“Qariat al-Fingan” (The Coffee Grounds Reader) by Abdel Halim Hafez: A Journey of Love and Loss
Abdel Halim Hafez, the legendary Egyptian singer, captured the hearts of millions with his soulful voice and emotionally charged performances. One of his most iconic songs, “Qariat al-Fingan” (The Coffee Grounds Reader), is a poignant ballad that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world often shrouded in uncertainty.
The song’s lyrics were penned by the renowned poet Nizar Qabbani, known for his powerful and often controversial verses. Qabbani’s words, infused with a deep understanding of human emotion, perfectly complement the song’s theme of love and loss. The music was composed by the celebrated Egyptian composer Mohamed al-Mougy, who created a haunting melody that perfectly embodies the song’s melancholic tone.
This collaboration of artistic giants resulted in a masterpiece that transcends time and cultural boundaries. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and the power of its emotional resonance.
The Coffee Cup Reader’s Prophecy
The song begins with a young man seeking solace in the mystical world of fortune-telling. He approaches a “Qariat al-Fingan,” a coffee grounds reader, hoping to decipher the fate of his love. The reader, with a knowing gaze, interprets the coffee grounds and delivers a prophecy that will forever shape the young man’s life.
A Life of Love and Tragedy:
The reader foretells a life filled with love, but one marked by tragedy. She warns of a “martyrdom for love,” suggesting a passionate and all-consuming romance that will ultimately lead to the young man’s demise. This prophecy sets the stage for a dramatic and emotionally charged narrative.
“Qariat al-Fingan” paints a vivid portrait of the woman who holds the key to the young man’s destiny. She is described as a captivating beauty, with eyes that are “beyond belief” (‘Aynaha kullahu ‘ajab). Her laugh is “as beautiful as a song or roses” (Dhakata ka ‘an-naghma wa’l-ward). This imagery underscores the young man’s intense infatuation and the allure of the woman he longs for.
The Unattainable Ideal
Despite her alluring beauty, the woman remains an unattainable ideal. She resides in a “large, gated castle” (Qasr kamil bi’l-abwab), symbolizing her elusive nature and the barriers that stand between her and the young man. The lyrics emphasize the impossibility of attaining her, leaving the young man trapped in a cycle of longing and despair.
A Life Between Water and Fire:
The young man’s journey is marked by a constant struggle. He is described as “always being imprisoned between water and fire” (Dayman a’ish bayna ‘l-maa wa’n-naar). This metaphor signifies his inability to find peace and the constant tension he experiences as he navigates his love for this unattainable woman.
A Futile Search:
The song’s final verses depict the young man’s futile search for his lost love. He travels far and wide, his tears flowing like “rivers” (Dam’u ‘an-nahra), yet he finds only emptiness. He returns defeated, realizing that he was chasing an illusion, a love that was never truly meant to be his.
The Song’s Enduring Legacy
“Qariat al-Fingan” is a powerful and moving ballad that continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world often shrouded in uncertainty have cemented its place as a classic of Arabic music.
The song’s combination of lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and musical mastery has made it an unforgettable piece of art. It serves as a reminder that love can be both a source of immense joy and profound sorrow, and that the pursuit of the unattainable can lead to heartbreak and disillusionment.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Qariat al-Fingan” by Abdel Halim Hafez
What are the lyrics of “Qariat al-Fingan” in Arabic?
قارئة الفنجان يا قارئة الفنجان
أخبريني هل يذكرني حبيبي
هل يذكرني حبيبي أم أنسى
أخبريني يا قارئة الفنجان
أنا في دنياي وحيدٌ
وكلّ ما حولي ظلام
أريد أن أرى نورًا
أريد أن أرى نورًا
من عينيكِ يا حبيبتي
أخبريني هل يذكرني حبيبي
هل يذكرني حبيبي أم أنسى
أخبريني يا قارئة الفنجان
هل يذكرني حبيبي أم أنسى
أخبريني يا قارئة الفنجان
What are the lyrics of “Qariat al-Fingan” in English?
Coffee cup reader, oh coffee cup reader
Tell me, does my beloved remember me?
Does my beloved remember me or has he forgotten?
Tell me, oh coffee cup reader
I am alone in my world
And all around me is darkness
I want to see light
I want to see light
From your eyes, my beloved
Tell me, does my beloved remember me?
Does my beloved remember me or has he forgotten?
Tell me, oh coffee cup reader
Does my beloved remember me or has he forgotten?
Tell me, oh coffee cup reader
Use a good quality coffee grinder to ensure a fine, consistent grind.
Use filtered water for the best flavor.
Brew coffee at the correct temperature (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit).
Don’t over-extract the coffee (brewing for too long).
Store coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Clean your coffee maker regularly to prevent buildup.
Experiment with different brewing methods and coffee beans to find your favorite combination.
