Title: A little more Yusuf and a little less Zulaiqa Artist: Nadia Zeeshan Description: 30 x 40 x1.5 inches (W x H x D) This art work has been hand painted on gallery wrapped canvas with acrylic paints, acrylic ink, texture paste, soft pastels and charcoal. Concept: "A little more Yusuf, a little less Zulaiqa" is inspired by the Life of the Prophet Yusuf as he lived a life of piety and always remembered God while enduring every hardship , every temptation. Because life is nothing but a test of our "Nafs/Self" and "Sabr /patience" to get past the whispers of Satan (or our Lower self ) The colours are a visual representation of somewhere between Heaven and Earth, and an abstract representation of Reward and trials. I wrote some poetry on the beautiful story of Hazrat Yusuf and painted the artwork after. Be a little more Yusuf and a little less Zulaiqa Crave a little less fortune, fame and lust A little more purity, piety and trust Trust. In the promise of something better Trust. in the love of someone greater And for when you feel a little less Yusuf, and a little more Zulaiqa Because there will be days when you feel a little less Yusuf and a little more Zulaiqa Repeat the Mantra: "Let thy Lord be my Refuge" "Let my Lord be my Refuge" Bereft your Nafs from temporal temptations And fill it up with prayers of redemption Trust. In the promise of everlasting paradise where there is no more pain, and no more sacrifice. The place with gardens of pleasure Where rivers flow Gold and Silver A place where your tired eyes and heavy shoulders may rest Where you will be welcomed, treasured and blessed Be a little more Yusuf , A little less Zulaiqa And repeat the mantra: "Let thy Lord be my Refuge" "Let my Lord be my Refuge"
