THE  SIEGE  OF ADRIANOPLE

Introduction
It is necessary to know the history of the Islamic world in the first quarter of the twentieth century to understand this poem. This has been given in the introductions to several previous poems whose perusal is recommended. This poem relates  particularly an incident of the siege of Idarnah (Adrianople)  in the Balk«ns for which see poem 103 Jaw«b-i-Shakwah (The Response to the Complaint), Note 21. The central theme and the purpose of the poem is to state an important principle of Islamic warfare, which is stated in the last two verses.

Translation
When the struggle between Truth and falsehood began in Europe
The Truth was compelled on wielding the dagger

The dust of the Cross  circled round the Crescent
Shakree ¹ became besieged in the fortress of Adrianople

Provisions of Muslim soldiers became exhausted
The face of hope from the eye became concealed

At last by the Turkish army commander’s orders
“Martial Law” was proclaimed the law of the city

Everything was transferred to the army camp’s  store
The eagle became beggar for the grain of the sparrow

But when the Faqâh of the city heard this news
He exploded with anger like the thunderbolt of ñër

“Dhimmâ’s “ ² wealth is forbidden for the Muslim army”
This edict was published throughout the whole city

                The army would not touch the Jews’ and Christians’ wealth
                The Muslim became compelled by the Command of God !

Explanatory Notes
1. Shakree - He was the commander of the army of the Uthmaniyah Khilafah defending Adrianople.

2. Dhimmâ-  This is a non-Muslim who lives in an Islamic State and pays Jizyah, which is a tax which exempts him from military service and makes the Islamic government responsible for his protection and welfare.