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:
I haven’t yet found consolation for my heart —how surprising! I am destined to suffer!
 
I’ve overcome my egotistical tendencies, and yet how surprising it is that one may still seek to save himself while choosing to ride on the dangerous boat.

I feel as if I’ve been caught between high ocean waves that keep flipping me around!

Deep sadness and fires burning within me, I feel. My tears are witnesses to all this, and thus my visions are your witnesses.

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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