Muhammed Hasan Faqi

Muhammed Hasan Faqi (1912–2004) was a Saudi poet and writer born in Makkah. He was educated in Makkah and Jeddah, he worked as a teacher Alfalah school and then as editor-in-chief of the Saut Al-Hijaz newspaper. Faqi occupied various prominent positions in the Saudi government as he appointed as an ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia.

Faqi published several collections of poetry short stories. Moreover, he published several books on various topics including literature, religion, and legal issues. His best poetry was published in  Rubaiyyat (QUARTETS), a collection 474 quatrains.

QUARTETS 1.

I traveled life in search of tranquility

But the journey amplified my sorrow and qualms.

From so much suffering I feel as if

I’ve inhabited this space for centuries

What is it I want? I do not know my pursuit

Is it glory that I seek? Is it pleasure?

Yet hardship has its contentment

I have grown,

for all of life’s jolts

More tender still.