Issa Boulos's 2007 album "al-Hallaj" is a unique musical project that brings to life eight poems by the Sufi mystic Mansur al-Hallaj, whose writings date back over a thousand years. The album features  Issa Boulos on 'ud and supporting vocals, Basel Zayed (vocals), Samer Totah ('ud), Yousef Zayed (percussion), and Ibrahim 'Atari (qanun). Recorded in Ramallah, the compositions skillfully blend traditional instrumentation with Boulos's contemporary approach, giving the timeless poetry a fresh and emotionally resonant musical setting. The project is notable for its deep engagement with Sufi philosophy and the tragic life story of al-Hallaj, offering listeners a contemplative and artistically rich experience rooted in historical depth and cultural significance.  The full Arabic lyrics are include,d and the translation of this song is below.

Translation:
The eye recognizes who it’s in love with, and yet it misplaces him, but the one who holds the eye of the heart will always find love.

If he is not with me, his dhikr is with me; my heart will see him, even when he seems non-seeable.

Profound love brings ecstasy to those who seek comfort through love, and when truth reveals itself, love retreats.

I used to miss these sentiments, until I was leveraged into experiencing profound love once more, all through him—the one who resides in love.

Click here to purchase the album.

Click here to purchase the special 25th-anniversary package commemorating the first performance of these profound songs on December 16, 2000. This exclusive package offers more than just the music—it includes insightful testimonies and writings that delve deeply into the creative journey of composing these compositions. Discover the nuances, inspirations, and reflections that shaped the music and poetry, revealing the intimate process behind bringing Mansur al-Hallaj’s timeless Sufi poems to life through Issa Boulos's artistry. Celebrate a quarter-century of this unique fusion of ancient spiritual poetry and contemporary musical expression.


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