Arif Khudairi's Poetry Blog: Abdel Halim Hafez

An anthology that will definitely take its place among the works of the great love poets

by Professor S.R. Siddiqui, Karachi,Pakistan

Arif Khudairi is not only a poet, but a Philosopher-Poet. He is a learned and well-read scholar. He studied widely and at last he stands in the long line of the well-known poets of the east, starting from Hafiz,Omar khayyam, Rumi and ending at Iqbal.

The metaphysical philosophy of these great poets of the east is not a simple one. It is nevertheless one of the greatest philosophies of all mankind. The theme of that metaphysical theory, very simply, is that the whole Universe, with each and every thing therein, is a reflection of the Magnanimity of its Master. It is only a shadow of its Creator and a mirror in which the beauty of the Supreme Authority can be seen. Man’s role in the Universe is pivotal in so far as he finds himself endlessly inspired to praise the beauty and magnificence he sees in such abundance around him. He looks in wonder at the beauty of the stars in the night and the beauty of flowers in the garden and he is compelled to praise them. Nevertheless, when he praises the beauty around him, he is in fact praising its Creator.

Arif Khudairi is a skilful artist. He is rendering that metaphysical theory in his poems. He is transferring that eastern thought to the west. He has such a marvelous command over the subject that one cannot easily perceive the theme lying beneath his poetry unless one takes time to grasp its real meaning.

He expressed himself fully in his poem “You Live Within Me”. It is a superb poem and a masterpiece of its kind. It resounds like the words of the great eastern mystic poets such as Hafiz and Rumi. They always express the thought that the whole Universe and everything therein is like a shadow or a mirror of the Magnificence of the Creator and, as man has a unique existence within it, he always seeks His pleasure and loves Him to the core of his heart. Khudairi says: “ In spite/ Of the rivers/ Of the seas/ Of the oceans/ That separate the two of us/ You still live/ Within me.” He feels the love of his Creator in his heart, mind and soul. This divine love goes on and runs deep within him: “ You continue/ To run/ In my blood.”

Each and everything in this world has no real existence. It is a temporary and borrowed existence that will soon perish. The life of man in this world has no reality. It is deceptive and flows through time. Khudairi says: “ Life is/ A dream/ Only a day/ Or two/ We come here/ One day/ And one day/ We go/ We know not/ Why we come/ Nor why/ We leave.”

Love, however,which is the most precious and the most beautiful feeling in the world, does not fade away like other mortal things. It is as old as this world and it shall remain forever. The poet says: “ My love/ For you/ Is as old/ As the sun/ As the stars/ And the moon/ It has been/ Always there/ Like the heavens/ And the earth/ It has been/ Always flowing/ Like the river/ And the sea.”

This tender and aesthetic feeling in man remains hidden in one’s own self and suddenly appears without prior notice. Let us hear from the poet: “No one had/ Told me/ Anything/ About love/ At the time/ I was young/ Love to me/ Was a true/ Tender feeling/ As beautiful/ As a dream.”

Arif Khudairi’s Love Poems is indeed a marvelous collection. Its profound and lively poems arouse the aesthetic sense within its reader. The melody of the poetry is high and the construction is precise. It is an anthology that will definitely take its place among the works of the great love poets.

Nsemia INC. Publishers announces the publication of Love Poems of Arif Khudairi:

Love Poems of Arif Khudairi is a collection of 40 poems of love crafted with an adept and scholarly hand combining imaginative force with acute poetic sensibility. The poems of this anthology capture the love story in a new and fascinating poetic form. The poet, Arif Khudairi, excels at both nocturne and aubade, and his employment of metaphor and simile is direct, uncontrived and vivifying. He exhibits an astonishing mastery of pure light and shade, conveying the emotional anfechtungen of the 'voice' with remarkable ability. The collection is both compelling and absorbing. It engages the sensorial with superb exploitation of atmospheric effect and fallacy. This original poetic work, with its admirable, artistic qualities, will clearly touch the reader in a pleasurable manner.

What others say :

"Love Poems of Arif Khudairi is a victory for lyricism. The musicality is astounding, the cadence is almost like ballet, and the tension of its metaphors and imagery is classic. Even if you're not the poetic type, you will definitely enjoy reading this or listening to it being read to you." - Charles Phebih Agyekum, Author & Editor

"Through the pages of this magical, mystical wonderland, we are allowed to watch and experience feelings be they gentle, stunning, thought provoking, poignant...the merry and misery go rounds of love." - Sylvia Lukeman, President, Poets Who Care, Liverpool, England.

"Arif Khudairi's Love Poems is indeed a marvelous collection. Its profound and lively poems arouse the aesthetic sense within its reader. The melody of the poetry is high and the construction is precise. It is an anthology that will definitely take its place among the works of the great love poets." - Prof S.R. Siddiqui, IIU, Pakistan.

Arif Khudairi

---All content and poems in this website are Copyright of Arif Khudairi----

Arif Khudairi( Dr Arif Karkhi Abukhudairi ) who has 47 books to his credit, is a bilingual writer in English and Arabic. He is the author of fourteen books of poems, including Trees Leaves (Pentland , Britain, 1998) Rubaiyat of Arif Khudairi (al-Hadarah al-Arabiyah, Egypt, 2004), Abode of Peace (DBP, Brunei , 2008) and Love Poems of Arif Khudairi (Nsemia Inc. Publishers, Canada, 2011). He is mostly known as a poet but he has also published essays, reviews, literary translations, novels, fairy tales and short stories. His short story collection, Tales From the Arabian Sahara : The Trip and Other Stories, was released in 1998 by Minerva Press, London and his novella, The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad, came out in 1999 by the same press. In 2010, this novella was translated into Arabic and published in Cairo, Egypt. His work has appeared in publications in Egypt, Malaysia, Oman, Yemen, India, Pakistan, Colombia, UK, Canada, Indonesia, Brunei and USA. Some of his poems have been anthologized in Theatre of the Mind, Under the Canopy and Other Poems and elsewhere. He is a guest poet in several international poetry festivals including Brunei International Poetry Reading ( 1994 ) and The xx International Poetry Festival in Medellin, Colombia ( 2010 ).

Mr Khudairi is the founder and editor of The Journal of Arabic Studies, president of the Poetry Society, University of Brunei Darussalam. He was named Poet of the Month by three American journals in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005 and received several Poetry Awards. He has translated seven books of poems from Korean, Malay, Persian, and English into Arabic. His work has been translated into Arabic, English, Spanish,French, Malay, Bahasa Indonesia and Urdu. In 1994, 2005 and 2010, he was listed in The International Who’s Who in Translation and Terminology , The International Who’s Who in Poetry and Antologia Poesia Universal.

Arif holds a PhD in Arabic literature from Cairo University and has held teaching posts at several universities, including the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Hankuk University for Foreign Studies, Seoul; and the National University of Malaysia. Currently, he is an associate professor at the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, Brunei Darussalam where he teaches Arabic literature, research methods, translation theory and comparative literature and was formerly the Dean of Faculty of Arabic language and Islamic Civilization in Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University of Brunei Darussalam. He is also a member of the Academy of Modern Arabic Literature, and the Egyptian Writers Association in Cairo, Egypt.

What Poetry Means to Me

by Arif Khudairi

Some people still view poetry as metrical writing consisting of meaning, sound, rhythm and rhyme and thus they merely focus on its form, although poetry is beyond meters, beyond rhythm, beyond rhyme. Poetry is a genuine feeling poured down in words marked with artistry and grace, a combination of painting and music made out of love for the Divine, the universe and mankind.

Poetry to me is neither an expression of the poet's personality as assumed by Wordsworth, nor an escape of it as perceived by Eliot. It is, as I see it, a process of exploring the true identity of man, a discovery of life, and a search to trace the spirit of humanity and the essence of the universe.

Poetry is power originated from uniquely combined elements, namely its sentiment, language, symbols and melody. Such power has a profound influence on people's hearts and minds. With this power, poetry inspires mankind to change themselves, their conditions and their entire world.

Poetry helps us to become less vain and more humble. It protects us from being deluded by science and technology, brings us closer to our hearts, makes us to discover the essential nature of life, and explore the message of man as an agent of God on this earth.

Poetry is a form of art, a creative production, not a wonder land that we escape to, or a luxury that we indulge in to amuse ourselves, but a tool to beautify our life and to confront the problems and difficulties that we face such as wars, violence, and disintegration. It helps us to reach God, and to reach out to others. In addition, it shows us the way to the world that we hope to live in, and leads us to beauty, goodness and truth.

We, human beings, do not live in bodies only, but we live in bodies and souls. We need poetry to nourish our souls, and cure ourselves from sorrows and pains always. Today, we need poetry in particular, and art in general, more than ever as our modern world suffers from serious social problems including poverty, materialism, selfishness, hostility and wars. That is why I believe that poetry has its place today, and it will definitely remain forever.

Publications

Academic works:

- Abukhudairi,Arif. Az-Zauzani Wa Manhahuhu Fi Shah Shi'r Al Mutanabbi ( Az Zauzani and His Method in Interpreting Mutanabbi's Poetry , IIUM Press,2009,pp. 256.

-Abukhudairi,Arif.Tadris AlAdab Al Arabi Li Ghair Al Arab Fil Jami;atil Ajnabiyyah:QAl Tariqah Wal Hadaf,Cairo,2009,150pp.

-Abukhudairi,Arif.Foreign Literature in Arabic A Personal Experience, Kuala lumpur, IIUM Press, 2010, 105pp.

-Abukhudairi,Arif:Al Tarjamah Al Adabiyyah: Uslub Tarjamatil Nusus Al Adabiyyah Ila Al Lughah Al Arabiyyah, Cairo,2009,100pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. The Arabs and the Art of Translation, Bander Seri Begawan, DBP Brunei, 2008, 145pp.

-Abukhudairi,Arif(et al)Towards A Bright Future, Proceedings, International Conference on Curriculums of Arabic to Non-Arabs, UBD, Non. 20, 2007.298pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif.Tariqat Ta‘lim Al-Lughah Al-Arabiyah lil Malayawin (Methodology of Teaching Arabic to Malays), Lian Fah Printing and Trading, BSB, 2006, 104pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Shukri Zain Raid Ash-Shir Al-Islami Al Hadith Fi Brunei Darussalam (Shukri Zain: Pioneer of Modern Islamic Poetry in Brunei Darussalam), Cairo, Maktabatil Al-Adab, 2006, 211pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Famaza Na‘Mal Ba‘d Ya Aqwam Ash-Sharq (Then What Can We Do Now O Peoples of The East), Mathnawi in Persian by Muhammad Iqbal, (Co-writing), Cairo, Maktabat Al-Adab, 2004, 118pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif(et al).Dalil Bahthel Takhruj Bil Ma‘had (Guidelines for Graduation Research at IPISHOAS), 2005, 25pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabs: A Study on Curriculums and Methods, Cairo, Daruth- Thaqafh, 1994, 210pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Arabic: Selected Essays,BSB,Da‘wah Center, 1992,IX+101 pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Thoughts of The Times: Introduction to Arabic Literature, KL, Farlin, 1985x+86pp.

Translation From Korean, Malay, Persian and English:

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Qimat al- Waqt (Harka Waktu,(co-translator),Anthology by Zairis M.S.,Bander Seri Begawan,DBP Brunei,2008.)

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Famaza Na‘Mal Ba‘d Ya Aqwam Ash-Sharq (Then What Can We Do Now O Peoples of The East), Mathnawi in Persian by Muhammad Iqbal (Co-writing), Cairo, Maktabat Al-Adab, 2004, PP118.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. ‘Abarat Huriyat El-Bahr Wa Hikayat Aukhra (Thirteen Bruneian Fairy Tales translated into Arabic with introduction), DBP Brunei (2006).pp92.

- Abukhudairi, Arif. Sulong Wa Bungsu, Jilina A. Tengah, DBP, Brunei, 2009, PP54.

- Abukhudairi, Arif. Thu'ban Harith Al-Mal, (Ular Penunggu Karun), Nordin Haji Tengah, DBP, 2009. PP54.

- Abukhudairi, Arif. Assaiyydah Ayong Allati Tazawajat Timsahan (Dang Ayang Bersuamikan Buaya), Pg HAji Nordin Pg Haji TEngah, DBP, Brunei, 2010, PP54.

- Abukhudairi, Arif. 'Indama Jafat Buhairat Merimbun (Ketika Tasik Merimbun Kering), Muslim Burmat, DBP Brunei, 2010, PP38.

- Abukhudairi, Arif. Anak Ikan Raja Ikan (The Small Fish The Quenn Fish), Muslim Burmat, DBP Brunei, 2008, PP54.

- Abukhudairi, Arif. Pak Pandir Tak Suka Makan Sekui, Lamat Jaafar, DBP Brunei, 2009.

- Abukhudairi, Arif. Si Kuning (Si Kuning), DBP Brunei, 2008, PP54.

- -Abukhudairi, Arif. Emergency Event in Anfushi, A short story by Mohamed Gibriel, Al-Ahram weekly, Cairo, Egypt, May 20,2006

-Abukhudairi, Arif. A Poet From Korea : Kim So-Wol, Cairo, Egypt Press, 2000,134 pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Korean Poems, Cairo, Egypt Press, 2000, 118 pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Lamsatu Salam(Damai Dalam Sentuhan by Shukri Zain),Cairo, General Egyptian book Organization, 1993, 125 pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Tanfis,(co-translator), Kuala Lumpur, DBP, 1994,XVIII+169pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Awraqush-Shajar, Cairo, Egypt Press, 1999, 121 pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Buaya Puteh (al –Timsah al – Abiad) besar Mohamad, 2010, 54pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Aman dengen kemala ular ( Aman wa Hazatul Tha’ban) Nordin Haji Tengah. 2010,54pp

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Titisan Ayer Mata Duyong ( Abarat Huratil Bahr) Morsidi Muhammad. 2010,54pp

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Buaya Dengan Abu ( al – timsah wal Midaq) Nordin Haji Tengah. 2010,54pp

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Saya Kanchil Dengan Gergasi ( Al – Gazal wal Ginei Abu lmlaq) Lamat Jafar. 2010, 54pp

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Ular Penunggu Karun ( Al – Tiban Harith Mal ) Nordin Haji Tengah. 2010,54pp

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Raja Belang yang Sombong ( al – Malik Belang Al – Mutakabir ) Haji Mohd Hrripin HB Hidup. 2010, 54pp.

Creative Writting

Poetry:

-Abukhudairi, Arif karkhi, Love Poems, Publish by Nsemia Inc. Publishers, Ontario, Canada,2010, 150pp.

-Abukhudairi,Arif.Ahlam Saghirah,Maktabit Al Adab,Cairo,2009,85pp.

-Abukhudairi,Arif.The Abode of Peace,(in English),Bander Seri Begawan, DBP Brunei,2008,92pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Rubaiyat of Arif Khudairi (in English), Cairo, Markaz EL-Hadarah, 2004, 126pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Flemanco (in Arabic), Cairo, Maktabit Al-Adab, 2005, 96pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Springtime Dreams, BSB, Niceway, 1991, 50pp.

-Abukhudairi,Arif. The Dreams of The Wandering Bird, Daruthaqafa, Cairo, 1994, 64 pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Wandering in Faraway Harbours, Dar Mesr, Cairo, 1999, 98pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Trees Leaves, Durham, Pentland Press, 1998, XIII+105pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Qassaid Hubb (Love Poems), Farlin, KL, Malaysia, 1983.56pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. At-Ta’ir Al-Jawal (The Wandering Bird), Terengganu, Malaysia, 1984, 58pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Impian Burung Kembara, DBP, Brunei, 199, 53pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Awraqul Shajar (Trees Leaves), Egypt Press, 1999, 121pp.

Poems Published in Anthologies by International Publishing Houses:

-Home,Best poems and BEST Poet for 2008,Noble House,(London, Paris ,New York),2008.

-love you, theatre of the mind, Noble house (London, Paris-New York), 2003.

-My Poems, Songs of Honours, Noble House (London, Paris-New York), 2006.

-I know Not, Poetry.Com, The International Library of Poetry, MD, USA, 2003.

-By You, By Me, The Sound Of Poetry, Poetry.Com, The International Library of Poetry, MD,USA, 2003.

-At Sunset, The Sound Of Poetry, Poetry.Com, The International Library of Poetry, MD, USA, 2003.

-Birthday Present, Colours of the heart, Noble house (London, Paris-New York), 2004.

-The Nights, Letters From The Soul, Poetry.Com, The International Library of Poetry, MD, USA, 2002.

-The Abode of Peace, under the canopy and other poems, CFBT, Brunei, 1999.

-La Tunkiri,Cerpen,Kritikan Puisi Arab Parsi Turki Segugus Pilihan dan Terjemahan,Serdang,Universiti Putra Malaysia,1999.

-The First And The Last, Voices Net Anthology, The International Poetry Publication, USA, 2003.

-I love you for you, Immortal Verses Series, Poetry.Com, The International Library of Poetry, MD, USA, 2006.

-Nile River, Eternal Portraits, Poetry.Com, The International Library of Poetry, MD, USA, 2000.

-My Poems, Labour of love, Noble House (London, Paris-New York), 2004.

-I Draw Your Face, The Best Poems And Poets of 2005,Poetry Com, The International Library of Poetry,MD,USA,2006.

Short Stories:

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Arabian Fairy Tales :The Goblin Wife and Other Tales, DBP Brunei,2010.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Tales of The Prophets, BSB, Islamic Da’wah Center,1994,

VIII+77pp.

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Tales From the Arabian Sahara: The Trip and Other Stories, Minerva Press, London, 1998, X+68 pp.

Novella:

-Abukhudairi, Arif. The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad, London, Minerva Press, 1999, 72 pp.

Plays:

-Abukhudairi, Arif. Al-‘Ashiq Al-Khajul: ( The Shy Lover) One act play comedy, Journal of Arabic Studies Arabic Dept, IPISHOAS, 3rd issue, Jan-June, 2006, pp138-148.

University Scholarly Researches on Arif Khudairi's Literary Works (Selected):

-Ahlam al-Ta’ir al-Jawwal,Anthology of Arif Khudairi:Analyatical and Critical Study,Hasmawati bte Mohamad,BA graduation research,UBD,2008

-Awraq Ash-Shajar of Arif Khudairi,:Analytical and Critical Study,Nurliana Bte Liman,BA graduation Research,UBD,2008.

-Rhetoric in the Poetry of Arif Khudairi, Nor Hafizah Bte Ali Hasan, Graduation Research, (BA), University of Brunei Darussalam, 2006.

-Flemanco, Anthology of Arif Karkhi Abukhudairi: Analytical and Critical Study, Hjh Rafizah Bte Hj Abdullah, Graduation Research, (BA), University of Brunei Darussalam, 2006.

Reviews of Arif Khudairi's Works (Selected):

-Muhammad Bukhari Lubis, Cerpen, Kritikan, Puisi Arab, Farsi, Turki: Eegugus Pilihan dan Terjemahan, Penerbita Universirti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 1999, PP.129-130,183.

-Prof Mahir Shafiq Farid, Tus’at Naqdiah, Rubaiyat Arif Khudairi, Maktabil Al-Adab, 2007, pp.306-307

-Qira’h fi Diman Al-Tejwal Fil Muani’ Al-Ba’idah: Hal intalakat Qasidatul Naths Mashru’iataha Al-Fanniah, Abdel Ghani Al-Maqrami, Al-Gumhuriah, Yamen, July 29, 2010

-Shukri Zain: Pelopor Puisi Islam Brunei Moden, oleh Prof Madya Dr. Mahayudin Haji Yahya, bahana, sept. 2006, pp63

-Abdel Ghani Al Maqrami, Qiraah Naqdiah Fi Diwan Al Tijwal Fi Al Mawani Al Ba'idah,Al Gumhuriah,Sanaa, Yemin, Julay 29, 2010

-Korany Abdel Hlim Abdullah Safa.,Qiraah Naqdiah Fi Diwan Filamanku lil Shaair Arif Khudairi,Al Hadarah ,Jakarta,Indonesia,Year 9,Number 1, January 2009,pp. 111-132

-Aef Achmad, Achmad,Aef.Musim Gugur Dalam Pandangan Lamartine Dan Arif Khudairi,Mualaqat,Jakarta,2007

-Mahayudin Hj Yahya, Shukri Zain: Pelopor Puisi Islam Brunei Moden, Suatu Penilaian, Bicara Bukti Sastera, DBP Brunei, April 12, 2006, pp5

-Samle haji Jait, Shukri Zain: Pelopor Syair Islam Moden Di Negara Brunei Darussalam dilancarkan, pelita Brunei, April 3, 2006

-Safa, Qurani Abdel Halim Abdullah. Qiraa Naqdiah lidiwan Felmanco lil Sha‘ir Arif Khudairi (Anthology Falmenco by Arif Khudairi: A Critical Reading), Journal of Arabic Studies, Oct, 2006

-Azrul Azmi.Shukri Zain: Pioneer of Modern Islamic Poetry, Borneo Bulletin, Feb 26, 2006

-Badaruddin H.O, Kalimatut Tasdim (Foreword in Malay), Shukri Zain Raid Ash-Shi‘r Al-Islami Al-Hadith fi Brunei Darussalam (Shukri Zain: Pioneer of Modern Islamic Poetry in Brunei Darussalam), Nov 3, 2005, pp3

-Haggagi, Ahmad Ahlam At-Tair Al-Jawal, (Dreams of the Wandering Bird), Ath-Thaqafa Al-Jadidh, August,1995.pp6

-Ahlam At-Tair Al-Jawal Fi Bilad Al-Malayu (Dreams of the Wandering Bird in Malay Land), Oman Newspaper, July 31, 1993

-Haggagi, Ahmad. Ahlam At-Tair Al-Jawal Wa Nahdat Ash-Shir Al-Mahjari(The Wandering Bird and The Development of Mahjar Poetry), Al-Ahram newspaper, Jan 27, 1995

-Sharaf, Abdel Aziz. Karkhi Wa Ahlam At-Tair Al-Jawal (Karkhi and the Dreams of The Wandering Bird), Al-Ahram newspaper, Jan 20, 1995

-Al-Qadi, Mustafa. Ahlam At-Tair Al-Jawal (The Dreams of The Wandering Bird), El-Mesaa newspaper, Dec 3, 1994

-Siddiqui, Sajidur Rahman. Translation of Dr Arif Karkhi AbuKhudairi’s Tales of the Prophets into Urdu: A Personal Experience, Proceeding of the 5th Conference on Translation, DBP, Kuala Lumpur, 1995, pp.93-96

-Rizzi S.S, Qasaid Hubb (Love Poems) by Arif Karkhi AbuKhudairi , Semada, UKM, Bangi, Dec. 1983

-Farid, Mahir Shafiq, Arif Khudairi Sha‘ir Al-Mahjar Al-Asiawi (Arif Khudairi: Poet of Asian Mahjar) Journal of Arabic Studies, issue, 1998

-Grimes, Jonthan. Tales from The Arabian Sahara: A Splendid Addition to the Eastern Arab Tradition, Amazon, London, Dec 29, 1999

-Chamberlain, Alan. More Adventures of a Legendary Hero: The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad by Arif Khudairi, Amazon, April 21, 2000

-Haggagi, Ahmad. Ahlam At-Ta’ir Al-Jawwal dan Kelantikan Syair Perantau, Bahana, Oct, 1995

-Haji Ahmad Hj Ali, Damai Dalam Sentuhan Atau Lamsatu Salam Antologi Syair Melayu Pertama diterjemah ke Bahasa Arab oleh Dr Arif Karkhi AbuKhudairi (The Touch of Peace or Lamsatu Salam, The first Malay Anthology translated into Arabic by Dr Arif Karkhi AbuKhudairi, Pelita Brunei, April 13, 1994

-Abdel Aziz, Kamal.Panorama Naqdiah Lidiwan Awraqul Shajar lil Shair Arif Khudairi (Critical Panorama About Awraqul Shajar, A Book of poems by The Poet Arif Khudairi, Journal of Arabic Studies, 1st issue, 2000, pp.45

-Dr Haji Mohammad Pg Haji Abd Rahman. Berkenalan Dengan Penyair Mesir: Arif Karkhi, Pelita Brunei, June 23, 1993

-Robertson, Vangham.Trees Leaves by Arif Khudairi, Sept 13, 1998

-Merry, Bruce, Arif Khudairi’s Trees Leaves, Kuwait,1998,pp3

-Tales of The Prophets, Muslimin Magazine, June 1996

-Lubis, Haji Muhammad Bukhari, Ulasan Antologi Terjemahan Lamsatu Salam, Nov 22, 1993

-Khafaji, Muhammad Abdel Mun’im.Shair Misri Bin Ash-Sharq Wal Gharb (Egyptian Poet Between East and West), Al-Ahram newspaper, Dec 23,1994

-Haggagi, Ahmad, Ahlam At-ta’ir Al-Jawal, (Dreams of the Wandering Bird), Ath-Thaqafa Al-Jadidh, August, 1995, pp16

-Rizi S.S, Penyair Arab di Negara Melayu (An Arab Poet in Malay Land), Berita Harian, Kuala Lumpur, Feb 6, 1993

-Rizi S.S, Cinta Penting Dalam Jiwa Insan, (Love is Essential For the Soul of Man), Berita Harian, Kuala Lumpur, Feb 7, 1993

-Pg Haji Muhammad Bin Pg Haji Abd Rahman, Ahlam Rabi‘iyah (Spring Time Dreams), Journal of Arabic Studies) 4th issue, Nov, 1993, pp71-76

-Siddiqui, Sajidur Rahman, Trees Leave is a very pleasant and enjoyable anthology, Amazon, London,Nov,2001

-Nurul Faizmah, Sebuah Pengenalan kepada Sastera Arab, Bahana, BSB, Nov, 1997

-Sylvie Lukeman ,Arif Khudairi:A Fine Modern Troubadour ,Liverpool ,UK, July 8 2001,p.1

Arif Khudairi's Works as Viewed by International Scholars:

-In his foreword to Arif's book “The Arabs and The Art of Translation” Syrian Professor Zaidan A Jassem of the International Islamic University, Malaysia, says:“…This book is long overdue. It sets the Arabic translation in perspective, showing the contributions of Arabic Translators to the development of the field of Translation Science and Art, which is either ignored, unheard of or neglected by historians and scholars of translation, most of whom write about and introduce Western Theory and practice. The book is very interesting to read and is thought provoking. While I wish to commend the author on his superb book, I would like to kindly ask him to keep unearthing the Arabic translation treasures in future works, which I am sure, readers will find stimulating and enjoyable…”

-In his foreword to this book, Pengiran Dato Seri Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abd Rahman, a Bruneian poet says that” in his book, Dr Arif Karkhi Abukhudairi gives us an interesting account of his efforts in translating several works into his Arabic language. Thus I welcome this valuable book and congratulate the author on his great accomplishment.”

-On Arif's researches accomplishments, Egyptian Professor ,critic and novelist A.S Mustafa of Cairo University states: “Dr Arif Karkhi Abukhudairi is an established scholar. His book, Drills in Arabic Writing, investigates a significant linguistic issue which makes this book an important work in reading and learning Arabic. His series, The Introduction to the Arabic Language, crystallizes his profound experience in teaching Arabic in Brunei Darussalam. His major academic works ‘Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabs: A Study on Curriculum and Methods’ and ‘Arabic: Selected Essays’ are significant contributions to the Arabic studies as they are scholarly and beautifully researched and written. His paper Riddles in Language Teaching, for instance, is an original work.

Dr Arif’s researches show him as a skillful scholar, a unique, talented researcher with a wide scope of knowledge, and a clear mastery of modern theories and methodologies. He is also very creative. His translations and his works on teaching Arabic to Malays are both creative and unique in the field of comparative studies.”

-In a review about Arif's book”Shukri Zain :Pioneer of Modern Islamic Poetry in Brunei Darussalam” Malysian Professor Dr Mahayudin Haji Yahya remarks:” Buku Shukri Zain merupakan karya berbentuk”Biografi Sastera” yang disusun dan diolah dengan begitu rupa oleh penulisnya sehingga menjadi sebuah buku sastera yang boleh dijadikkan sebuah bahan rujukan dalam bidang sastera Melayu-Islam Moden.Kerja mengumpul,menyusun,menulis dan menterjemah buku bukanlah suatu tugas mudah,ia memerlukan kemahiran bahasa yang tinggi,ilmu pengetahuan sastera yang mendalam,serta tenaga yang mencukupi.Jika sekiranya Shukri Zain dianggap sebagai”Pelopor Puisi Islam Moden” ,maka Dr Arif Karkhi Abukhudairi pula bolehlah disifatkan sebagi “ Perintis Terjemahan Melayu-Arab Melayu Moden.”

-In another review about the same book Badaruddin H.O.,a Bruneian poet and critic states that” Buku yang ditulis oleh Dr Arif Karkhi Abukhudairi mengenai penyair Skukri Zain dengan mengemukakannya sebagai pelopor syair Islam di Brunei Darussalam sagatlah dialualukan.Ianya suatu usaha besar,walau pun mungkin baru sebagai usaha mengenal karya sastera bernafaskan Islam dari Brunei.Tambahan pula usaha ini dari luar negeri yang memperkenalkan karya sastera Brunei kepada kalangan budaya dan sastera di Mesir.Dalam buku yang megetegahkannya sebagai pelopor puisi Islam ini Dr Arif telah berhasil baik menyoroti karya Shukri Zain dari sudut-sudut seni sastera khasnya puisi. Tentulah pembaca di Nusantara dan di luarnya akan terdorong untuk menjejak lebih jauh keujudan puisi Islam atau yang bernafaskan Islam hasil karya penyair-penyair yang terdahulu dan yang sezaman dengan Shukri Zain.Kita mengucapkan tahniah kepada penulis dan penyusun buku ini yang dengan gigih mengikuti kemudian memahami dan sekaligus menikmati karya sastera Brunei sehingga telah mendorongkannya memperkenalkan keujudan sasterawan Islam di Brunei kepada dunia luar.”

-In a review of Tales From the Arabian Sahara: The Trip and Other Stories , Jonathan Grimes ,a British critic says, “As with his beautiful, quietist poetry collection, "Trees Leaves", Mr Khudairi here demonstrates a keen sense of beauty-in-istigkeit, in the this-ness of the desert, the sanguine warmth of human contact, and the existential commonplaces which, in truth, are never commonplace as before, and come to one continually, as Chesterton once happily described it, as if God were a delighted child raising the dawn each day for the sheer undiluted joy of "doing it again". The author here marries this natural percipience of wonderment to an equally keen sense of comedy and horror: the result is a superb transcription of the little-known Arabic folk tales. "The Reward" - a strangely familiar folk tale which will strike a chilling chord with those who read it, while the others delineate a fabulous backdrop of scheming bedouins, honour and blood-soaked princes, and women of strength and autonomy, a pleasant catholicon to the traditional Western perspective which has too often viewed Eastern women as pitiable, oppressed ciphers. Khudairi, a Professor of Arabic Studies, is as informed a scholar of these matters as can be imagined - comparisons can be made with Miguel Orio's passionate advocacy of Maoritanga - and it is to be hoped that he will continue his role as de facto custodian of the folk tale re-interpreted and written anew for many years to come.”

In a review of The Abode of Peace, the Malaysian Professor Dato’ Dr Hashim Awang asserts that” Dr Arif Khudairi is a well-known bilingual scholar-poet. His new anthology is considered to be very interesting anthology in terms of theme and structure of the poems. Its main theme the author has focused on is ‘peace’ an important issue to be seriously highlighted or discussed, especially in this particular era of globalization .The author has chosen appropriate form of poem to effectively convey his important messages. He creates two different forms which can easily be called short-form and prose-form poem .What makes his poems look beautiful and interesting is that the author just gives the ‘story’ and the readers themselves have to think and reveal the meaning behind it. This shows that professor Mahir Shafiq Farid ,Professor of English at Cairo University, whohas commented on these short poems written by Dr Arif Khudairi is very true when he says that they are ”incisive ,ironic and witty.” This new literary work of Dr. Arif Khudairi is very delightful to be read. The readers can experience the enjoyment as well can gain some benefit from it.”

-In an introduction to The Rubaiyat of Arif Khudairi, Pofessor Mahir Shafiq Farid says that” Khudairi as pointed out by several commentators on his work, is a man with a deep religious sense. In his world, barriers between body and soul come down. His poems offer a fresh perspective on man’s relation to God. This he achieves not through flat assertion or discursive argumentation but through a passionate grasp of personal experience. A true Muslim, Khudairi does not blame man’s defects on destiny. Given the importance attached by Islam to man’s responsibility and free will, the doctrine of Predestination has never really taken root in Arabic culture. One does not read far into this slim volume of 100 pages before one realizes that Khudairi is a master of his craft. There is no cleavage in his work between emotion and thought. With a through grounding in two cultures, he has managed to fuse what is best in both.

These short poems-incisive, ironic and witty-are a record of his own inmost experience. But they are not out of touch with some major current of thought of our- and of all times.”

-In a review of the same anthology, American poet, Cyndy Shubert-jett, says, Rubaiyat!The very name brings to mind images of Arabian Nights, magic carpets and mystical adventures, sensual nights and romantic encounters, a deep appreciation of beauty within the world around us, and an acknowledgement of shared emotions touching each of us, soul to soul! Step into the world of Arif Khudairi, share the beauty and romance of his world. It has been my pleasure to share these journeyings through the world of Arif Khudairi. Please, sit in his tent, listen to the desert winds whisper of those other times and places that still captivate our hearts!”

-In a review of Arif's Haiku book " Devine Lake" Lughul , an American poet states that Arif "has the blood of Omar Khayyam flowing through his veins, giving his pen gracious words. It seems haiku poetry has its reputation for wisdom not in one poem, but in one poet who consistently writes well. Arif Khudairi is very consistent. Maybe that is his path to greatness."

-In his introduction to “Love Poems”, Professor Dr S.R. Siddiqui, a Pakistani critic states that “ Arif Khudairi is not only a poet, but a Philosopher-Poet. He is a learned and well- read scholar. He studied widely and at last he stands in the long line of the well-known poets of the east, starting from Hafiz,Umar khayyam, Rumi and ending at Iqbal.

Arif Khudairi’s Love Poems is indeed a marvelous collection. Its profound and lively poems arouse the aesthetic sense within its reader. The melody of the poetry is high and the construction is precise. It is an anthology that will definitely take its place among the works of the great love poets.

Poetry Awards

(1 ) ‘Nile River’ received Magnolia Award, Snow Ice Castle, USA, March, 2002.

( 2 ) ‘Black Coffee’ received Gallery Award, Snow Ice Castle, USA, April 3, 2002.

( 3 ) ‘We are Brothers’ received Jupiter Award, Snow Ice Castle, 10/1/2002.

( 4 ) ‘We are Brothers’ received Jasmine’s Award, Snow Ice Castle, 3/11/2003.

( 5 ) ‘Saki! Fill the Cup’ received Jasmine’s Award, Snow Ice Castle, 20/5/2002.

( 6 ) ‘Like Leaves, Like Rain’ received Ruthie’s Rapture Award, Snow Ice Castle, 21/9/2002.

( 7 ) ‘Like Leaves, Like Rain’ received Enchanted Flute Award, Snow Ice Castle, 31/10/2003.

( 8 ) ‘No Complaint’ received Spark of Creativity Award, Snow Ice Castle, 28/9/2003.

( 9 ) ‘Saki, What Have You Offered Me Tonight’ received Magnolia Award, Snow Ice Castle, 23/7/2003.

(10) ‘Maybe’ received Tripping into Ectasy Award, Soulstarz, 7/9/2003.

(11) ‘For The Beloved’ received The Kissing Flowers Award, Snow Ice Castle, 25/4/2004.

(12) ‘The Lazy’ received Ruthie Rapture Award, Snow Ice Castle, 2003.

(13) ‘I was Born A Lover’ received Ruthie Rapture Award, Snow Ice Castle, 2003.

(14) ‘With You’ received Eastern Inspiration Award, Snow Ice Castle, USA, Nov
2005.

(15) ‘Pretty Woman’ received Reflection of The Soul Award, Snow Ice Castle, May 10, 2003.

(16) ‘The Poems’ received Magical World Award, Snow Ice Castle, Oct 29, 2005.

(17) ‘Your Face’ received Honor Award, Snow Ice Castle, June 27, 2006.

(18) ‘Before And Now’ received Eastern Inspiration Award, Snow Ice Castle, Sept 4, 2005.

(19) ‘As Deep As The River’, received Kissing Flowers Award, Snow Ice Castle, August 8, 2005.

(20) ‘I See Only You’, received Eastern Inspiration Award, Snow Ice Castle, USA, Nov, 2005.

(21) ‘Not The End’, received Eastern Inspiration Award, Snow Ice Castle, March 8, 2005.

(22) ‘The Slumber’, received Eastern Inspiration Award, Snow Ice Castle, January 1, 2004.

(23) ‘You Write What I Write’, received Ruthie Rapture Award, Snow Ice Castle, Dec 29, 2003.

(24) ‘How Could I’, received Ruthie Rapture Award, Snow Ice Castle, Dec 14, 2003.

(25) ‘If”, received Enchanted Flute Award, Snow Ice Castle, Oct 24, 2002.

(26) ‘A Farewell Love Song’, received Ruthie Rapture Award, Snow Ice Castle, Oct 12, 2002.

(27) ‘Butterflies’, received Enchanted Flute Award, Snow Ice Castle, August 9, 2002.

(28) ‘You And I’, received Poetry Writing Award, Luxor, Egypt, School of Education, 1978.

(29) ‘Love Knows No Season’, received Honor Award, Snow Ice Castle, USA, Nov 4, 2006.