My Beloved

My Beloved* June 28, 2005

There was a time in my youth,
When Islam was only a custom.
They said, “Say la ilaha illa-llah
And pray you’ll go to Heaven.”

Ah, how simple, no struggle in this.
Just a word, and simple act.
Thereafter, I’m absorbed in this world again
With my “assured” place in Paradise intact.

But this was not to be my fate
For Allah chose to guide my heart.
I learnt of a man who struggled so hard
When his mission was from the start.

The story of someone who had morals,
Spoke gently; kindness he knew.
Never fearing to say what’s right,
His conviction in Islam was true.

The touch of his hand was as soft as silk
To comfort a crying child
To mend his clothes or do the chores,
Never complaining, he always smiled.

His smell was always of musk,
And cleanliness he kept at his best.
Stark contrast with the heroes of today,
Who stink of beer and sweat.

He held the hands of his Companions,
Unashamed to play with many children.
So modest, so humble, a perfect example
That strangers could not recognize him.

His eyes slept little for nights were precious,
His prayers he treasured much greater.
To pray Tahajjud in the depths of night,
Seeking forgiveness, and nearness to his Creator.

He broke his tooth for me at Uhud
And bled for me at Ta’if.
He cried for me, tears of concern,
Just so I could have this belief.

His enemies admired his teachings,
Uniting every religion, every clan.
Till Islam came to every corner of the world,
O, but indeed he was only a man.

To own a house or build his wealth,
Was not his main priority.
To establish Islam was more essential,
To bring us under a higher authority.

Don’t you want him to plead for your case
When before Allah the Judge you stand?
Don’t you wish to be around his fountain,
A burning desire to drink from his hand?

So I love him more than all creation,
My leader, my humble Prophet.
Muhammad was a mercy to all mankind
And to me he is my beloved.





*Excerpted from: http://members.cox.net/arshad/islam.html