Investigation of four poems from the collection (Khayr Jalees) by Ali Khan AL- Musha'ashay AL- Mousawy :A Textual Study and Manuscript Description

Abstract

Ali Khan AL- Mousawy Al-Musha'sha'i was a learned poet, scholar, and governor. His lineage goes back to Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kadhim (peace be upon them both). His most famous work is his precious collection of poetry, which includes eulogies of the Imams (peace and blessings be upon them) and the finest poetry, thus attaining a status befitting him.

        In this study, we have critically edited four poems from his poetry collection entitled "Khayr Jelees" .These  poems constitute the concluding section of his diwan, witch  remains largely obscure and is preserved within the holdings of the Imam al-Hakim Public Library in Najaf al-Ashraf.

The analysis reveals that spiritual praise is the dominant theme throughout these poems, alongside a clear depth of doctrinal thought. It also highlights the poet's adherence to the traditional structure of Arabic poetry, as well as his pride in Islam and his devotion to the Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

The poet’s commitment to the traditional structure of the Arabic poem is evident, notably in his use of the *aṭlāl* (ruins/vestiges) motif as an opening. Most of the poems feature the poet expressing pride in his lineage and his affiliation with the *Ahl al-Bayt* (the Family of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon them), which also serves to articulate his religious creed. The poet’s personal voice is prominent, underscored by his frequent use of the first-person pronoun. Of the poems examined, three are composed in the *al-ṭawīl* meter, while the fourth is in the *al-sarīʿ* meter. The text of the manuscript is generally clear, with the exception of a few terms; the corrections made primarily concern the misplacement of *shaddah* (consonant-doubling) marks. The manuscript serves as the vital source that has preserved the poet’s literary and theological corpus. It is distinguished by the scribe’s integrity—evidenced by the accuracy of the transcription and the faithful preservation of the poetic meters—which minimizes the likelihood of ambiguity or textual corruption.