“Hebel” is a placeholder in Somali, closest to “so-and-so” in English. When a poem begins with Hebel baa yidhi… the reciter signals that he is quoting someone else. When it opens with Hebelow! the poet is addressing the listener directly, an urgent “hey you, listen!” that sets the tone.
The poem I’m sharing here was written by Maxamed Diriye, a companion of Sayid Maxamed Cabdulle Xasan. He composed it for his son, urging him to make effort in this life and to prepare for the next. The version I’ve included here is recited by Sheikh Maxamud Maxamed Xaliike.
This poem is a father’s reminder that strength fades, companions depart, and time moves on — what lasts are the deeds we carry into the next world.
(This is a poetic translation, not a word-for-word rendering.)
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