Lote Tree Poetry Membership
Explore the poetic traditions of the Islamic world with us from a faith-based perspective, with poetry lessons, poetry prompts, anthology submissions, an online poetry community & online events
Welcome - Poetry Lessons
Poetry in Praise of the Prophet (s) from the Companions
The Qasidah Ode & Classical Arabic Prosody
Poetry at the Time of the Prophet ﷺ – From the Golden Odes to the First Poets of Islam
Early Sufi Poets: From Rabia al-Adawiyya to Hallaj
Early Sufi Poets: The Eternal & the Ephemeral Poetry Writing Workshop
The Muwashshah & Zajal of al-Andalus and how they influenced the Troubadours
Ramadan with Rumi - The First Ten Days - Mercy
Ramadan with Rumi - The Second Ten Days - Forgiveness
Ramadan with Rumi - The Last Ten Days - Salvation
Ramadan Ghazal Writing Workshop
Amir Khusrau: The Father of Urdu LIterature
Writing workshop Dye me in your hue: Amir Khusrau - the Parrot of India & Cultural and Poetic Synergism
A History of Palestinian Resistance Poetry
Welcome - Poetry Prompts
POETRY PROMPT: Sumūd - Endurance & Steadfastness
POETRY PROMPT: Qasīdah - Quest & Aspiration
POETRY PROMPT: Ramadan Ghazal - Mercy, Forgiveness & Salvation
POETRY PROMPT: Early Sufi Poets - the Eternal & the Ephemeral
POETRY PROMPT: Dye me in your hue: Amir Khusrau - the Parrot of India & Cultural and Poetic Synergism
POETRY PROMPT: The Muwashshah of al-Andalus
POETRY PROMPT: The Zajal of al-Andalus
POETRY PROMPT: Elegy for the Prophet (s)
Submission Guidelines and Terms & Conditions
Submissions: Ṣumūd - Endurance and Steadfastness
Submissions: Qaṣīdah - Quest and Aspiration
Submissions: Ramadan Ghazal - Mercy, Forgiveness and Salvation
Subimissions: Early Sufi Poetry - The Eternal & the Ephemeral
Subimissions: Amir Khusrau - Dye me in your hue - Cultural and Poetic Synergism
Subimissions: The Muwashshah of al-Andalus
Subimissions: The Zajal of al-Andalus
Subimissions: Elegy for the Prophet (s)
Welcome - Poetry Community
Poetry Book Reading: Scud Missile Blues by Amal Kassir
FREE PREVIEWTalk: The Logic of Love in Muhammad Tagore and Rabindranath Tagore by Dr. Hina Khalid
FREE PREVIEWPoetry Book Reading: Love is a Traveller and We are its Path by Medina Tenour Whiteman
FREE PREVIEWPoetry Book Reading: Peace Be Upon Us by Iljas Baker
FREE PREVIEWSet out on a poetry journey...
Explore the poetic traditions of the Islamic world with us from a faith-based perspective, from Hassan Ibn Thabit to Rumi and Iqbal… Our first lesson was on the history of Palestinian resistance poetry, including the symbolism of the Palestinian concept of ṣumūd (endurance, steadfastness) which comes from the same root as the Name al-Ṣamad - the Everlasting, the Self-Sufficient, on Whom all creation depends.
Monthly prompts to inspire your writing. If you would like to you can also submit your poems for consideration to be included in our next "Muslim Voices in Contemporary Poetry" anthology planned for 2024/2025 .
Join our online poetry community space where you can discuss all things poetry with other members. You can also recite your poems - or read something from a favourite poet and listen to others perform their work at our free online open mic events (open to members and non-members who have signed up for free events).
“A poetry home: A sanctuary, a safe space for reciting, learning, appreciating, writing and sharing verses. A space I have long yearned for and have been most grateful to find. - The Lote Tree press’ monthly poetry classes and workshops are an excellent way of learning about poetry from across the Muslim world. It is rare to find a space that approaches the tradition wholistically (rather than focusing on a specific era or region). The spiritual verses discussed help me develop my own sense of comprehension and spirituality - a benefit that goes beyond the poetry itself. ”
– Muniba M“The workshops give us a chance to write to the ongoing theme of the month, which is a wonderful way of keeping old poetic traditions alive as well as developing my own craft. - Finally, hearing a diverse set of poetry from other members in the open mic and having a chance to share mine and receive feedback, is a beautiful way of connecting through poetry, and expanding the breadth of poetry which I typically get to read and hear - Muslim writers often have a unique style of writing (in terms of content and themes) and it’s not always easy to find a space that nurtures that, connecting our tradition with our present day poetry circumstances - and I’m truly grateful to have found a place that does just that.”
– Muniba M“I love how Lote Tree Press presents monthly themes, sharing deep references and resources to understand the context of subject and history of poetry. Lote Tree Press Open Mics are a welcoming and safe space to share developing work or final pieces and learn and appreciate the work of others. There is a lot of creative energy in the gatherings.”
– Wajiha K“This is a unique space and listening to the poetry is a beautiful reminder of the long tradition of poetry in the Islamic world. The right words at the right time can move the heart and fill it with new strength. These poems are moving and connect me to a long tradition which is like finding water in the desert of social media. Much research and dedication have gone into the design and presentation of the works. The website is easy to access and watching the videos whenever possible is so helpful. I am grateful to Rabia for doing this work and am happy to have signed up.”
Nura TNo, although there are elements of the membership for those who want to write poetry, you do not need to take part in these and can join the membership as a poetry lover and to find out more about the history of Islamic poetic forms.
No - everything in the membership is optional. You are welcome to join live sessions but don't have to, and there are often replays available for live events. You are also welcome to contribute to poetry discussions and posts in the poetry community, but it is up to you how much you want to get involved.
Cancel any time by going to My Account - Billing - Subscriptions. If you cancel your membership you will have access until your subscription expires, a month from your last billing date. For example if you cancel your subscription on August 2nd and the next billing date is August 30th, you will have access until August 30th.
A poetry caravan awaits