US poet says inspired by Ayatollah Khamenei

American Muslim poet Amir Sulaiman says he has been inspired by the character of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

News ID: 60065

Date: 25 September 2014 - 07:00

Sulaiman made the remark in an interview with Press TV regarding his recent visit to Tehran to attend a religious event.

He said it was “fascinating” for him to have been invited to an address by Ayatollah Khamenei on the occasion of Mab’ath - the anniversary of the appointment of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) to prophethood on May 27.

“There was an awe-inspiring nobility…Actually what I felt and saw in him was the highest manifestation" of what I have learnt about Iranian people like kindness and hospitality.

Sulaiman, a devout Muslim whose poems are derived from his personal experience of having lived under racism, heaped praise on Iran for its defiance of the Western governments.

“Iran is unique in the Muslim world as far as the success the Iranian people have had in keeping the Western world at bay,” he said.

The poet also praised the Iranian society for its commitment to ancient traditions, saying Iran has not broken up with hits past culture.

He said Iranians are among few “people whose ancient tradition has remained unbroken up until today.”

Sulaiman’s writings are significantly influenced by the Black Arts Movement in the 60s and 70s.

He was featured for two seasons on Russell Simmons HBO Def Poetry Jam.

Since his appearance on Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam, Sulaiman has been touring the US and world performing in countries including England, Belgium, Senegal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands and more.

Sulaiman recently published his first book of poetry, titled Love, Gnosis & Other Suicide Attempts and his newest album The Opening which has been met with critical acclaim.

Source: PressTV