Admiration of Abila
- Excerpts from the poem “Admiration of Abila” by Qais ibn Mulawwah:
Abila expressed amazement at a carefree youth,
Bare and pale, resembling a sword,
With disheveled locks and a cloak that drapes,
He did not apply oil nor groom himself for a year.
He only adorns himself with iron when he does adorn,
Just like every daring one, undaunted,
He has worn iron for so long that indeed,
The iron has rusted and clings to his skin, uncleaned.
So she laughed in astonishment and said, “O youth,
There is no virtue in you, as if she was unconcerned.
I was astonished when her eyes strayed
From a noble man of strength and free spirit.”
“Do not turn away from me, O Abila, but reconsider
Your discerning gaze, the insight of a seeker.
For perhaps there is someone more charming than you, so be aware,
And my ties in this world are with one worthy of my affection.
In love with her, I am free and open,
O Abila, how many times has the beauty of life
Almost faded away in the very presence of my soul?
If you witnessed her splendor, your sorrow would indeed depart,
And you would find solace after having adorned yourself and lined your eyes.
For if you see me deteriorating, and by whom,
It is destined for the edges of spears to wither away.
Perhaps I too could shine like your beloved,
Body robust upon a horse full of might,
Leaving it dusty and in disarray,
While people are caught in between wounds and tiredness.
Safeguard Your Soul
- Verses from the poem “Safeguard Your Soul” by Ali ibn Abi Talib:
Safeguard your soul and guide it towards what beautifies it,
So you may live in peace, and the words about you are lovely.
Do not show people anything but elegance,
If life has turned against you or if a friend has turned away.
And if today your livelihood is tight, wait till tomorrow,
Perhaps the trials of life will pass you by.
The true wealthy person values their spirit, even if their wealth is scarce,
Whereas a rich person in wealth may be wretched and forlorn.
There is no good in the affection of a fickle person,
If the wind shifts, they too will shift according to its direction.
A generous one, if you are self-sufficient from their wealth,
And when facing poverty, they show their stinginess.
How abundant are friends when you count them,
Yet in times of strife, they are few.
Livelihood Cannot be Attained by Wishful Thinking
- Lines from the poem “Livelihood Cannot be Attained by Wishful Thinking” by Ali ibn Abi Talib:
Livelihood cannot be acquired through mere wishes,
But rather, cast your bucket where there are waters.
It may come to you filled one day, and another day,
It may bring mud and scant water.
Do not sit idly hoping for everything,
For it is futile against fate and destiny.
For the decrees of the Merciful flow,
Bestowing sustenance to men from the skies,
Determined by withholding or abundance,
And human weakness is a source of affliction.
Addressing the Foolish
- Verses from the poem “Addressing the Foolish” by Imam Al-Shafi’i:
The fool addresses me with all manner of rudeness,
So I disdain to be his responder.
As he increases his folly, I increase my patience,
Like a stick that, when burnt, becomes more fragrant.
My Virtues Seen as Sins by Time
- Excerpts from the poem “My Virtues Seen as Sins by Time” by Antar ibn Shaddad:
My virtues, as perceived by time, are sins,
And my actions are condemned and flawed.
My share of love is separation,
While others receive closeness and affection.
Every day love mends the broken heart,
Yet I have no doctor for my ailment.
It seems that time cherishes a beloved,
And I, unfortunately, am the watchman of time.
Verily, the dreamlike visions, dear Abila, bring healing
And soothe my sorrowful heart.
Indeed, my demise in love is less painful,
Than living if my beloved turns away from me.
O breeze of Hijaz, were it not for you, my heart’s flame would consume
My body in the intense heat of desire.
For you, every time I breathe, there’s warmth,
And through you, Abila, blessings abound.
A mourning dove has cried in the branches,
And its lament stirred my grieving heart.
It spent the night complaining of a long-distance separation,
And called out, “I am the alone and the stranger.”
The Soul Weeps for the World
- Verses from the poem “The Soul Weeps for the World” by Ali ibn Abi Talib:
The soul weeps for the world, and it has come to know,
That the true safety in it lies in leaving what is in it.
There is no abode for man after death to dwell in,
Except the one he built before his death.
If he builds it upon goodness, its abode is pure,
But if he builds it on discontent, he will find it regrettable.
Carry Your Heart Wherever You Will
- Lines from the poem “Carry Your Heart” by Abu Tammam:
Carry your heart wherever you wish in love,
For love only belongs to the first beloved.
How many homes on earth does a man grow fond of,
Yet his yearning is always for the first home.