Taher Adel is an award-winning British-Bahraini poet, novelist, and spoken word artist.
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PoetrySeptember 2023
I Don’t Know What Language I Dream In
“Taher Adel’s book ‘I Don’t Know What Language I Dream In’ illustrates the subtle moments where someone may realise that a part of their identity has been lost. And like a man losing his existence by degrees is trying to write it all down before the hourglass runs out. Taher Adel’s poems feel urgent and important not just for those losing their identity but for all who need reminding of who they are. A fine debut — get it.”
Roger Robinson, winner of the T.S. Eliot Prize 2019 Available from
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PoetryHardcover
The Chosen Names
The Chosen Names is a poetic exploration of sixteen unassailable personalities from the Household of Mohammed (saw), from the Prophet himself to the awaited Saviour. It is an etymological deep dive into the virtues and divine characteristics of a progeny that is like no other in human history.
“A breath-taking compilation of poems celebrating the lives of God’s most beloved servants. Each sonnet of this book makes the heart yearn to be in the presence of the Prophet and his immaculate family!”
Shaykh Azhar Nasser, author and lecturer “These are, quite simply, some of the most beautiful reflections I have read on the precious names of the ahl al-bayt.”
Father Christopher Clohessy, author and lecturer “A triumph of literature. You have never read about the Holy Household like this.”
Nouri Sardar, author and poet Available from
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Poetry & artWith Aadil Abedi
The Divine Names
This beautiful coffee-table book is a must have for every Muslim household. Connect to The Divine Names of God through Taher Adel’s stunning poetry and lose yourself in Aadil Abedi’s mesmerising artwork.
“A spiritual journey of poetic meaning. Taher Adel has created a thoughtful meditation on the meaning of Allah’s names with beautiful illustrations. It is my new companion in times of quiet contemplation.”
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Publisher and President of the American University of Sharjah “Through the beautiful synergy of Taher Adel’s poetry and Aadil Abedi’s calligraphy, this short book is a mesmerizing tribute to the Divine Names of Allah. Each page is a work of art that illuminates the heart and inspires the soul.”
The Muslim Vibe “A beautiful and imaginative collaboration that inspires deeper reflection and contemplation.”
Mona Haydar, poet Available from
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Poetry182 pages
Lost & Found
Intensely emotional and full of vibrant imagery, this volume of poetry uses the need for human love and support in a profound yet ambiguous way. Chronicling selections of the author’s work from his first dabblings in poetry to the present day, much of the work in this book focuses on the relationship between the Almighty and his creations. From exultations of the highest order to pleas for help at the lowest, darkest times, the dialogue between God and man offers a beacon of hope and light under any circumstance in these poems.
Many of the poems are also accompanied with striking illustrations from a handful of different artists, each seeking to capture more of an underlying mood or feeling rather than simply illustrate the text.
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Poetry in Arabic93 pages
The Names
An exclusive collection of poems translated into Arabic, exploring the relationship of words in the Arabic language.
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Biography
Taher Adel is an award-winning British-Bahraini poet, novelist, and spoken word artist. He holds an MA in Creative Writing and Poetry from the University of East Anglia and a BEng in Biomedical Engineering from City University London. He currently serves as a judge for the Stephen Spender Poetry Prize and was appointed Poet in Residence for Wells-next-the-Sea in 2019 and Creative Practitioner for the University of Bedfordshire in 2024.
His literary works include ‘I Don’t Know What Language I Dream In’ (Burning Eye Books, September 2023), ‘The Names’ (translated into Arabic by Rewayat Reads), ‘The Chosen Names’, and ‘The Divine Names’ (both published by Sun Behind The Cloud). His debut novel (title and publication date TBC) received the Taner Baybars Award for original fiction in the field of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism, awarded by the Society of Authors and the Authors’ Foundation. His short story “So long as the olive tree lives” was longlisted for the Azhar Writing Prize.
Appointments, awards and education
- AppointmentJudgeStephen Spender Poetry PrizePresent
- AppointmentCreative PractitionerUniversity of Bedfordshire2024
- AppointmentPoet in ResidenceWells-next-the-Sea2019
- AwardTaner Baybars AwardSociety of Authors & the Authors’ Foundation — debut novel
- LonglistAzhar Writing Prize“So long as the olive tree lives”
- EducationMA Creative Writing & PoetryUniversity of East Anglia
- EducationBEng Biomedical EngineeringCity University London
Represented by Jessica Craig from Craig Literary.
Featured in
Beyond his books, Taher’s work has been featured in numerous esteemed publications and platforms, including
- ٠١Ambit
- ٠٢SMOKE Magazine
- ٠٣The New European
- ٠٤Gulf Daily News
- ٠٥Glassworks Magazine
- ٠٦TEDx
- ٠٧Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival
- ٠٨BBC Radio 4
- ٠٩Poetry London Magazine
- ١٠Poetry Salzburg Review