It was moon-lit dark,
When I began the walk.

The stars were shining,
And the heart was whining.

“Look at the stars,
Hey foolish man!
Did you still not learn,
The secrets of Affinity?
What a shame-
On you be Lord’s pity.”

I did not say a word,
What to fight with no sword?

The cursed devil,
Sells that fruit for free.
His slaves unable to identify,
That Forbidden Tree.
He has chained the slaves of God,
In their lands they are tied.

Mischief dances in the street,
Those in authority drum beats.
Ah! Those who have any shame left,
Hide in the passive blankets.

His slaves’ hearts shattered:
For bread’s worry minds cluttered.
Whatever good remains,
Devil steals their time.

God made His slaves,
For His worship.
Devil shaped their lives,
To pay bills and tip.

Hey my heart!
At such a time,
Where to find-
My soul’s friends?
In pain I cry,
Even when joy blends.

I smile merely,
As a cause for Sadaqah;
Hence it was a part,
Of the Beloved’s Sunnah.
Else is there anything joyful,
When good remains just a handful?

In the east and west,
I fail to find any soul,
Who burns me-
In His Love like-coal.

What worth is a star, tell me
Distant from its galaxy?

I can pierce the Time,
Like an arrow;
But who will launch me,
Like a bow?

I am the fragrant sandal
From the beautiful Hind
But where is the breeze
Which will spread the Hijazi scent?




October 11, 2003. Edit July 2024