Šams

Šams (شمس) is the South Arabian Sun goddess, She is mentioned in a Himyarite hymn to Her. In North Arabia She was known as Nuhay.

Hymns

From Himyarite Hymn to Shams

I seek your protection, for all events are by you accomplished. In the Khinwan hunt the blood of hundreds [of beasts} to flow have you caused. The head of the tribe of Dhu Fasad aloft have you raised And the breast of ‘Alhan ofYahir have you expanded . . . You have made fragrant the steady rain, for you have been open-handed. You have aided us, oh Shams, for it is you who have the rain provided. And we beseech you that with constant rain may your people ever be anointed.

Sun Goddess of Qedar

O' Nuhay of unsung beauty

Shining brighter than any star

Reflecting on the Red Sea

Shimmering from afar

For all wild and tame to see

O' Nuhay of unsung beauty

Sun Goddess of Qedar