CMES (Center of Middle Eastern Studies)
Vol 18, No 2 (2025)

TAWASSUL IN THE QAṢĪDAH YARTĀḤ QALBĪ BY ḤABĪB ‘UMAR IBN ḤAFĪẒ: A SEMIOTIC STUDY OF MICHAEL RIFFATERRE

Isnarti Isnarti (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Cahya Buana (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Irfan Abubakar (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Ahfa Rahman Syah (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Minatur Rokhim (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Dec 2025

Abstract

Ḥabīb ‘Umar Ibn Ḥafīẓ is a renowned preacher from Tarim who has produced numerous literary works, including poetry and qaṣīdahs. One of them, Yartāḥ Qalbī, conveys profound meanings of tawassul expressed through poetic and refined language. This study aims to explore the symbolic meanings and the forms of tawassul within the qaṣīdah. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method using Michael Riffaterre’s semiotic approach, which includes indirect expression, heuristic and hermeneutic reading, matrix, model, variant, hypogram, and intertextuality. The analysis reveals that Yartāḥ Qalbī is rich in rhetorical devices, consisting of eight metaphors, two metonymies, one personification, and one hyperbole, all of which reflect deep symbolic meanings related to tawassul. The main finding highlights the practice of tawassul bi-l-maḥabbah, namely supplicating to Allah by means of love and the honor of ahl al-bayt. The concept of tawassul in this qaṣīdah is not merely ritual but also embodied in forms of praise and supplication. Therefore, Yartāḥ Qalbī not only expresses devotion to ahl al-bayt but also serves as a medium for preserving the tradition of tawassul and reinforcing the spiritual and faith values of the Muslim community.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

cmes

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Subject

Description

The CMES (Center of Middle Eastern Studies) journal is a distinguished peer-reviewed academic publication dedicated to advancing rigorous scholarly research on Middle Eastern studies. It publishes high-calibre research articles, theoretical studies, and critical reviews that engage with both ...