A poetic reflection on the unparalleled love and mercy of the Prophet Muhammad, cherished by the Divine.

The Gardener asked,
“Whom are you close to?”
Replied the rose,
Bathed in dew,
“The nightingale’s song
Is my heart’s hue.”

The Child asked,
“What makes you kindle?”
Replied the candle
In a breath,
“The dance
Of the moth.”

The desert asked,
“Name your love’s Meem and Nun?”
Plundered of love,
Replied the mad Majnun,
“Leila is at both ends
Of my being.”

The Stars asked,
“Whom do you admire?”
Replied the Sky,
“I look up to the earth,
Rich with
Love’s wealth.”

The Rocks asked,
“Who deserves your passion?”
Replied the ocean,
“The fish which
In my womb swim,
Not once they flee
Even in a dream.”

The Cup asked,
“Whom do you endear?”
Replied the drunken Saqi,
“In my life, just a prayer,
Not a day without
My Wine-peer.”

Jibreel asked
His Merciful Lord,

“Whom shall I
Bring along?
Whom do you seek
To meet,
So close,
Even I burn in its heat?

Kalim fainted
In Your longing,
Khalil too had
His yearning.

Every atom craves
For Your love,
But tell me the one
You adore?”

Said the Lord
In a beautiful word,

“Every good
I created through him,
My Mercy
I bestowed through him.

I,
Lord of Worlds,
He,
Mercy to the worlds.

A garden if-
Is this cosmos,
His soul-
A fragrant breeze.

His perfect praise:
I alone am capable,
Everything in him
Is entirely lovable.

His complete beauty,
Not all eyes can behold.

My Beloved-
His name is Muhammad.”

2007. Edit May 2024