Molla Cami’s Besmele Kasidesi by Sami Efendi

Molla Cami’s Besmele Kasidesi by Sami Efendi

$69

The Besmele Kasidesi, a 19-couplet poem, was penned by the 15th-century scholar and poet Abdurrahman Molla Cami. Cami, renowned for his contributions to literature, particularly in mysticism and Sufism, dedicated this ode to the phrase “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” (“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”). This phrase, opening all but one Qur’anic chapter, carries immense spiritual weight in Islam.

Calligrapher: Sâmi Efendi (1838 – 1912)
Print Date: 2016
Dimensions: 40.5 x 29 cm
Pages: 10
Cover: Hard Cover
Limited Edition: 1000 copies available worldwide

An English Tranlsation

The Basmele Kasidesi

I begin my words with the name of Allah,
In the name of Him who gives life to the body,
In the name of Him who knows all secrets,
In the name of Him who is the cure for the sick,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all salvation,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all guidance,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all success,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all good,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all honor,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all forgiveness.

In the name of Him whose mercy is boundless,
In the name of Him who rewards His servants,
In the name of Him who saves from punishment,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all good deeds,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all comfort,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all righteousness,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all blessings,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all victory,
In the name of Him who is the cause of all mercy.

Meet The Artist

Sami Efendi

1837–1912

His real name was İsmâ‘il Hakkî, and he was born in Istanbul in 1253 AH/1837 CE as the son of Hacı Mahmud Efendi, the steward of the Yorgancılar (Quiltmakers). After attending primary school, he began learning Arabic and Persian. However, due to financial difficulties, he joined the Finance Office in 1269 AH/1853 CE with a salary of 10 kuruş. In 1272 AH/1855 CE, he was transferred to the Finance Secretariat Office. In 1282 AH/1865 CE, he was appointed to the Imperial Council’s Mühimme Office with the title of “nâme-nüvis” (scribe). It was here that he was given the pen name “Sâmî.” In 1295 AH/1878 CE, he was appointed as a teacher of various calligraphy styles in the Imperial Council’s Office and additionally as a clerk in the Order Office. In 1300 AH/1883 CE, he was promoted to the position of examiner. After the proclamation of the Constitutional Monarchy, during the general reorganization, Sâmî Efendi was retired. He held the rank of first-class ûlâ and was awarded the Order of Osmani, third class, and the Order of Mecidi, first class. He also possessed the Silver Medal of Honor and the Greek War Medal. In his later years, Sâmî Efendi struggled with various health issues and eventually suffered a stroke, passing away on 16 Receb 1330 AH/1 July 1912 CE. He was buried next to his wife and daughter in the cemetery of Fatih Mosque.

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