Fairuz نهاد حداد‎ (b. 21 November 1935) is a Lebanese singer, and one of th… Read Full Bio ↴Fairuz نهاد حداد‎ (b. 21 November 1935) is a Lebanese singer, and one of the most famous singers of all time in the Arab world. Her stage name (also spelled Fairouz or Fayrouz) literally means "turquoise".

Fairuz was born Nouhad Haddad in Jabal al Arz, Lebanon. She began her musical career as a teenager. From chorus girl at the Lebanese radio station in the late 1940s, to critical and popular acclaim from the 1950s to today, Fairuz is acknowledged not only for her musical talent and contribution, but also as a cultural and political icon. A symbol of a people, a heritage, a quest for peace, and of humanity. During most of her career, Fairuz reflected two other great artists, Assi and Mansour Rahbani. They wrote the lyrics and composed her tunes. Today, many of her songs reflect the composing talent of Ziad Rahbani who is Fairuz's son. Her songs testify to the Rahbani musical genius, as well as to Fairuz's broad musical background. Referred to as "The Soul of Lebanon" in the 1970s, Fairuz became a pre-eminent figure, a superstar of current music in the Arab world. Together, the Rahbani family is both a school of music and a cultural phenomenon.

Ya Ouma Allah
Fairuz Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

يا اُمَّ الله، يا حنونة
يا كنزَ الرحمة و المعونة
انتِ ملجانا، و عليكي رجانا
تشفعي فينا، يا عذراء
و تحنني على موتانا

وإن كان جسمُكِ بعيدًا منّا
أيتُها البتول أمّنا

صلَواتُكِ هي تَصحَبُنا
وتكون معنا وتحفظنا

بجاه مَن شرّفِكِ على العالَمين
حين ظهَر منكِ ظهورًا مبين
أطلُبي مِنه للخاطئين
المراحم لدهرِ الداهرين

أنتِ أمّنا ورَجانا
انتِ فخرنا ومَلجانا
عندَ ابنِكِ إشفعي فينا
ليغفر برأفته خطايانا

لا تُهمِلينا يا حنونة
يا مملوءة كلَّ نِعمَة

بل خلّصي عبيدَكِ أجمَعين
لنَشكُرَكِ لدَهر الداهرين

Overall Meaning

Fairuz's song "Ya Ouma Allah" is a tribute to the Virgin Mary, or in Islamic tradition, Maryam, the mother of Jesus. The lyrics are a plea to Maryam to intercede on behalf of the singers with her son, asking for forgiveness and showing gratitude. The song addresses Maryam with words of endearment, calling her "Ya Ouma Allah" or "Mother of God," and "Ya Hanouna" or "Gracious One."

The first stanza acknowledges Maryam as a repository of mercy, and the one whom the singer depends on for protection and comfort. It describes her as a "treasure" of mercy and aid, and someone the singer can rely on to soften the pain of loss and comfort in times of death. The second stanza emphasizes Maryam's spiritual presence, even if her body is physically far away. It requests her prayers, which the singer believes will accompany them and protect them from harm. The stanza cites Maryam's privileged status as the mother of Jesus, and asks her to intercede for "sinners" so that they may receive mercy.

The refrain of the song repeatedly asks Maryam not to neglect the singers, reminding her of her role as a compassionate and generous mother. The song also highlights Maryam's status as a source of blessing and joy, and asks her to save all of her servants so that they may give thanks to God forever.

Line by Line Meaning

يا اُمَّ الله، يا حنونة
Oh mother of God, oh merciful one

يا كنزَ الرحمة و المعونة
Oh treasure of mercy and assistance

انتِ ملجانا، و عليكي رجانا
You are our refuge, and we rely on you

تشفعي فينا، يا عذراء
Intercede for us, oh virgin

و تحنني على موتانا
And console us in our death

وإن كان جسمُكِ بعيدًا منّا
Even if your body is far from us

أيتُها البتول أمّنا
Oh virtuous mother

صلَواتُكِ هي تَصحَبُنا
Your prayers accompany us

وتكون معنا وتحفظنا
And you are with us, and protect us

بجاه مَن شرّفِكِ على العالَمين
By the grace of the one who honored you above all the worlds

حين ظهَر منكِ ظهورًا مبين
When he manifested from you, a clear manifestation