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The Second Marriage
While I was in Tahrir, I got married for the second time
They told me, “One is enough.”
I said, “It is acceptable for me to have the second, as long as she comes first and not second.”
They said, “Of course she is a young and beautiful girl.”
I said, “More beautiful than the full moon
“White as the Huri[1] girls
Her hair is like the light of the sun
Her two eyes are blue like the sky, no clouds in them
Her body is like a date-palm in full fruit
Her tongue says, ‘I testify that there is no god but God
And that Muhammad is God’s prophet, peace and prayers be upon him.’”
They said, “You’ve married Egypt.”
I said, “There is no place among God’s countries sweeter than Egypt, and I have married Egypt
Oh Lord, please let me love Egypt as her people love her.”
They said, “We’ve witnessed the contract.”
I said, “There’s nothing better than her people as witnesses.”
They said, “God save you, and may it be a blessed marriage, blessed by God, most Glorious and High
And His prophet Muhammad, prayers and peace be upon him.
And may peace and the mercy and blessings of God be upon you.”
Signed,
A groom from the people of Egypt, who love her
Hani Gawdah Hafiz
[1] The Huri or Houri are the virgins in Paradise, mentioned in several verses of the Qur’an. They are said to have beautiful dark eyes and white skin.
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Acquired 30 April 2011
Translated by Emily Drumsta
Translation reviewed by Thomas Levi Thompson
