Di’bil’s Ode for Imam al-Rida (a)

This is the famous 120 stanza Taa’iyyah of Di’bil al-Khuzaa’i’s (d. 246 AH) translated into rhyming English couplets, adhering to the meter of iambic pentameter as much as possible. This poem is deeply rooted in early Shi’i identity and creed as it was recited in the presence of Imam Rida (a) in its entirety and was sealed by his approval when the Imam (a) told Di’bil, “Indeed the Spirit of Truth has spoken on your tongue. Well done! Well done!” The translation is accompanied by copious footnotes based on the Persian commentary and translation of the poem by ‘Allamah Majlisi.