at the port. However, he also notes his fear of the port influencing the culture and heritage of Lamu and warns the people of Lamu to be carefully.
Date:: January 16, 2009
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau ni shairi la kisiasa lililoandikwa kwa niaba ya Issa Timammy, ambaye alikuwa akifanya kampeni ya kuwa gavana wa Lamu wakati huo. Shairi hilo limeelekezwa kwa watu wa Lamu. Issa Timammy anawataka wafahamu kuwa watakuwa wakipitia safari hii ya kisiasa pamoja hadi wafikie wanakotaka kwa maendeleo na masuala ya Lamu. Anawaomba wananchi wasimame naye na kumpigia kura. ENGLISH: This poem written by Ustadh Mau is a political poem written on behalf of Issa Timammy, who was campaigning to becme governor of Lamu at the time. The poem is addressed to people of Lamu. Issa Timammy wants them to know that they will be going through this political journey together until they reach their desired destination for the development and issues of Lamu. He asks the people to stand with him and to vote for him.
Date:: July 23, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nyonda hizi ndaajabu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe. Ni shairi la kimapenzi, linaloelezea upendo wake na kushikamana kwake. Anaelezea jinsi jina lake haliachi kamwe ulimi wake na jinsi uso wake hauondoki machoni mwake, kumaanisha kuwa anamfikiria kila wakati, wakati wowote. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife. It is a romantic poem, describing his love and attachment to her. He describes how her name never leaves his tongue and how her face never leaves his eyes, meaning he thinks about her continuously, at any given moment.
Date:: April 30, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Yondi la nyonda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe Sauda ambaye alikwenda safarini. Shairi linaeleza jinsi anavyotamani uwepo wake na jinsi anavyohisi huzuni kwa sababu ya umbali huo. Anaeleza jinsi alivyotambua mapenzi yake yalivyokuwa mazito kwake baada ya muda na anamsihi arudi haraka kwani hawezi kuzuia hamu yake tena. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife Sauda who went away on a trip. The poem expresses how much he misses her presence and how he feels sadness because of this distance. He describes how he realized how deep his love has become for her over time and urges her to come back quickly as he cannot contain his longing for her anymore.
Date:: December 21, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mtihani

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kwa ajili ya mwanawe Aboud ambaye alikuwa na mitihani muhimu ya shule wakati shairi hili lilipoandikwa. Ustadh Mau anamuombea dua afaulu na awe juu ya darasa lake. Anatamani ang'ae kama nyota na awe mtulivu wakati wote wa mitihani kwani Mungu hatamuacha katika nyakati kama hizo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for his son Aboud who was having important school examinations at the time the poem was written. Ustadh Mau prays for him to succeed and be at the top of his class. He wishes for him to shine like a star and to be calm throughout the exams as God will not abandon him during such times.
Date:: October 13, 2016
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ndoa ziwe mab'ruki

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa niaba ya Tuma Badi. Watoto wake wawili walikuwa wanaelekea kufunga ndoa hivyo akaomba shairi hili kuwatakia heri katika kipindi hiki muhimu. Shairi hilo linawaombea ndoa yao ibarikiwe na Mungu azidishe upendo kati yao na kuwalinda na uovu wowote. ENGLISH: This poem was written on behalf of Tuma Badi. Two of her children were getting married so she asked for this poem to wish them well during this important period. The poem prays for their marriage to be blessed and for God to increase the love between them and to protect them from any evil.
Date:: December 5, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kutoa ni sifa njema

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kwa chuo cha wasichana wote jijini Nairobi. Shairi linahusu umuhimu wa hisani na kutoa sadaka. Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa siku zote mtu anatakiwa kuwa akitoa na asitarajie malipo kwani hiyo ndiyo maana halisi ya kuwa na wema na kutoa. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for an all-girls college in Nairobi. The poem is about the importance of charity. Ustadh Mau notes that one should always be giving and not expect things in return for that is the true meaning of being virtuous and giving.
Date:: May 6, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzinduzi

Description:: SWAHILI: Mshairi analalamikia udhalilifu na ukandamishaji wa waswahili na jinsi walivyojitenga miongoni mwao kila mda umavyokwenda. ENGLISH: The narrator of the poem laments the oppression of the Swahili community and how its members became divided amongst themselves over time.
Date:: November 24, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wasiya wa mabanati

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limeandikwa na Ustadh Mau kama wasia kwa wasichana na wanawake. Ustadh Mau alipata hamasisho kutoka kwa muandishi wa kutoa usuri Ali Al-Tantawi aliyeandika shairi liitwalo ''Ya Binti'' miaka kumi iliyopita. Mashairi haya yalipata umashuhuri sana haswa shairi la Ustadh Mau upande wa Pwani mwa Kenya. Japokuwa shairi hili linatambulika kama utendi, bahari yake inafanana na Dura al-Mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati unazungumzia kutumiwa na kutengwa kwa wanawake haswa mikononi mwa wanaume na jinsi majanga kama vile unyanyasaji wa kijinsia yanaweza kuathiri akili ya mwanamke. Shairi hili linalenga mtazamo wa mwanamume kumpachika msichana uja uzito na kisha kumsusia. Beti za mwisho za shairi zinatumika kuwapatia onyo kali wasichana na wanawake likiwahimiza wajihifadhi kutokana na majanga haya na kwa jamii na binadamu kujiboresha ili visa kama hizi zikomeshwe. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau to serve as an advisory piece for women and girls. He was inspired by the Syrian author Ali Al-Tantawi, who had composed the pamhplet ''Ya Binti (Oh, My Daughter)'' ten years prior. Both poems circulated greatly in the Muslim world, especially Ustadh Mau's version along the Kenyan coast. Although the poem by Ustadh Mau is widely known as an utendi, its metre is close to dura al-mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati discusses the exploitation and marginalization of women (in particular at the hands of men) and how tragedies such as sexual assault may impact the woman's psyche. The poem focuses on the perspectives of a man impregnating a young woman and abandoning her after. The final stanzas of the poem serve as a greater warning and advice to women and girls, moving away from the singled out woman of the poem, urging them to protect themselves from such tragedies and for society and mankind to better themselves so these things may cease to happen.
Date:: January 16, 1974
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Asili ni mali kuata ni muhali

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliwasilishwa wakati wa warsha kuhusu Kiswahili iliyopewa jina la "Rudi kwenye Utafiti wa Msingi". Shairi linazungumzia asili yetu na mizizi yetu. Ustadh Mau anawataka Waswahili kufuatilia na kuzichunguza asili na tamaduni zao na kuzishikilia na kujivunia juu ya mila zao. Anawaomba Waswahili watafiti zaidi juu ya lugha asili ya mama, lahaja na kurekebisha maneno ambayo yamefujwawa pamoja na kuunda istilahi mpya za Kiswahili. Anasema kuwa lugha yetu ndio utambulisho wetu na tukiipoteza basi tunajipoteza lakini tukiiendeleza basi tutafanikiwa. ENGLISH: This poem was presented during a workshop on Kiswahili that was titled "Back to Basic Research". The poem talks about Swahili origin and their roots. Ustadh Mau urges the Swahili people to trace their origins and culture and to hold firm onto them and be proud of their traditions. He asks the Swahili people to research more on their original mother toungue, the dialects and to rectify what has been interfered with as well as to create new swahili terminologies. He argues that our language is our identity and if we lose it then we lose ourselves but if we develop it then we shall prosper.
Date:: December 19, 2014
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mila yetu hufujika

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi la mazungumzo kati ya mzee na mjukuu wake. Shairi linazungumzia mila na utamaduni wa watu wa Lamu kusambaratika. Mzee huyo anazungumzia wasiwasi wake akibainisha jinsi wanawake wanavyotembea nusu uchi mitaani na jinsi wanaume sasa wanavyosuka nywele na kuvaa mapambo. Anabainisha kuwa vijana wamejiingiza katika mambo ya uasherati kiasi cha kupuuza maadili na elimu yao. Anawalinganisha watu hawa na popo wanaoning'inia juu chini. Mjukuu wake ana maoni tofauti ya ulimwengu na anadhani babu yake ni mzee sana kuelewa mitindo mipya za maisha. ENGLISH: This is a dialogue poem between an old man and his grandson. The poem talks about the customs and culture of the people of Lamu falling apart. The old man addresses his concerns noting how the women are walking half naked in the streets and how men are now plaiting their hairs and putting on jewelry. He notes that young people are so indulged in immorality to an extent of ignoring their values and education. He compares these people to bats who hang upside down. His grandson holds different views of the world and thinks his grandfather is too old to understand the new ways of life.
Date:: December 26, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ewe mola mrahamu mzee wetu khitami

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi la maombolezo lililoandikwa kwa niaba ya Shab'naa Zainabu ambaye bado alikuwa akiomboleza kifo cha mlezi wake Khitami mwaka mmoja baada ya kifo chake. Anabainisha jinsi alivyokuwa zaidi ya mzazi kwake na kwamba licha ya kuwapoteza mama na baba yake hakuwahi kujisikia kama yatima kwa sababu Khitami alijaza nafasi hiyo ya mzazi vizuri sana. Sikuzote alikuwepo kusikiliza matatizo yake na kumfariji. Alimpa msaada wa kihisia na kifedha. Anamuombea apumzike kwa amani na siku moja ataungana naye. ENGLISH: This is a lamentation poem written on behalf of Shab'naa Zainabu who was still mourning the death of her guardian Khitami a year after his death. She notes how he was more than a parent to her and that despite losing both her mother and father she never felt like an orphan because Khitami filled that position of a parent very well. He was always there to listen to her problems and to comfort her. He offered her both emotional and financial support. She prays for him to rest in peace and that one day she will be reunited with him.
Date:: May 10, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Harusi iwe ya kheri yake mwanangu Ruweda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa na Ustadh Mau kwa niaba ya mama ambaye binti yake Ruweida alikuwa aolewe. Anatamani ndoa ya bintiye iwe ndoa yenye afya na mafanikio. Mama huyo anasisitiza kwamba anahisi huzuni kwamba binti yake sasa analazimika kuacha nyumba ya wazazi wake lakini pia kwamba anawaombea waweza kupata baraka na upendo mwingi kwenye ndoa yao. Shairi pia lina ushauri wa kujaribu kuwa mvumilivu kila wakati kwani maisha huja na heka heka nyingi. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau on behalf of a mother whose daughter Ruweida was to get married. She wishes that her daughter's marriage may be a healthy and succesful marriage. The mother emphasizes that she feels sadness that her daughter now has to leave her parental house but also that many blessings and love may come their way. The poem also contains the advice to always try to be patient as life knows many ups and downs.
Date:: November 10, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Yondi la nyonda

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya mkewe Sauda ambaye alikwenda safarini. Shairi linaeleza jinsi anavyotamani uwepo wake na jinsi anavyohisi huzuni kwa sababu ya umbali huo. Anaeleza jinsi alivyotambua mapenzi yake yalivyokuwa mazito kwake baada ya muda na anamsihi arudi haraka kwani hawezi kuzuia hamu yake tena. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for his wife Sauda who went away on a trip. The poem expresses how much he misses her presence and how he feels sadness because of this distance. He describes how he realized how deep his love has become for her over time and urges her to come back quickly as he cannot contain his longing for her anymore.
Date:: December 21, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Saara

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kumuaga Sara Hillewaert, ambaye kwa sasa ni profesa msaidizi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Toronto ambaye alifanya utafiti Lamu. Ustadh Mau anabainisha watamkosa kiasi gani sasa atakapoondoka Lamu. Anamtakia safari njema, anamtakia mafanikio na anatumai wataweza kukutana tena siku zijazo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to say goodbye to Sara Hillewaert, currently an associate professor at the University of Toronto who did research in Lamu. Ustadh Mau notes how much they will miss her now that she will leave Lamu. He wishes her safe travels, wishes her success and hopes they will be able to meet again in the future.
Date:: June 13, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Asili ni mali kuata ni muhali

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliwasilishwa wakati wa warsha kuhusu Kiswahili iliyopewa jina la "Rudi kwenye Utafiti wa Msingi". Shairi linazungumzia asili yetu na mizizi yetu. Ustadh Mau anawataka Waswahili kufuatilia na kuzichunguza asili na tamaduni zao na kuzishikilia na kujivunia juu ya mila zao. Anawaomba Waswahili watafiti zaidi juu ya lugha asili ya mama, lahaja na kurekebisha maneno ambayo yamefujwawa pamoja na kuunda istilahi mpya za Kiswahili. Anasema kuwa lugha yetu ndio utambulisho wetu na tukiipoteza basi tunajipoteza lakini tukiiendeleza basi tutafanikiwa. ENGLISH: This poem was presented during a workshop on Kiswahili that was titled "Back to Basic Research". The poem talks about our origin and our roots. Ustadh Mau urges the Swahili people to trace their origins and culture and to hold firm onto them and be proud of their traditions. He asks the swahili people to research more on their original mother toungue, the dialects and to rectify what has been interfered with as well as to create new swahili terminologies. He argues that our language is our identity and if we lose it then we lose ourselves but if we develop it then we shall prosper.
Date:: December 21, 2017
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ndowa iwe Mab'ruki

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kwa ajili ya harusi ya bintiye Azra. Katika shairi la Ustadh Mau anatoa nasaha zake kuhusu mambo mbalimbali, kama vile kukutana na watu mbalimbali katika maisha yake yote na kujaribu kuelewana nao wote. Anasisitiza kuwa uvumilivu na kutokuwa na adabu au mvivu ni sifa muhimu kuwa nazo. Kuhusiana na ndoa, anamshauri akumbuke kuwa maisha yamejaa heka heka. Anatumia sitiari ya baharia kulazimika kuchukua udhibiti wa usukani wa mashua kwa wakati bahari (maisha) inapochafuka na kutokata tamaa hilo linapotokea. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for his daughter Azra's wedding. In the poem Ustadh Mau gives her advice on various things, such as meeting different people throughout life and trying to get along with all of them. He emphasizes that patience and not being rude or lazy are important qualities to have. In regards to marriage, he advices her to remember that life is filled with ups and downs. He uses the metaphor of a sailor having to take control of the boat's steering wheel for when the sea (life) gets rough and to not give up when that happens.
Date:: February 14, 2019
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzunduzi wa RISSEA

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupongeza na kusherehekea uzinduzi wa RISSEA ("Taasisi ya Utafiti ya Taaluma za Kiswahili ya Afrika Mashariki"). Anaiombea taasisi hiyo mpya ifanikiwe na anasisitiza umuhimu wa kulinda na kuhifadhi lugha ya Kiswahili katika shairi zima. Pia anawashukuru waanzilishi kwa kuanzisha mradi huo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to congratulate and celebrate the launch of RISSEA ("Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa"). He prays for the new institution to be successful and emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the Swahili language throughout the poem. He also thanks the founders for initiating such a project.
Date:: November 28, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Dua kwa kiushairi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi linawaombea wanafunzi wa Mkoomani girls (sasa inaitwa Mahmud Bin Fadhil Girls Primary School). Wanafunzi walikuwa karibu kufanya mitihani yao ya Kitaifa na kwa hivyo shairi hili linawaombea wafaulu kwenye mtihani huo. ENGLISH: The Poem prays for the students at Mkoomani girls (now named Mahmud Bin Fadhil Girls Primary School). The students were about to do their National examinations and therefore this poems prays for their success.
Date:: November 20, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzunduzi wa rissea

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupongeza na kusherehekea uzinduzi wa RISSEA (Taasisi ya Utafiti ya Taaluma za Kiswahili ya Afrika Mashariki). Anaiombea taasisi hiyo mpya ifanikiwe na anasisitiza umuhimu wa kulinda na kuhifadhi lugha ya Kiswahili katika shairi zima. Pia anawashukuru waanzilishi kwa kuanzisha mradi huo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to congratulate and celebrate the launch of RISSEA (Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa). He prays for the new institution to be successful and emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the Swahili language throughout the poem. He also thanks the founders for initiating such a project.
Date:: November 28, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kwaheri

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungwa kwa niaba ya mwanamke anayeitwa Salima Islam. Aliomba shairi hili kwa ajili ya mwanamke anayeitwa Sara ambaye alikuwa amekuja Lamu kujifunza zaidi kuhusu Kiswahili. Shairi hili linaeleza tabia njema ambazo sara alidhihirisha na jinsi alivyojitolea kwa Uislamu baada ya kusilimu kwake. Sara alikuwa anarejea nyumbani baada ya kukaa Lamu kwa miaka miwili na Salima anamtakia safari njema na pia anamuombea apate mume atakaempenda na kumjali. Tazama pia mashairi yanayofanana na hili; umada_ms_00126, umada_ms_00166 na umada_ms_00094. ENGLISH: The poem was composed on behalf of a woman called Salima Islam. She requested this poem for a lady named Sara who had come to Lamu to learn more about Swahili. The poem states the beautiful charachter that Sara posessed and how she was committed to Islam after she had converted. Sara was going back home after staying in Lamu for two years and Salima wishes her safe travels and she also prays for her to find a loving and caring husband. See also similar poems; umada_ms_00126, umada_ms_00166 and umada_ms_00094.
Date:: June 13, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Poleni

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungwa kwa niaba ya Sauda Kassim (mke wa Ustadh Mau) ili kupa moya na rambirambi kwa watoto wa jirani yake Mwana Amina aliyeaga dunia. Anaeleza jinsi alivyokuwa karibu na mama yao na kwamba anaelewa kina cha huzuni ambayo mtu huhisi kumpoteza mama huyo mwenye kujali na kuwajibika. Anaiombea roho yake ipumzike kwa amani na watoto wake wawe na subira katika kipindi hicho kigumu. ENGLISH: This poem was composed on behalf of Sauda Kassim (Ustadh Mau's wife) to express support and condolesence to the children of her neighbour Mwana Amina, who had passed away. She expresses how close she was to their mother and that she understands the depth of sorrow that one feels to lose such a caring and responsible mother. She prays for her soul to rest in peace and for her children to be patient during that difficult time.
Date:: October 3, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Dua

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la maombi lilitungwa na Ustadh Mau kwa ajili ya wanafunzi wa Shule ya Msingi ya vijana ya Ama. Wanafunzi walikuwa karibu kufanya mitihani yao ya Kitaifa na kwa hivyo mashairi haya yanawaombea kufaulu. Anawaombea wafanikiwe na waendelee na elimu ya juu zaidi. ENGLISH: This prayer poem was composed by Ustadh Mau for the students of Ama Boys Primary School. The students were about to do their National examinations and therefore this poems prays for their success. He prays for them to succeed and to proceed to a higher level education.
Date:: January 11, 2017
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mukhadirati

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi linalozungumzia kuhusu matumizi ya mukhadarati katika eneo la pwani na khaswa Lamu. Likisisitiza madhara ya mukhadarati juu ya afya, pesa na mahusiano ya familia. ENGLISH: A poem discussing drug use along the coast and on Lamu, emphasizing the bad effects the drugs have on the people, particularly on their health, finances and family ties.
Date:: August 8, 2001
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Jilbabu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau limeandikwa kwa mtazamo wa baba na binti. Katika shairi hilo, wana mazungumzo kuhusu jilbab (vazi la nje linalovaliwa na wanawake wa Kiislamu ambalo hufunika sehemu kubwa ya mwili). Binti katika shairi hili anamwomba babake pesa kwenda kununua na kuanza kuvaa jilbab yenye kumfunika kabisa. Babake naye ana wasiwasi kwamba huenda akataniwa na kuonewa na watu wa umri wake na pia anabainisha kuwa binti yake ni mdogo sana kuivaa jilbabu. Anamshauri kununua kitu cha kisasa zaidi na chenye mtindo, lakini binti anaeleza nia yake ya kuvaa jilbab kama inavyoendana na yale ambayo Mwenyezi Mungu amewaambia wanawake wayafanye na kwamba inamkinga na majaribio. Anasema ni bora kuanza kuvaa jilbab katika umri mdogo na kuzoea badala ya baadaye anapokuwa mtu mzima. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau is written from the perspective of a father and daughter. In the poem, they are having a dialogue about the jilbab (the outer garment worn by Muslim women which covers most of the body). The daughter in this poem asks her father for some money as she wants to go and purchase one and start wearing the fully-covering jilbab. Her father in turn is worried that she might get teased and bullied by her age-mates and also notes that she is too young to wear it. He suggests to purchase something more trendy and fashionable, but the daughter expresses her wish to wear the jilbab as it is in line with what Allah has told women to do and that it protects her from temptation. She argues it is better to start wearing the jilbab at an early age and get used to it instead of later when she is more grown.
Date:: May 26, 1988
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nilizaliwa Amu

Description:: SWAHILI: Hii ni tawasifu iliyoandikwa na Ustadh Mau ambamo anashiriki maelezo kuhusu maisha yake, kama vile watoto wake, vitu vyake tofauti vya kufurahisha, mashairi yake na mada anazoandika. ENGLISH: This is an autobiography written by Ustadh Mau in which he shares details about his life, such as his kids, his different hobbies, his poetry and the topics he writes about.
Date:: February 20, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mola zidisha baraka

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kusherehekea miaka 100 ya kuwepo kwa Shule ya Upili ya Kenya, shule ya upili ya wasichana ya umma iliyoko Nairobi. Shairi hili ni la kustaajabisha kwani limeandikwa kwa Kiswahili sanifu kinyume na lahaja ya Amu (Kiamu) ambayo Ustadh Mau anaitumia zaidi katika ushairi wake. Katika shairi hilo, Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa shule hiyo imekuwepo kwa muda mrefu na anaipongeza shule hiyo kwa kuwa bado ni taasisi ya elimu ya hali ya juu. Wahitimu wake wameenea ulimwenguni kote wakishikilia nyadhifa zenye ushawishi na za ajabu, Ustadh Mau anaandika. Anamshukuru mkuu wa shule (Rose Mary), walimu, walinzi wa shule, matroni na wapishi kwa kuweka mazingira salama na ya kuwahamasisha wanafunzi kufaulu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to celebrate the 100-year existence of Kenya High School, a public girls' high school located in Nairobi. This poem is remarkable as it is written in standard Swahili as opposed to the Amu dialect (Kiamu) that Ustadh Mau mostly uses in his poetry. In the poem, Ustadh Mau notes that the school has existed for a long time and applauds the school for still being a high quality educational institution. Its alumni are spread throughout the world holding influential and remarkable positions, Ustadh Mau writes. He thanks the principal (Rose Mary), the teachers, the schoolguards, the matrons and the cooks for providing a safe and motivating atmosphere in which the students can excel.
Date:: November 25, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kilio hulia mwenyewe

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili mwaka wa 2006 kuzindua kongamano la kimataifa kuhusu utamaduni maarufu Africa Mashariki ambalo lilikuwa limeandaliwa mjini Mombasa kupitia Andrew Eisenberg na Ann Biersteker. Shairi hili linazungumzia wasiwasi juu ya matisho ambayo utandawazi huweka kwa tamaduni zingine. Ustadh Mau anahimiza kwamba tushikamane na tamaduni na mila zetu na tusiwaruhusu Wamagharibi kutulazimisha tamaduni zao. Limechapishwa Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], uk. 200-206. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem in 2006 to inaugurate an international conference on popular culture in East Africa that had been organized in Mombasa by Andrew Eisenberg and Ann Biersteker. This poem addresses concerns on the the threats that globalization imposes on other cultures. Ustadh Mau urges that we should stick to our cultures and traditions and not to let the West impose their cultures on us. Published in: In this Fragile World: Swahili poetry of commitment by Ustadh Mahmoud Mau. Leiden; Boston: Brill [2023], pp. 200-206.
Date:: July 20, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Waswiya

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau limedhamiriwa bintiye Azra. Ni ushauri wa kibinafsi kutoka kwa baba kwenda kwa binti kuhusiana na dhana ya ndoa. Anasisitiza umuhimu wa ndoa katika maisha ya mtu na kwamba ni sehemu ya mpango wa Mungu. Anaandika kuwa ni muhimu kwa mke kutanguliza nyumba na familia yake kuliko kazi yake na kumtunza mwenza wako vizuri ili iwe ndoa ya kudumu. ENGLISH: This poem written by Ustadh Mau is dedicated to his daughter Azra. It's personal advice from father to daughter in regards to the concept of marriage. He emphasizes the importance of marriage in one's life and that it is part of God's plan. He writes that it is important for a wife to prioritize her household and family over her job and to take care of your respective partner well so that it may be a long-lasting marriage.
Date:: February 14, 2019
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kwa heri ya kuonana

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau lilitolewa kwa wanafunzi wa Taasisi ya Rift Valley waliokuwa wamefika Lamu kama sehemu ya mpango wa kimasomo. Iliandikwa ili kusema kwaheri kwa kikundi hicho la walimu na wanafunzi na kuwashukuru kwa kuchagua kuja Lamu. ENGLISH: This poem written by Ustadh Mau was dedicated to students of the Rift Valley Institute who had come to Lamu as part of an exchange program. It was written in order to say farewell to this group of teachers and students and to thank the team for choosing to come to Lamu.
Date:: June 6, 2014
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani na karibu tena

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau liliandikwa kwa ajili ya daktari aitwaye Kaiza ambaye alifanya kazi katika Kamati ya Kudhibiti UKIMWI ya Jimbo (CACC). Aliandika shairi hili ili kumpongeza na kumshukuru kwa bidii na juhudi zake kwa watu wa Lamu katika kupambana na VVU/UKIMWI. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was written for a doctor named Kaiza who worked for the Constituency AIDS Control Committee (the CACC). He wrote this poem in order to congratulate him and to thank him for his hard work and efforts for the people of Lamu in regards to battling HIV/AIDS.
Date:: October 24, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wasilisho

Description:: SWAHILI: Hati hizi ziliandikwa na Ustadh Mau alipotembelea Italia. Katika kulinganisha shairi la mwanamke wa kiarabu anayeitwa Umamah bint Al-Harith Al-Shaybany na mwanamke wa kibajuni anayeitwa Mwana Kupona binti Bwana Mataka. Wote waliishi nyakati tofauti na walitokea familia tofauti ilhali waliandikia wasichana wao shairi lenye funzo moja kuhusiana na kuchunga na kuwa heshimu mabwana zao. ENGLISH: These are notes written by Ustadh Mau for a conference in Naples, Italy. He was comparing the poems of an Arab woman by the name of Umamah Bint Al-Harith Al-Shaybany and a poem by a Bajuni woman named Mwana Kupona bint Bwana Mataka. Both women lived during different periods and had differing backgrounds, yet both wrote a similar poem for their daughters on how to live with and please their husbands.
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzinduzi

Description:: SWAHILI: Mshairi analalamikia udhalilifu na ukandamishaji wa waswahili na jinsi walivyojitenga miongoni mwao kila mda umavyokwenda. ENGLISH: The narrator of the poem laments the oppression of the Swahili community and how its members became divided amongst themselves over time.
Date:: November 24, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wasiya wa mabanati

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limeandikwa na Ustadh Mau kama wasia kwa wasichana na wanawake. Ustadh Mau alipata hamasisho kutoka kwa muandishi wa kutoa usuri Ali Al-Tantawi aliyeandika shairi liitwalo ''Ya Binti'' miaka kumi iliyopita. Mashairi haya yalipata umashuhuri sana haswa shairi la Ustadh Mau upande wa Pwani mwa Kenya. Japokuwa shairi hili linatambulika kama utendi, bahari yake inafanana na Dura al-Mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati unazungumzia kutumiwa na kutengwa kwa wanawake haswa mikononi mwa wanaume na jinsi majanga kama vile unyanyasaji wa kijinsia yanaweza kuathiri akili ya mwanamke. Shairi hili linalenga mtazamo wa mwanamume kumpachika msichana uja uzito na kisha kumsusia. Beti za mwisho za shairi zinatumika kuwapatia onyo kali wasichana na wanawake likiwahimiza wajihifadhi kutokana na majanga haya na kwa jamii na binadamu kujiboresha ili visa kama hizi zikomeshwe. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau to serve as an advisory piece for women and girls. He was inspired by the Syrian author Ali Al-Tantawi, who had composed the pamhplet ''Ya Binti (Oh, My Daughter)'' ten years prior. Both poems circulated greatly in the Muslim world, especially Ustadh Mau's version along the Kenyan coast. Although the poem by Ustadh is widely known as an utendi, its metre is close to dura al-mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati discusses the exploitation and marginalization of women (in particular at the hands of men) and how tragedies such as sexual assault may impact the woman's psyche. The poem switches between the perspectives of a man impregnating a young woman and abandoning her after, and the woman herself. The final stanzas of the poem serve as a greater warning and advice to women and girls, moving away from the singled out woman of the poem, urging them to protect themselves from such tragedies and for society and mankind to better themselves so these things may cease to happen.
Date:: January 16, 1974
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Harusi iwe ya kheri

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa niaba ya Shadiya (binti wa Ustadh Mau) aliyemkusudia rafiki yake Zainab ambaye alikuwa anaelekea kuolewa. Shadya aliomba shairi hili ili kutoa ushauri wa ndoa kwa rafiki yake. Anamsihi awe na maneno matamu, aelewe anachokipenda mwenzi wake, avae mavazi ya mazuri, awe muwazi katika mawasiliano na aombe msamaha pale anapokosea. ENGLISH: This poem was written for on behalf of Shadiya (the daughter to Ustadh Mau) intended for her friend Zainab who was getting married. Shadya requested this poem in order to give marriage advice to her friend. She urges her to have sweet words, to understand her partner's likings, to dress elegantly, to be open in communication and to be apologetic when she is on the wrong.
Date:: May 8, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ndowa iwe Mabruk

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau kwa niaba ya msichana anayeitwa Nadya. Aliomba shairi hili kwa rafiki yake Firdaus ambaye alikuwa anaenda kuolewa. Ina ushauri mbalimbali, kama vile umuhimu wa usafi, kumheshimu mpenzi wake, kudhibiti hasira na kuzungumza kwa upole na kupika vyakula vitamu. Hatimaye, anaomebea muungano wao ujazwe na shangwe na wabarikiwe na watoto wema. ENGLISH: This is a requested poem, written by Ustadh Mau on behalf of a girl named Nadya. She requested this poem for her friend Firdaus who was to get married. It contains various different pieces of advice, such as the importance of cleanliness, respecting your partner, controlling your anger and to speak softly and to cook tasty foods. Finally, she prays for their union to be filled with joy and for them to bear many children.
Date:: June 27, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Harusi iwe ya kheri

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi lililoombwa na Saada Athman kwa jirani yake mwema Maimuna. Watoto wa Maimuna walitakiwa kuolewa, hivyo Saada Athman aliamua kuandikiwa shairi na Ustadh Mau ambalo liliambatana na zawadi ndogo kwa ajili ya sherehe hizo. Anawaombea vijana waliofunga ndoa hivi karibuni ili ndoa yao ibarikiwe na wawe na furaha katika muungano wao. ENGLISH: This is a poem requested by Saada Athman for her good neighbour Maimuna. Maimuna's kids were to get married, so Saada Athman decided to have a poem written by Ustadh Mau which was accompanied by a small gift for the celebrations. She prays for the newly wedded for their marriage to be blessed and for them to be happy in their union.
Date:: April 12, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Poleni

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungwa kwa niaba ya Sauda Kassim (mke wa Ustadh Mau) ili kutoa sapoti na rambirambi kwa watoto wa jirani yake Mwana Amina aliyeaga dunia. Anaeleza jinsi alivyokuwa karibu na mama yao na kwamba anaelewa kina cha huzuni ambayo mtu huhisi kumpoteza mama huyo mwenye kujali na kuwajibika. Anaiombea roho yake ipumzike kwa amani na watoto wake wawe na subira katika kipindi hicho kigumu. ENGLISH: This poem was composed on behalf of Sauda Kassim (Ustadh Mau's wife) to express support and condolesence to the children of her neighbour Mwana Amina, who had passed away. She expresses how close she was to their mother and that she understands the depth of sorrow that one feels to lose such a caring and responsible mother. She prays for her soul to rest in peace and for her children to be patient during that difficult time.
Date:: October 3, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ya yana usiyawaze

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau alitunga shairi hili kwa ajili ya binti yake Hannan. Shairi hilo linamhimiza asahau yaliyopita na kutazamia siku zijazo. Baba yake anamwomba asijitwike na mambo ya zamani kwa sababu hana uwezo wa kukabiliana nayo bali anamsihi ajiandae kwa maisha yajayo kwani atahitaji kuwa na ujasiri wa kukabiliana na yale yajayo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau compossed this poem for his daughter Hannan. The poem encourages her to forget the past and to look forward to the future. Her father asks her not to burden herself with things of the past because she has no control over them but rather he urges her to prepare herself for the future since she will need to be bold to face what is to come.
Date:: May 27, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mola zidisha baraka

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kusherehekea miaka 100 ya kuwepo kwa Shule ya Upili ya Kenya, shule ya upili ya wasichana ya umma iliyoko Nairobi. Shairi hili ni la kustaajabisha kwani limeandikwa kwa Kiswahili sanifu kinyume na lahaja ya Amu (Kiamu) ambayo Ustadh Mau anaitumia zaidi katika ushairi wake. Katika shairi hilo, Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa shule hiyo imekuwepo kwa muda mrefu na anaipongeza shule hiyo kwa kuwa bado ni taasisi ya elimu ya hali ya juu. Wahitimu wake wameenea ulimwenguni kote wakishikilia nyadhifa zenye ushawishi na za ajabu, Ustadh Mau anaandika. Anamshukuru mkuu wa shule (Rose Mary), walimu, walinzi wa shule, matroni na wapishi kwa kuweka mazingira salama na ya kuwahamasisha wanafunzi kufaulu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to celebrate the 100-year existence of Kenya High School, a public girls' high school located in Nairobi. This poem is remarkable as it is written in standard Swahili as opposed to the Amu dialect (Kiamu) that Ustadh Mau mostly uses in his poetry. In the poem, Ustadh Mau notes that the school has existed for a long time and applauds the school for still being a high quality educational institution. Its alumni are spread throughout the world holding influential and remarkable positions, Ustadh Mau writes. He thanks the principal (Rose Mary), the teachers, the schoolguards, the matrons and the cooks for providing a safe and motivating atmosphere in which the students can excel.
Date:: November 25, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzunduzi wa RISSEA

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupongeza na kusherehekea uzinduzi wa RISSEA (Taasisi ya Utafiti ya Taaluma za Kiswahili ya Afrika Mashariki). Anaiombea taasisi hiyo mpya ifanikiwe na anasisitiza umuhimu wa kulinda na kuhifadhi lugha ya Kiswahili katika shairi zima. Pia anawashukuru waanzilishi kwa kuanzisha mradi huo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to congratulate and celebrate the launch of RISSEA (Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa). He prays for the new institution to be successful and emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the Swahili language throughout the poem. He also thanks the founders for initiating such a project.
Date:: November 28, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Usafi jambo muhimu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau linahusu umuhimu wa usafi na usafi. Shairi linataja ni kiasi gani katika Uislamu usafi unasisitizwa na kuchukuliwa kuwa ni wema. Ustadh Mau pia anatofautisha kati ya aina mbili za usafi: usafi wa kiakili na usafi wa moyo, ambayo ina maana ya kuilinda na mawazo mabaya na husuda. Aina ya pili ni usafi wa mwili, kama vile katika nyumba zetu, mitaa na miili yetu. Mwenye kujiweka safi, Ustadh Mau anasema, atapata thawab (malipo mema mbele ya Mungu). ENGLISH: This poem written by Ustadh Mau is about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. The poem mentions how much in Islam cleanliness is emphasized and considered a virtue. Ustadh Mau also makes the distinction between two types of hygiene: the mental hygiene and cleanliness of the heart, which means protecting it from evil thoughts and jealousy. The second type is the physical cleanliness, such as in our homes, our streets and our bodies. One who keeps clean, Ustadh Mau argues, will receive more thawab (spiritual merit).
Date:: September 5, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Tukikuze kiswahili

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linazungumzia haja ya kuendeleza lugha ya Kiswahili. Kwa miaka mingi lugha imekua sana na imepata kutambuliwa kimataifa. Ustadh Mau anawataka Waswahili kuchukua jukumu la kukuza lugha yao kwa kutengeneza istilahi na misamiati mipya kwa kuwa taaluma ya sayansi na teknolojia inakua kwa kiasi kikubwa na istilahi mpya zinaibuka kila siku. ENGLISH: This poem talks about the need to develop the Swahili language. Over the years the language has grown hugely and has gained international recognition. Ustadh Mau urges the swahili people that it is their responsibility to grow their language by developing new terminologies and vocabularies since the field of science and technology is growing widely and new terms are emerging everyday.
Date:: December 15, 2017
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Harusi iwe ya kheri

Description:: SWAHILI: Hili ni shairi la harusi lililoandikwa na Ustadh Mau kwa niaba ya Fatuma na Naima, shangazi zake bibi harusi (Mulhati). Wanatamani harusi iende vizuri na ibarikiwe. Zaidi ya hayo, wanatumai muungano wa Mulhati na bwana harusi utadumu na utabaki imara, na kwamba maisha yao yanaweza kuwa rahisi na yaliyojaa nyakati za furaha. ENGLISH: This is a wedding poem written by Ustadh Mau for on behalf of Fatuma and Naima, the aunts to the bride (Mulhati). They wish for the wedding to go smoothly and that it is blessed. Furthermore, they hope Mulhati's union with the groom will last and will remain strong, and that their lives may be easy and filled with happy moments.
Date:: July 22, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ramani ya maisha ya ndowa

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau amemdhamiria shairi hili kijana chake Yahya, akimuelezea jinsi ya kuishi na mke wake na kumuusia vipi atakavyo fanya ndoa yake idumu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau addresses his son Yahya in the poem, providing him with advice on how to live with his wife and guiding him on how to enable his marriage to grow and prosper.
Date:: April 30, 2004
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Yapasa kutahadhari

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili ni sehemu muhimu kuhusu mpango wa kujenga kiwanda cha kuzalisha umeme kwa kutumia makaa katika eneo la Manda kaunti ya Lamu na kampuni ya kibinafsi ya Amu Power yenye makao yake makuu jijini Nairobi. Mradi huo wa kinu cha umeme ulikataliwa na wengi, wakiwemo jamii za eneo hilo na wanaharakati wa mazingira kutoka Lamu, ambao waliwasilisha kesi mahakamani dhidi ya mradi huo. Mnamo Novemba 2020 hatimaye serikali ya Kenya ilighairi mradi huo, baada ya kujali sana asili ya Lamu kitaifa na kimataifa. Katika shairi hili, Ustadh Mau anasisitiza mambo yale yale ya wanaharakati, yaani kwamba matokeo ya mazingira yangeharibika sana. Pia anabainisha kuwa maisha ya wavuvi yatahatarishwa kwani viumbe vya baharini pia vinaweza kutishiwa na mradi huu. Anawataka watu kuwa makini na kukataa miradi hiyo ya uharibifu. ENGLISH: This poem is a critical piece on the plan to build a coal-fired power plant in the Manda area of Lamu County by Amu Power Company, a private power generation company based in Nairobi. The power plant project was rejected by many, including local communities and environmental activists from Lamu, who filed a lawsuit against the project. In November 2020 the Kenyan government finally cancelled the project, after much national and international concern for Lamu's nature. In this poem, Ustadh Mau emphasizes the same points as the activists, namely that the consequences for the environment would be too destructive. He also notes that the livelihoods of fishermen will be jeopardized as marine life might also be threatened by this project. He urges people to be careful and to reject such destructive projects.
Date:: October 10, 2019
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mwenye UKIMWI si mwanga ni mtu mepata janga

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limekusudiwa kuhutubia jamii kuhusu UKIMWI. Inaeleza kuwa ugonjwa huo huathiri kila mtu hata wale wenye akili nyingi mno katika jamii. Ustadh Mau anawataka watu kupeana ujuzi juu ya ugonjwa huu ili waweze kukabiliana nao kwa pamoja. Shairi linazungumzia masuala ya unyanyapaa na linaomba watu kutowatenga walioambukizwa ugonjwa huo badala yake tuwape moyo wa kuishi. Ubeti wa mwisho uliongezwa kwa kalamu baadaye. ENGLISH: This poem is meant to address the community on HIV/AIDS. It explains that the disease affects everyone even the most intelligent ones in the community. Ustadh Mau urges people to share knowledge on this disease so they can be able to tackle it together. The poem addresses issues of stigmatization and asks for people not to segregate those infected by the disease rather we should give them encouragement to live. The final stanza was added by pen later.
Date:: December 1, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nijukumu letu sute

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hilo linawataka watu kuwa na jukumu la kujikinga na UKIMWI na kuungana na serikali pamoja na watu wa vijijini pia kupambana na ugonjwa huu. Shairi hili linawataka watu kujiepusha na uzinifu na utumiaji wa dawa za kulevya kwani hayo ni baadhi ya mambo yanayoongeza kasi maambukizi ya Ukimwi. Shairi pia linasisitiza juu ya umuhimu wa kujua hali ya afya yako na kutumia dawa kwa wale walioathirika na ugonjwa huo. Kwenye upande wa nyuma wamuswada huo kuna maandishi yaliyoandikwa kwa mkono ya tungo lingine, beti 10 za shairi lingine kuhusu Ukimwi. ENGLISH: The poem urges people to make it their responsibility to protects themselves against HIV/AIDS and to join hands with the government and with people from the villages too to fight this disease. The poem urges people to avoid infidelity and use of drugs for these are some of the things which increase the rate of spread of HIV. The peom also emphasizes on the importance of knowing ones health status and taking medications for those who are infected. On the back cover of the manuscript there are handwritten rough notes of 10 other stanzas of another poem about HIV.
Date:: June 16, 2014
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Uzunduzi wa RISSEA

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kupongeza na kusherehekea uzinduzi wa RISSEA ("Taasisi ya Utafiti ya Taaluma za Kiswahili ya Afrika Mashariki"). Anaiombea taasisi hiyo mpya ifanikiwe na anasisitiza umuhimu wa kulinda na kuhifadhi lugha ya Kiswahili katika shairi zima. Pia anawashukuru waanzilishi kwa kuanzisha mradi huo. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to congratulate and celebrate the launch of RISSEA (Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa). He prays for the new institution to be successful and emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving the Swahili language throughout the poem. He also thanks the founders for initiating such a project.
Date:: November 28, 2008
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wanafundi kwaherini

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungwa kwa ajili ya wanafunzi wa RISSEA kuwaaga baada ya kumaliza mafunzo yao. Katika shairi Ustadh Mau anawashukuru kwa jinsi walivyoshirikiana kwenye masomo na kuwa na tabia njema. Anawatakia heri na kuwakaribisha kutembelea tena Lamu. ENGLISH: This poem was composed for the students of RISSEA ("Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa") to say goodbye to them after the completion of their training. In the poem Ustadh Mau appreciates them for how they have cooperated and behaved well. He wishes the farewell and welcomes them to visit Lamu again.
Date:: December 14, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kwa heri iso nabudi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungwa kwa niaba ya Saada Athumani ambaye alikuwa anahama Shela na kwenda kuanza maisha Mombasa. Shairi hilo linaeleza jinsi bibi huyo anavyohisi uchungu kuondoka katika mji aliokulia na kuwaacha watu wazuri ambao amewajua maishani ili kuenda kuanza maisha kwingine. Saada anawatakia heri watu wa Shela na anatarajia kuwaona tena siku moja. ENGLISH: This poem was composed on behalf of Saada Athmani who was leaving Shela and going to start a life in Mombasa. The poem expresses how painful the lady feels to leave her hometown where she grew up and to leave behind all the good people she has known in her life for her to go and start a life elsewhere. Saada wishes the people of Shela farewell and hopes to see them again someday.
Date:: December 29, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Turathi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili ni kuhusu kuhifadhi na kuthamini utamaduni. Hususan utamaduni wa pwani mwa Kenya. Ustadh Mau anapeana mifano ya nyanja muhimu za kitamaduni zinazohitaji kutambuliwa na kuhifadhiwa kama turadhi muhimu. Kwa mfano ngoma za kitamaduni, kutengeza vikapu, nguo za kitamaduni, magoma, mikoko, minazi na kuweka nakshi kwenye mbao. Ustadh Mau anasisitiza kwamba utamaduni ni muhimu upitishwe kutoka kwa mzazi kwa mtoto ili utamaduni usipotee. ENGLISH: This poem is about the preservation and appreciation of culture, specifically the culture of the coast (Pwani) in Kenya. Ustadh Mau describes specific examples of cultural aspects that should be protected and recognized as important heritage, such as traditional dances, basket-making, traditional attires, drums, mangrooves, coconut trees and woodcarving. Ustadh Mau emphasizes that culture should be passed on from parents to child and so forth so that it may never be lost.
Date:: December 31, 2013
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kuwashukuru waandaaji na wakufunzi wa warsha kuhusu gonjwa la UKIMWI huko Lamu. Anawashukuru hasa kwa kutoa elimu kwa jamii juu ya utumiaji wa dawa endapo itagundulika kuwa na ugonjwa huo na madhara ya dawa za kulevya zinazoeneza ugonjwa huo zaidi. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to thank the organizers and trainers of a workshop on HIV/AIDS in Lamu. He thanks them especially for educating the community on taking medication if diagnosed with the disease and the dangers of drugs which spreads the disease more.
Date:: November 6, 2014
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ndowa iwe Mab'ruki

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili la Ustadh Mau lilitungwa kwa niaba ya mwanamke aitwaye Bina Rai. Mwanawe Mahiri alikuwa aolewe na mwanamke aliyeitwa Nur. Bina Rai anakusudia kuwapa wanandoa wapya ushauri wa harusi kupitia shairi hili. Anawaambia kwamba msingi wa ndoa imara ni kuelewana na uwezo wa kusikilizana. Wanadamu wakamilifu hawapo, naye anakazia umuhimu wa subira kwa sababu hiyo. Zaidi ya hayo, anatumai mapenzi yao yatachanua na kwamba ndoa yao itakua yenye baraka. ENGLISH: This poem by Ustadh Mau was composed on behalf of a woman named Bina Rai. Her son Mahiri was to get married to a woman named Nur. Bina Rai intends to give the new couple wedding advice through the poem. She tells them that the foundation of a strong marriage is understanding and the ability to listen to eachother. Perfect humans do not exist, and she emphasizes the importance of patience because of this. Furthermore, she hopes their love will bloom and that their marriage remains blessed.
Date:: June 4, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Hina

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili la shindano la kila mwaka la hina lililokuwa likifanyika Lamu, lililofanyika Lamu Fort. Madhumuni ya mashindano ni kupitisha kipengele hiki cha utamaduni na urithi kwa vizazi vijavyo. Ustadh Mau anasisitiza umuhimu wa kuwafanya watu wathamini na kuupitisha utamaduni wao ili uendelee kuwa hai. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for the annual henna competition that used to take place in Lamu, held at Lamu Fort. The purpose of the competition is to pass down this aspect of culture and heritage to future generations. Ustadh Mau emphasizes the importance of making people appreciate and pass on their own culture so that it may be kept alive.
Date:: November 20, 2015
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Hijab

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linawazungumzia wanawake juu ya wajibu wao wa kufunika miili yao kama Mwenyezi Mungu alivyowaelekeza katika Quran hasa katika Surah Al Nur na Surah Al Ahzab. Ustadh Mau anawashauri wanawake kuvaa ipasavyo na kulinda miili yao kwa maana hiyo itawainua kwa hadhi na kuwajengea heshima. Anasema kwamba mtu anayeenda kinyume na mafundisho hayo ni mpotovu na amemuasi Mwenyezi Mungu . ENGLISH: This poem addresses women on their obligation to cover their bodies as God has instructed them to in the Quran especially in Surah Al Nur and Surah Al Ahzab. Ustadh Mau advices women to dress appropriately and to protect their bodies for this will dignify them and earn them respect. He argues that someone who goes against these teachings is immoral and has disobeyed God Almighty.
Date:: September 3, 1980
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Heko wetu maharusi

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa niaba ya Saadiya Hussein kwa ajili ya marafiki zake Zaitun na Dausi. Saadiya anatoa pongezi na kheri kwa Zaitun, Dausi na waume zao. Anawaombea wawe na muungano wenye baraka uliojaa upendo na mafanikio. ENGLISH: This poem was written on behalf of Saadiya Hussein for her friends Zaitun and Dausi. Saadiya gives congratulations and good wishes to Zaitun, Dausi and their spouses. She prays for them to have a blessed union filled with love and success.
Date:: April 20, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Methali za Kiswahili

Description:: SWAHILI: Hii ni orodha pana ya methali za Kiswahili iliyotungwa na Ustadh Mau. Iliundwa kwa ajili ya profesa Rayya Timammy, ambaye ni mtaalamu wa lugha ya Kiswahili, fasihi, tafsiri na mawasiliano. ENGLISH: This is an extensive list of Swahili proverbs compiled by Ustadh Mau. It was created for Professor Rayya Timammy, who specializes in the Swahili lanuage, literature, translation and communication at the University of Nairobi.
Date:: July 7, 2015
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Pongezi kwa RISSEA kwaleta wanafunzi

Description:: SWAHILI: Katika shairi hili, Ustadh Mau anaandika kwa mtazamo wa kibinadamu wa lugha ya Kiswahili. Aliiandikia RISSEA (Taasisi ya Utafiti ya Taaluma za Kiswahili Afrika Mashariki) shairi hili ili kuishukuru taasisi hiyo kwa juhudi zao za kulinda lugha ya Kiswahili na kuwapongeza wanafunzi. Katika mtazamo huu wa utu katika shairi lote, lugha ya Kiswahili imesawiriwa kama mtoto yatima asiye na wa kumlinda. Hivyo, jukumu la RISSEA si dogo. Ustadh Mau anasisitiza jinsi ni juhudi za timu na kwamba sote tunapaswa kufanya kazi kwa bidii. Ustadh Mau anaamini kwamba kupitia utafiti na dhamira na juhudi za jumuiya lengo hili litafikiwa. ENGLISH: In this poem, Ustadh Mau writes from the personified perspective of the Swahili language. He wrote this poem for RISSEA (Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa) in order to thank the institution for their efforts in protecting the Swahili language and to congratulate students. In this personified perspective throughout the poem, the Swahili language is depicted as an orphaned child with no one to protect him. Thus, the responsibility of RISSEA is not small. Ustadh Mau emphasizes how it is a team effort and that we all should be working hard. Through research and determination and communal efforts this goal will be reached, Ustadh Mau believes.
Date:: March 25, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kilio hulia mwenyewe

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili mwaka wa 2006 kuzindua kongamano la kimataifa kuhusu utamaduni maarufu Africa Mashariki ambalo lilikuwa limeandaliwa mjini Mombasa kupitia Andrew Eisenberg na Ann Biersteker. Shairi hili laongelea tatizo la mihadarati kwa jamii ya pwani. Ustadh Mau anasisitiza kwamba tusisubiri msaada kutoka kwa watu wa nje bali tujitahidi kutafuta dawa ya shida hii. Pia anasisitiza kwamba sio jukumu la wazazi tu kupeleleza tabia za vijana wao bali ni jukumu la kijana pia kua na tahadhari dhidi ya marafiki wapotevu. Msemo usemao; Kulia huliya mwenye, na mtu mbali kalia inamaanisha kwamba mtu akitaka kubadilisha jambo lazima aanze kujisukuma mwenyewe ndio watu wengine wamsaidie baadae. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem in 2006 to inaugurate an international conference on popular culture in East Africa that had been organized in Mombasa by Andrew Eisenberg and Ann Biersteker. The poem addresses the problem of drug abuse among the people along the Kenyan coast. Ustadh Mau argues that we should not wait for people outside of the community to intervene but that we should rather look for solutions to cure this problem ourselves (community members). He argues that it is not only the responsibility of the parents to monitor their children's behaviours but also that of a child to be careful of the friends they make. The saying Kulia huliya mwenye, na mtu mbali kalia, “If the affected one cries out, another will join in from afar,” means that if you want to change something, you first have to do it yourself, so that others may then join in support.
Date:: June 26, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ujumbe kwa kina Mama

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kuwahutubia wajawazito. Anatoa mwongozo wa jinsi ya kutunza watoto wachanga na watoto chini ya umri wa miaka mitano. Ustadh Mau anasisitiza umuhimu wa kwenda kufanyiwa uchunguzi wa afya, kuzalia hospitali na kulala kila mara kwenye vyandarua ili kumkinga mtoto. Zaidi ya hayo, anawashauri akina mama kunyonyesha watoto wao hadi umri wa miaka miwili na kuwaruhusu watoto wao kupata chanjo. Mwisho, anawataka watu kutumia huduma za afya zilizopo na umuhimu wa lishe na lishe. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to address pregnant women. He gives guidance on how to care for infants and children under the age of five. Ustadh Mau emphasizes the importance of going for medical check-ups, giving birth in the hospital and to always sleep under mosquito nets to protect the baby. Furthermore, he advices mothers to breastfeed their children until the age of two and to allow their babies to get vaccinated. Lastly, he urges people to make use of existing health care and the importance of nutrition and diet.
Date:: February 7, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Karibuni watukufu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa ajili ya kundi la wanafunzi wa Marekani kutoka Cincinatti waliofika Lamu. Tafsiri ya Kiingereza, iliyochapishwa kwenye hati hiyo hiyo, ilifanywa na Karama. Ustadh Mau anakishukuru kikundi hicho kwa kuja na kutembea Lamu. ENGLISH: This poem was written for a group of American students from Cincinatti who came to Lamu. The English translation, printed on the same manuscript, was done by Mohamed Karama. Ustadh Mau thanks the group for coming and visiting Lamu all the way from the States. He notes that the group is welcomed with open arms and that everyone is delighted to have them here. He thanks the group for establishing a foundation of friendship and hopes that the group visits again in the future.
Date:: April 6, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ina langu sibaini

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa na babake Ustadh Mau katika mwaka wa elfu moja mia tisa hamsini. Shairi hili ni kuhusu wanume wazee wenye kufuata vijana wadogo. Ikipeana mifano jinsi wazee wanavyowahonga vijana wadogo kwa kuwapatia pesa, peremende na kuwapeleka nje kula. Shairi linaishi kwa maombi na kusisitiza kwamba ndoa ni jambo takatifu na kwamba uhusiano huu unafaa kua kati ya mwanamume na mwanamke sio kati ya jinsia moja. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau's father in the 1950's. The poem is about the dangers of older men preying on young boys. The poem was written from the perspective of such a man, giving examples of the way the older man would bribe a younger boy - by giving him money, candy, taking him out to eat, et cetera. The poem concludes with prayers to the Lord, emphasizing that marriage is sacred and that any relations should be between man and woman, not between the same sex.
Date:: January 7, 1958
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kwa heri yakuonana

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa na Ustadh Mau kwa ajili ya kundi la walimu na wanafunzi waliofika na kutembelea Lamu. Anawashukuru na kuwaambia watembelee tena Lamu na kuongea vyema kuhusu Lamu katika maeneo ambayo huenda wakafuata ili watu wengine wapate kukaribishwa vyema na watu wa Lamu pia, kwani watu wa Lamu wanajulikana kwa ukarimu na wema wao. Shairi hili lilitafsiriwa kwa Kiingereza na Karama. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau for a group of teachers and students who came and visited Lamu. He thanks them and tells them to visit Lamu again and to speak well of Lamu in the places they might go to next so that other people may be warmly welcomed by the people of Lamu too, as the people of Lamu are known for their hospitality and kindness. This poem was translated into English by Mohamed Karama.
Date:: April 6, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani kwa ziara

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa ajili ya Richard Peck, rafiki wa muda mrefu wa Ustadh Mau kutoka Marekani. Katika shairi hilo anamshukuru sana Richard kwa kuchukua safari ndefu na ngumu ya kufika Lamu na kwa kuhakikisha urafiki wao unaendelea. Ustadh Mau anaandika kwamba urafiki wao ni wa nguvu na wenye mizizi na hauwezi kukatika kwa urahisi. Zaidi ya hayo, anabainisha kuwa Richard na kampuni yake ni wageni waheshimiwa Lamu na kwamba Ustadh Mau anafuraha kuwa na Richard katika mji wake tena. ENGLISH: This poem was written for Richard Peck, a long-time friend to Ustadh Mau from the United States. In the poem he thanks Richard deeply for taking on the long and difficult journey to Lamu and for making sure their friendship continues. Ustadh Mau writes that their friendship is strong and rooted and cannot be easily cut. Furthermore, he notes that Richard and his company are esteemed guests in Lamu and that Ustadh Mau is delighted to have Richard in his hometown again.
Date:: August 30, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Nana

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa niaba ya mtu anayeitwa Hassani. Shairi hilo linamjadili mwanamke wa kuigwa, mwanamke ambaye tabia yake ni ya kipekee sana hajawahi kukutana na mtu mwingine kama yeye. Mwanamke huyu ni zaidi ya rafiki wa Hassani. Daima humwongoza na kumshauri na kumpeleka kwenye njia sahihi. Mwanamke huyu pia anamkumbusha kuwaweka karibu marafiki na jamii yake. Hassani atakuwa katika hali mbaya sana iwapo atawahi kumpoteza, kwani yeye ndiye nuru ya maisha yake. Inadhihirika katika shairi hili kuwa mwanamke huyo si mwingine bali ni mama yake kipenzi, Rukiya Mwenye Amini. ENGLISH: This poem was written on behalf of a man named Hassani. The poem discusses an exemplary woman, a woman whose character is so unique he has never encountered anyone else like her. This woman is more than a friend to Hassani. She always guides and advises and leads him to the correct path. This woman also reminds him to check up on his friends and community. Hassani will be in a terrible state if he ever loses her, as she is the light of his life. It is revealed in this poem that the woman is none other than his beloved mother, Rukiya Mwenye Amini.
Date:: August 16, 2000
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wasiya wa mabanati

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limeandikwa na Ustadh Mau kama wasia kwa wasichana na wanawake. Ustadh Mau alipata hamasisho kutoka kwa muandishi wa kutoa usuri Ali Al-Tantawi aliyeandika shairi liitwalo ''Ya Binti'' miaka kumi iliyopita. Mashairi haya yalipata umashuhuri sana haswa shairi la Ustadh Mau upande wa Pwani mwa Kenya. Japokuwa shairi hili linatambulika kama utendi, bahari yake inafanana na Dura al-Mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati unazungumzia kutumiwa na kutengwa kwa wanawake haswa mikononi mwa wanaume na jinsi majanga kama vile unyanyasaji wa kijinsia yanaweza kuathiri akili ya mwanamke. Shairi hili linalenga mtazamo wa mwanamume kumpachika msichana uja uzito na kisha kumsusia. Beti za mwisho za shairi zinatumika kuwapatia onyo kali wasichana na wanawake likiwahimiza wajihifadhi kutokana na majanga haya na kwa jamii na binadamu kujiboresha ili visa kama hizi zikomeshwe. ENGLISH: This poem was written by Ustadh Mau to serve as an advisory piece for women and girls. He was inspired by the Syrian author Ali Al-Tantawi, who had composed the pamhplet ''Ya Binti (Oh, My Daughter)'' ten years prior. Both poems circulated greatly in the Muslim world, especially Ustadh Mau's version along the Kenyan coast. Although the poem by Ustadh Mau is widely known as an utendi, its metre is close to dura al-mandhuma. Wasiya wa mabanati discusses the exploitation and marginalization of women (in particular at the hands of men) and how tragedies such as sexual assault may impact the woman's psyche. The poem focuses on the perspectives of a man impregnating a young woman and abandoning her after. The final stanzas of the poem serve as a greater warning and advice to women and girls, moving away from the singled out woman of the poem, urging them to protect themselves from such tragedies and for society and mankind to better themselves so these things may cease to happen.
Date:: January 16, 1974
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Shukrani kwa ziara

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa ajili ya Richard Peck, rafiki wa muda mrefu wa Ustadh Mau kutoka Marekani. Katika shairi hilo anamshukuru sana Richard kwa kuchukua safari ndefu na ngumu ya kufika Lamu na kwa kuhakikisha urafiki wao unaendelea. Ustadh Mau anaandika kwamba urafiki wao ni wa nguvu na wenye mizizi na hauwezi kukatika kwa urahisi. Zaidi ya hayo, anabainisha kuwa Richard na kampuni yake ni wageni waheshimiwa Lamu na kwamba Ustadh Mau anafuraha kuwa na Richard katika mji wake tena. ENGLISH: This poem was written for Richard Peck, a long-time friend to Ustadh Mau from the United States. In the poem he thanks Richard deeply for taking on the long and difficult journey to Lamu and for making sure their friendship continues. Ustadh Mau writes that their friendship is strong and rooted and cannot be easily cut. Furthermore, he notes that Richard and his company are esteemed guests in Lamu and that Ustadh Mau is delighted to have Richard in his hometown again.
Date:: August 30, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Msichana wa Kiislamu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili limeandikwa kwa mtazamo wa msichana wa Kiislamu. Ustadh Mau anatumia mbinu hii ya uandishi kuorodhesha sifa ambazo msichana wa Kiislamu anapaswa kuwa nazo. Katika shairi hilo msichana wa kubuniwa wa Kiislamu anazungumzia tabia kama vile kujiheshimu, kujiepusha na mambo yasiyo na umuhimu katika maisha, kutokwenda mahali ambapo dhambi inaweza kutokea, kufuata mafundisho ya Quran, kuufunika mwili wake na kujielimisha zaidi kuhusu Uislamu ili anaweza kupitisha maarifa kwa watoto wake. ENGLISH: This poem is written from the perspective of a Muslim girl. Ustadh Mau utilizes this writing technique to list the qualities a Muslim girl should have. In the poem, the fictional Muslim girl addresses behaviours such as respecting oneself, avoiding irrelevant matters in life, not going to places where sinning might take place, following the teachings of the Quran, covering up her body and educating herself more about Islam so that she may pass the knowledge onto her children.
Date:: July 12, 2007
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ndugu zangu nawaaga

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hilo lilitungwa kwa niaba ya Hannan ili kuwaaga wanafunzi wenzake baada ya kumaliza masomo yao ya sekondari. Anaonyesha nyakati na kumbukumbu alizokuwa nazo na marafiki zake shuleni. Shairi linawataja marafiki wachache wa hannan kwa majina na wahusika wakuu ambao wote wanamiliki. Anawaalika marafiki zake kutembelea Lamu na anawaeleza jinsi watu wa Lamu walivyo hospitalini. ENGLISH: The poem was composed on behalf of Hannan to bid farewell to her schoolmates after they had completed their secondary level. She points out the moments and memories she had with her friends in school. The poem mentions a few of hannan's friends by name and the great characters they all possess. She invites her friends to visit Lamu and she tells them how hospital the people of Lamu are.
Date:: April 5, 2010
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Karibuni watukufu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili liliandikwa kwa ajili ya kundi la wanafunzi wa Marekani kutoka Cincinatti waliofika Lamu. Tafsiri ya Kiingereza, iliyochapishwa kwenye hati hiyo hiyo, ilifanywa na Karama. Ustadh Mau anakishukuru kikundi hicho kwa kuja na kutembea Lamu. ENGLISH: This poem was written for a group of American students from Cincinatti who came to Lamu. The English translation, printed on the same manuscript, was done by Mohamed Karama. Ustadh Mau thanks the group for coming and visiting Lamu all the way from the States. He notes that the group is welcome with open arms and that everyone is delighted to have them here. He thanks the group for establishing a foundation of friendship and hopes that the group visits again in the future.
Date:: April 6, 2011
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Tungo asilia

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungiwa RISSEA walipokuwa wamezuru Lamu. Shairi linazungumzia utamu wa utungo asilia wa shairi unaozingatia kanuni zote za uandishi wa shairi. Anasema mashairi yaliyotungwa nyakati za zamani yalikuwa ya kuvutia sana. Ustadh Mau anahoji kuwa tuheshimu mashairi yetu na kutafuta mbinu za kuyakuza na kuwafundisha watoto wetu jinsi ya kutunga. ENGLISH: This poem was compsed for RISSEA ("Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa") when they had visited Lamu. The poem talks about the sweetness of an original poem composition which observes all the rules of poem writing. He says the poems composed during the old times were increadibly captivating. Ustadh Mau argues that we should honour our poetry and find means of developing them and teaching our children how to compose them.
Date:: August 23, 2015
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Samahani

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kumpa pole mkewe Sauda. Anaonyesha jinsi anavyojuta kwa kumkosea na jinsi anavyohuzunika kumuona akiwa hana furaha na kuumia. Anasema hataacha kuomba msamaha hata anapomsukuma mbali. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem to apologise to his wife Sauda. He expresses how sorry he feels for wronging her and how saddened he is to see her unhappy and hurt. He says that he will not stop to apologise even when she pushes him away.
Date:: December 20, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Mwalimu

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili lilitungiwa mkutano wa KNUT (kikundi cha waalimu) unaofanyika kila mwaka. Ustadh Mau aliambiwa atayarishe Khotuba kwa mkutano huo. Kulingana na Ustadh Mau khotuba iliyoandikwa ni sawa na maneno yasiyokuwa na uhai kwa hivyo alitunga shairi badili yake. Shairi hili linapendekeza kuwahusisha walimu katika mambo ya kijamii kwani wao ndio wenye kufunza jamii ijayo, wajibu wa walimu katika elimu na jamii lazima ieleweke na isisitizwe. Shairi pia linazungumzia umuhimu wa elimu na kupeleka watoto mashuleni. ENGLISH: This poem was composed for a meeting by KNUT (Kenya National Union of Teachers) that is held annually. Ustadh Mau was asked to write and deliver a speech for this occasion. According to Ustadh Mau however a written speech is dead speech. So he composed a poem instead. The poem touches on how teachers should be involved in the community as they are teaching the next generation of kids. The role of teachers in both education and the larger community should be well recognized and emphasized. The poem also mentions the importance of education and schooling for children.
Date:: July 7, 2005
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Kutoa ni sifa njema

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau aliandika shairi hili kwa chuo cha wasichana wote jijini Nairobi. Shairi linahusu umuhimu wa hisani na kutoa sadaka. Ustadh Mau anabainisha kuwa siku zote mtu anatakiwa kuwa akitoa na asitarajie malipo kwani hiyo ndiyo maana halisi ya kuwa na wema na kutoa. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau wrote this poem for an all-girls college in Nairobi. The poem is about the importance of charity. Ustadh Mau notes that one should always be giving and not expect things in return for that is the true meaning of being virtuous and giving.
Date:: May 6, 2006
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wema

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linamsifu gavana Timamy na licha ya kukumbwa na mitihani mengi wakate wake serikalini (2013-2017) bado aliweza kuleta maendeleo kwa jamii. ENGLISH: A poem praising politician Timamy, commenting on how despite various hurdles during his time in office as governor of Lamu County from 2013 to 2017, Timamy still managed to accomplish his goals for the community. He lost the re-election in 2017, yet was reinstated as governor in 2022.
Date:: June 28, 2017
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Wema

Description:: SWAHILI: Shairi hili linamsifu gavana Timamy na licha ya kukumbwa na mitihani mengi wakate wake serikalini (2013-2017) bado aliweza kuleta maendeleo kwa jamii. ENGLISH: A poem praising politician Timamy, commenting on how despite various hurdles during his time in office as governor of Lamu County from 2013 to 2017, Timamy still managed to accomplish his goals for the community. He lost the re-election in 2017, yet was reinstated as governor in 2022.
Date:: June 28, 2017
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

Ramani ya maisha ya ndowa kwa wanawake

Description:: SWAHILI: Ustadh Mau amemdhamiria shairi hili binti yake Barke, akimuelezea jinsi ya kuishi na mume wake na kumuusia vipi atakavyo fanya ndoa yake idumu. ENGLISH: Ustadh Mau addresses his daughter Barke in the poem, providing her with advice on how to live with her husband, guiding her on how to enable her marriage to grow and prosper.
Date:: 2004
Resource Type:: text
Collection:: Ustadh Mau Digital Archive (UMADA)

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