In an interview conducted by journalist Sarkis Naoum with the esteemed religious authority, Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah (ra), Naoum asks him: "How did you come to know Lebanon?"
Sayyed (ra) replies: "I used to read Lebanese magazines and the poetry of Lebanese poets. I came to know Lebanon—while still in Najaf—through them. I read Al-Akhtal Al-Saghir (Bashara Al-Khoury), Elias Abu Shabaka, Salah Labaki, and most of its poets. I read 'Al-Irfan' magazine, which used to reach Najaf and represented Lebanon's unique character through its south, its poetry, and its literature. I remember being influenced by Lebanon through my admiration for Al-Akhtal Al-Saghir; he was among the first Lebanese poets who left an impression on me and within me..."
Naoum then asks: "Did you have any idea about Lebanon's political situation?"
His Eminence (ra) answers: "I had no idea about Lebanon's political situation before coming here. I had heard about Ahmad Al-As'ad—about the As'adiyya and Asiraniyya at the time—but I wasn't deeply informed. It wasn't until I came to Lebanon that I entered through the wide gate."
Sayyed (ra) adds: "I first came in 1952 on a private visit (he later returned to Najaf) with my mother and younger brother. I remember arriving on the day of the funeral of the late Sayyed Mohsen Al-Amin, a prominent scholar who had been residing in Sham. I stayed at the home of my late uncle to my mother, Ali Bazzi. I lived in the environment of his household, particularly because he was a destination for many people, so I would listen to his conversations. He (may God have mercy on him)—as Zuhair Asiran mentions in his memoirs—had high expectations for my future. He spoke to me as if I were already an adult. I remember joining him during the memorial week for Sayyed Mohsen Al-Amin in the Qasqas area of Beirut, on the main street, where I listened to the words of scholars and writers of that time. I also attended the fortieth-day memorial for Sayyed Mohsen Al-Amin, and I recall visiting Hussein Muruwwa at his library, where I met “Furat”, the son of Mohammad Mahdi Al-Jawahiri, and other figures..."
"My turban drew some mockery from people who, when they learned I would recite a poem at the memorial, assumed it would be a traditional piece about ruins and abandoned homes. I objected, saying: 'Your image of Najaf is inaccurate, because Najaf represents openness to the modern age.' I then brought the poem to Sayyed Hassan Al-Amin (son of Sayyed Mohsen Al-Amin), who was overseeing his father's memorial ceremony. He was initially uncomfortable because he didn't know me, but after reading the poem, his view changed."
"I recited the poem at the fortieth-day ceremony. It glorified the late scholar, touching on his openness, his revolutionary spirit, his engagement with Syria's political movement, his stance against French colonialism, Islamic unity, and the challenges facing the youth. I recall that the newspaper 'Al-Nidal' wrote the next day: 'Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah recited a poem that stirred the emotions of the crowd.' Among the speakers were Kamil Muruwwa, Mustafa Al-Siba'i—the general guide of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria and Lebanon—and Sheikh Mohammad Ali Al-Houmani. All of them participated in the ceremony. So, I believe I entered Lebanon through the wide gate" (1).
A Tear for Al-Amin
Among the poetry Sayyed (ra) composed about Sayyed Mohsen Al-Amin is a poem titled "A Tear for Al-Muhsin Al-Amin." Here are some excerpts:
And religion, a creed that radiated across the horizon of existence,
And principles that carry us forward to the farthest limits,
And methodologies that inspire in us the spirit of solidarity and steadfastness,
They taught us through guidance the very essence of life.
Muslims, in faith, are like a solid, towering structure—
No sectarianism among them that casts creeds into denial.
Religion is a pure soul that embraces all servants,
Aiming to unite hearts and dispel the harm of envy.
The one who affirms God's oneness lives under the shadow of truth, in the horizon of existence (2).
Naoum continues his interview with Sayyed (ra), asking: "Did the reality of Lebanon match the mental image you had formed of it? Did imagination align with reality?"
Sayyed (ra) replies: "No, of course not. The image was far larger, deeper, and more complex. Because I entered through this spirit of dialogue and openness to others—through the wide gate. Even when I went to Bint Jbeil, I held broad gatherings with communists and Arab nationalists—these dialogues also happened when I was still in Najaf—and the Ba'ath was still recent at the time. I used to meet them and engage in discussions. I recall those sessions were quite intense. I opened myself up to the Lebanese reality and composed many poems, some of which carried political themes, and most were published in Al-Irfan magazine. I remember that during my visits to 'Al-Irfan Bookstore' and 'Hashim Bookstore,' both on Al-Ma'rad Street in Beirut, I met the writer Labib Al-Riyashi and many other writers and poets."
Sayyed (ra) continues: "My visits to Lebanon increased. During the first visit, I stayed for about four months, then returned to Najaf to continue my studies. When my late father came to Lebanon, I came with him and stayed for about a year. I have fond personal memories of Hussein Muruwwa, whose memoirs I have read."
"I later tried to learn a foreign language, but circumstances did not allow it. Although this bothers me, I try to make up for it through translations."
From the book "Highlights on the Life of His Eminence, the Esteemed Religious Authority, Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah (ra) - The Najaf Period."
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(1) Al-Allamah, Sarkis Naoum, pp. 12–22.
(2) Poems for Islam and Life, p. 298.