Sonnet XXVI

Giacomo da Lentini
Italian
1212 – 1260

 

I’ve seen it rain on sunny days
And seen the darkness flash with light
And even lightning turn to haze,
Yes, frozen snow turn warm and bright

And sweet things taste of bitterness
And what is bitter taste most sweet
And enemies their love confess
And good, close friends no longer meet.

Yet stranger things I’ve seen of love
Who healed my wounds by wounding me.
The fire in me he quenched before;

The life he gave was the end thereof,
The fire that slew eluded me.
Once saved from love, love now burns more.

Translation by Leo Zoutewelle

Lament for Seville

Abu al-Baqa Al-Rundi
Arab Andalusian
1204 – 1285

 

Everything declines after reaching perfection, therefore let no man be beguiled by the sweetness of a pleasant life.
As you have observed, these are the decrees that are inconstant: he whom a single moment has made happy, has been harmed by many other moments;
And this is the abode that will show pity for no man, nor will any condition remain in its state for it.
Fate irrevocably destroys every ample coat of mail when Mashrifi swords and spears glance off without effect;
It unsheaths each sword only to destroy it even if it be an Ibn Dhi Yazan and the scabbard Ghumdan
Where are the crowned kings of Yemen and where are their jewel-studded diadems and crowns?
Where are [the buildings] Shaddad raised in Iram and where [the empire] the Sassanians ruled in Persia?
Where is the gold Qarun once possessed; where are `Ad and Shaddad and Qahtan?
An irrevocable decree overcame them all so that they passed away and the people came to be as though they had never existed.
The kingdoms and kings that had been came to be like what a sleeper has told about [his] dream vision.
Fate turned against Darius as well as his slayer, and as for Chosroes, no vaulted palace offered him protection.
It is as if no cause had ever made the hard easy to bear, and as if Solomon had never ruled the world.
The misfortunes brought on by Fate are of many different kinds, while Time has causes of joy and of sorrow.
For the accidents [of fortune] there is a consolation that makes them easy to bear, yet there is no consolation for what has befallen Islam.
An event which cannot be endured has overtaken the peninsula; one such that Uhud has collapsed because of it and Thahlan has crumbled!
The evil eye has struck [the peninsula] in its Islam so that [the land] decreased until whole regions and districts were despoiled of [the faith]
Therefore ask Valencia what is the state of Murcia; and where is Jativa, and where is Jaىn?
Where is Cordoba, the home of the sciences, and many a scholar whose rank was once lofty in it?
Where is Seville and the pleasures it contains, as well as its sweet river overflowing and brimming full?
[They are] capitals which were the pillars of the land, yet when the pillars are gone, it may no longer endure!
The tap of the white ablution fount weeps in despair, like a passionate lover weeping at the departure of the beloved,
Over dwellings emptied of Islam that were first vacated and are now inhabited by unbelief;
In which the mosques have become churches wherein only bells and crosses may be found.
Even the mihrabs weep though they are solid; even the pulpits mourn though they are wooden!
O you who remain heedless though you have a warning in Fate: if you are asleep, Fate is always awake!
And you who walk forth cheerfully while your homeland diverts you [from cares], can a homeland beguile any man after [the loss of] Seville?
This misfortune has caused those that preceded it to be forgotten, nor can it ever be forgotten for the length of all time!
O you who ride lean, thoroughbred steeds which seem like eagles in the racecourse;
And you who carry slender, Indian blades which seem like fires in the darkness caused by the dust cloud [of war],
And you who are living in luxury beyond the sea enjoying life, you who have strength and power in your homelands,
Have you no news of the people of Andalus, for riders have carried forth what men have said [about them]?
How often have the weak, who were being killed and captured while no man stirred, asked our help?
What means this severing of the bonds of Islam on your behalf, when you, 0 worshipers of God, are [our] brethren?
Are there no heroic souls with lofty ambitions; are there no helpers and defenders of righteousness?
O, who will redress the humiliation of a people who were once powerful, a people whose condition injustice and tyrants have changed?
Yesterday they were kings in their own homes, but today they are slaves in the land of the infidel!
Thus, were you to see them perplexed, with no one to guide them, wearing the cloth of shame in its different shades,
And were you to behold their weeping when they are sold, the matter would strike fear into your heart, and sorrow would seize you.
Alas, many a mother and child have been parted as souls and bodies are separated!
And many a maiden fair as the sun when it rises, as though she were rubies and pearls,
Is led off to abomination by a barbarian against her will, while her eye is in tears and her heart is stunned.
The heart melts with sorrow at such [sights], if there is any Islam or belief in that heart!

Translation by James T. Monroe

O Glorious Mother

We present this work in honor of Corpus Christi.

Guittone d’Arezzo
Italian
1235 – 1294

 

O Glorious Mother of sweet Jesus, by
Whose sacred death, us from Hell’s portals freeing,
Wiped out the sin, O Lady of the sky,
In which our primal father had his being,
Ah, see Love with his arrows sharp and bold,
What grievous fate he goadeth me unto!
O piteous Mother, dear ally, withhold
His unruly squadrons, let them not pursue!

O grant to me the love which is divine
And draweth up our souls to Paradise,
So I may loose these passionate bonds of mine.
Herein the balm for this wild fury lies,
This water doth to quench this fire avail
As in a plank a nail drives forth a nail.

Translation by Lorna de Lucchi

My Art

Al-Shushtari
Arab Andalusian
1212 – 1269

 

Tell the faqih on my behalf:
loving the beautiful one is my art.

My drink, with him from the glass,
and the hadra, with those gathered round,
Close by, good companions.
They lifted the weight from me.

Tell the faqih on my behalf:
loving the beautiful one is my art.

What kind of believer do you take me for?
The law revivifies me
and the truth annihilates me.
Know that I am a Sunni.

Tell the faqih on my behalf:
loving the beautiful one is my art.

And know that there is no one home
except you, so let’s get to the point.
Enter into the arena with me.
Have faith. Don’t push me away.

Tell the faqih on my behalf:
loving the beautiful one is my art.

If you could see me at home
when I raise the curtains
and my love is naked with me…
In union with him, I am made glad.

Tell the faqih on my behalf:
loving the beautiful one is my art.

So leave me be and spare me your delusions,
for you lust for yourself
and this world is your boudoir.
Wake up, you will see my beauty.

Tell the faqih on my behalf:
loving the beautiful one is my art.

Translation by Lourdes María Alvarez

Black Horse With White Chest

Ibn Sa’id Al-maghribi
Arab Andalusian
1213 – 1286

 

Black hindquarters, white chest:
he flies on the wings of the wind.

When you look at him you see dark night
opening, giving way to dawn.

Sons of Shem and Ham live harmoniously
in him, and take no care for the words
of would-be troublemakers.

Men’s eyes light up when they see
reflected in his beauty

the clear strong black and white
of the eyes of beautiful women.

Translation by Cola Franzen

The Grass of God’s Garden

We present this work in honor of the 730th anniversary of the poet’s death.

Saadi
Persian
1203 – 1292

 

I saw bouquets of fresh roses
Tied upon a cupola of grass.
I asked: “What is despicable grass
To sit also in the line of the roses?”

The grass wept and said: “Hush!
Companionship does not obliterate nobility.
Although I have no beauty, color, and perfume,
Am I not after all the grass of God’s garden?”

Translation by Edward S. Holden

from Al-Ishriniyat

We present this work in honor of Green March Day.

Abd al-Rahman al-Fazazi
Moroccan
d. 1230

 

The Prophet, who dwells in the Garden’s summit,
Most deserving of God’s praise and glory,
Experienced, worthy to guide God’s servants,
The beloved, who knows the secrets of hearts
Leads the messengers from beginning to end
The beautiful dhikr begins and ends on him.
From the signs of the messengers they were ahead.
The most brilliant are those from our Messenger.

Translation by Amir Syed

Qadisa Burdah

We present this work in honor of the Prophet’s Birthday.

Al-Busiri
Egyptian
1211 – 1294

 

Is it because of your remembrance of the neighbours of Dhi-salam.
That tears mixed with blood are flowing (from your eyes).
Or is it because of the breeze blowing from Kaazimah.
Or it is the lightning struck in the darkness of the night Idam
What has happened to your eyes, (the more) you tell them to stop, the more they continue flowing.
What is the matter with your heart, (the more) you tell it to come to its senses, (the more it is distracted).
Does the lover think that his love can be concealed.
While his eyes are shedding tears and his heart is glowing.
Had it not been for the love, you would not have shed tears at the ruins (of your beloved).
Nor would you become restless at the remembrance of the cypress (tree) the high mountain.
How do you deny love after the testimony.
Borne against you by (such) reliable witnesses as your yours and your illness.
Love has ingrained two lines of fear, and withered your face.
On your cheeks like yellow rose and the reddish tree.
Yes! Thoughts of the beloved came to me at night and kept me awake.
And love transforms pleasure into pain.
O you who reproach me, regarding my love, excuse me.
From me to you if you do justice, you would not reproach me.
My state (of love) has been expressed to you, (now) my secret is no longer concealed.
From those who malign (me), nor is there (something to) check my agony.
You have sincerely advised me , I did not heed it.
For verily a lover is deaf to those who advise him.
I regarded with suspicion the advice of the elders in reproaching me.
(Wisdom) in the advice of the elders is above suspicion.

Verily my soul which is laden evil did not heed the advice.
Due to its ignorance, from the warning by grey hair and old age.
And I have not prepared, for good deeds, a feast,
For a guest (that) has lodged on (my) head nor did I honour (him).
Had I known that I would not be able to honour him (it).
I would have concealed my secret, which is exposed, by dyeing.
Who is there that can restrain my wayward-self from its waywardness.
Just as unmanageable horses are restrained by resins.
Do not try, through sinning, to subdue sensual desires.
For verily food, only increases sensual desires.
Your self (desires) is like when breastfed.
Loves suckling but when you wean it, will stop.
Then stop its inclinations and beware that it does not overpower you.
Verily lust whenever it overpowers (it will) kill or maim (your character).
And guard it while it is grazing in (the field of ) actions
If it enjoys pasture, do not let it roam (graze) freely.
How often has pleasure been considered good, whereas it turned out to be deadly.
Because he does not know that there is poison in the fat.
And fear the evil of (both) hunger and satiation.
For most times hungers (poverty) is more evil that overeating.
And shed tears from those eyes which have become full.
Of forbidden sights and regard it as obligatory (upon yourself) to guard your eyes from forbidden things.
And oppose (your) self (nafs) and shaytaan and disobey them both.
And if both of them give you sincere advice regard it as lies.
And do not obey them both (nafs and shaytaan) as an enemy or as a wise (person).
For you know well the deception of (such) an enemy or a wise (person).
I seek forgiveness from Allah from such sayings (preachings) which I do practice upon.
For verily I have attributed (claimed), through this, offspring from a barren woman.
I command you to do good but I do not command myself to do the same.
And I was not steadfast ( on deen) so then of what use (value) is my saying to you: “Be steadfast!” (on deen).
And I made no provisions before death of voluntary (nafl) worship.
And I did not perform salaat nor did I fast except what was obligatory.

His birth distinctly showed his pure origin.
O the excellence! Of his beginning and his end.
On that day the Persians discovered that they (were going face misfortune)
Were warned with the approach of misfortune and punishment.
And the walls of the palace of Kisra trembled and crumbled.
Like how the army of Kisra was scattered never to be untied again.
And the fire (of the Persians) took a cool breath (subsided and died out), out of regret.
While the rivers (of Persia) had sleepless eyes (dries up) from excessive sorrow.
Saawah (village in Persia) became grief stricken with the drying up of its lake.
And the (thirsty) water bearer returned in anger with disappointment.
It is as though fire became wet like water.
Due to grief, while water was (affected by) the blazing fire.
And the jinn was shouting (at the appearance of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the NUR was glistening.
And the truth (nubuwaat) appeared with these anwaar, and with their voices.
(The kaafir) became blind and deaf, to the announcements of glad tidings.
Nor did they hear and the lighting of warning was nor seen by them.
After their fortune tellers had informed the people.
That their false religions would not stand.
And even after they witnessed shooting stars on the horizon.
Falling, just as (their) idols were (falling) on earth.
So much so that they kept running from the path of wahi
The devils (shaytaan), one after the other.
As though in running away the shaytaan were the army of Abrahah.
Or like that army (put to flight) upon whom (Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) threw pebbles.
Which he threw after their making tasbih in his (mubarak hands).
Like how (Hadhrat Yunus Alayis Salaam) when he made tasbih (of Allah) was thrown out from the stomach of the swallowing (fish).

The trees answered his call, prostrating.
Walking towards him on shins (truck) without feet.
It is though writing lines that were written.
With their branches, calligraphically writing of his perfection.
Like the cloud following him wherever he went.
Sheltering him from the intense heat, (as that) of an oven in the blazing summer.
I take an oath (of truth) by the moon that was split, it bears.
A connection with his heart (which shows) the truth of my oath.
What excellence qualities and noble deeds the cave contained (in it).
While every eye (of the disbelievers) was blind him.
The truth (sidq) and the true(siddique) in the cave were not seen (by the disbelievers).
And they were satiny “There is no one in the cave”.
They thought a wild dove and a spider would not
Lay an egg, or spin a web for the best of creation.
The protection of Allah (made him) dispensed with double.
From armours and high forts.
Whenever time caused me any distress and I took refuge in him.
I receive shelter from him which was not misused.
I did not ask for the wealth of the two worlds from his hand.
But I received a great gift the best hand that was ever kissed.
Do not deny that his dreams are revelations (wahi), for verily his
Heart does not sleep , when eyes sleep.
And this was at (the period of) puberty of his prophethood.
At that time dreams cannot be denied.
Great are the blessings of Allah that wahi is nor earned.
Nor was any Nabi accused (of lying when) giving knowledge of the unseen.
His miracles are (completely) clear, not hidden from anyone.
Without it justice cannot be established amongst people.
How often has his hand granted freedom (cure) from disease by (his) touch.
And set free the insane from the chains (fetters) of insanity.
He revived the starving year (of famine) through his dua.
Until it resembled a white spot on black times.
By means of a cloud which rained so abundantly, you would think large rivers
Gushing forth from the sea or like the torrential flood of Arim.

Allow me to describe the miracles of him (Rasuluallah Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) exposed (performed).
Like the lighting of fires on the hillside at night for guests.
The beauty of a pearl is further enhanced in a necklace.
But its value does not diminish )in the least when not strung on a necklace).
So why should the ambitions of those who praise not increase towards
That which (him (Rasuluallah Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) ha of noble character and good habits.
Verses of truth from the Most Merciful (Allah Ta’aala) newly heard.
(As well as being) eternal which is quality (of Allah) Who is described with eternity.
It is not connected with any period of time, while it informs us.
About the hereafter as well as of Ad and Iram.
Which remains with us forever, therefore it is superior to every miracle.
Of the other Nabi’s (for) when (their miracles) came but did not remain.
Absolutely clear (as evidence) so it did not leave (room for any ) doubts.
By the enemies nor so they require any judge.
No one opposed it ever except for the vehement enemy.
(Due to) the enmity of the enemy towards it,(but that he) refrained from it seeking a truce.
Its eloquence refuted the accusations of its objectors.
Just as a respectable man keeps off the hand of a transgressor from his harem.
Its meaning is like the waves of the ocean in helping (one another)
And the (Qur’an) transcends the jewels of the sea in beauty and value.
Its wonders cannot be counted nor comprehended.
Nor would you (be) satiated by its constant repetition (recitation).
It cools the eye of its reciter, so I said to him
You have succeeded with the hope of Allah, therefore hold steadfast onto it.
If you recite it due to fear of the heat of blazing fire.
Then you have doused the blazing fire with its cool water.
It is the Houze-e-Kauthar with which faces are illuminated.
Of the sinners even though they came to it (with faces) black as coal.
It is like the straight bridge like the scales in equilibrium.
Justice, without which, amongst man cannot be established.
Do not be astonished if the jealous person rejects it.
(Feigning ) ignorance while they are shrewd.
Verily the eye rejects the ray of the sun due to dust.
The mouth rejects the (sweet) taste of water due to sickness.

You the best of those to whose court seekers of bounties resort.
Running the (mounted) on the backs of fast camels.
And O you is the greatest sign for he who takes a lesson.
And O you who is the greatest bounty for a person who avails himself of it.
You travelled by night from one sacred place to another.
As the full moon travels trough intense darkness.
And you continued ascending until you attained a position.
At the distance of two cubits length, as has never been attained nor sought.
And you preferred due to your position by all the Ambiyaa.
And Rasuls just as a servant gives preference to his master.
You passed the seven heavens with them.
In a procession in which you were the standard bearer.
Until you left no gaol (for) any competitor to strive for.
In closeness, nor any (room for ascent for any one to advance.
You made inferior every position by (your) advance, when.
You were invited to his majestic and unique position.
So that you may be successful in a reaching the most concealed.
From all eyes, and secrets well concealed.
So you acquired every (status) worthy of pride unrivalled.
And you surpassed every position which none other passed.
And extremely excellent are the ranks that were granted to you.
And uncomprehensible are those bounties which conferred upon you.
Glad tiding be to us o people of Islam. We have.
By the Grace of Allah a pillar which is indestructible.
When Allah called, the one who invited us (Rasuluallah Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) to His worship.
Because of the noblest of messengers , we are the noblest of ummats.

The hearts of his enemies were struck with terror at the news of his advent.
Just as a heedless goat that has strayed the heard becomes scared to a sudden alarm.
He never ceased to encounter them at every battle.
Until, by the effects of lances they were like meat on a chopping block.
They loved fleeing that they would envy.
The corpses which were carried away by vultures and eagles.
Nights would pass without them knowing number.
As long as it was not nights of the sacred months (Ashur-e-Horum).
It is as though the religion of Islam was a guest that visited their house.
With every brave warrior, greedy for the flesh of the enemy.
He used to lead an ocean of an army on galloping horses.
They would strike ( the enemy) with a massive wave of brave warriors.
Of every volunteer, having hope of reward from Allah.
Fighting to exterminate the roots of kufr and to destroy it.
Until the religion of Islam became of them.
Reunited after her estrangement, with her family.
Always taken care of by an affectionate father
And a loving husband, so she did not suffer from orphanhood nor widowhood.
They were mountains, so ask about them from him who fought them.
What was his experience with them in each contest (battle).
Ask (them about the condition of ) Hunain, Badr, Uhad.
The verdict death for them was more severe than an epidemic.
(They made their) white (shinning) swords red (with blood) after they were plunged.
Into every black lock of (hair) of their enemies.
And they write (with arrows) in calligraphic writing (on those of the bodies), which was left out.
By their pens (lances). Like undotted letters,
Completely clad with weapons they had characteristic marks to distinguish them.
Like arose is distinguished by (characteristic) marks from a thorn tree.
The winds of help (from Allah) would guide you to their fragrance.
So you would think every brave man to be a flower in the bud.
As though they were, when on horse back like the plants on hills.
On account of the strength and bravery, not because of the tightness of their saddles.
The hearts of the enemies flew into terror (due to their) prowess.
So they could not make distinction between a lamb and a mighty warrior.
And the person who has the help of Rasuluallah Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam with him.
Even if a lion meets him in its den it begins to fear.
And you would never see a friend not assisted.
By him, nor would you find any enemy, but in pieces.
He lodged his ummat in the fort of his religion.
Like a lion which lodges with its cubs in a jungle.
How many queries did the words of Allah have with defiers.
Concerning him, and the clear evidence (of Allah), disputed many a plaintiff.
It is sufficient for you as a miracle (to have so vast) knowledge in an unlettered person.
In the period of ignorance, and such noble etiquettes in an orphan.

I served him with praise, by means of which I ask to be pardoned.
The sins of a life passed in poetry and serving (other)
As these two have garlanded me with that consequences which I fear.
As though I am due to it (poetry and serving others) a sacrificial animal.
I obeyed the misleading passions of youth in both conditions and I did not
I achieved but sin and remorse.
O the great regret of my soul in its transaction.
It did not purchase Deen with the world, nor had I negotiated for it.
The person who sells his future for his present.
His being defrauded in the sale and its negotiation.
If I had committed any sin my covenant is not (likely to be) violated.
With my Nabi Rasuluallah Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam and nor is my rope broken.
For verily I have a security from him due to my name.
(Being) Muhammad, while he is the most faithful of mankind in fulfilling his promise.
If at my resurrection, he should not take me by my hand
Out of kindness, then say O the slipping of my foot.
I seek the sanctuary (in Allah) that he should deprive one who is hopeful of his graces.
Or that his neighbour (follower) returned from him dishonoured.
And since I have devoted my thoughts to his praises.
I have found him to be best sanctuary for my salvation.
His bounty will never escape from (my) hand which has been soiled.
For verily rain causes flowers to bloom on rocks
And I did seek the flowers (wealth) of the world which were plucked.
By the hands of Zuhair through his praises of Haram.

Most generous of mankind, I have no one to take refuge in
Except you at occurrence of widespread calamity.
And O messenger of Allah, your exalted status will not diminish, because of me (intercession on my behalf)
When most Bountiful (Allah Ta’alaa) will manifest (Himself) by the name of the punisher.
For verily amongst your bounties is this world, and the hereafter.
And part of your knowledge is knowledge of the Preserved Tablet (Lowh), and the Pen.
O my soul do not become despondent due to your grievous sins.
Verily major sins when pardoned are minor.
Perhaps the mercy of my Lord when distributed.,
Would be distributed in proportion to the sins.
O my Lord (Sustainer)! Make my hopes, not unfulfilled.
By you, and make my reckoning (of deeds) not destructive.
Be kind to Your Servant in both the worlds, for verily his
Patience, when called upon by hardships (calamities), runs away.
So order clouds of blessings (salutations) from you perpetually.
Upon Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam abundantly and gently
And upon his family his Sahabah, then upon those who follow them.
The people of piety, knowledge, clemency and generosity.
(Then) be pleased with Abu-bakr and Omar (Radiyallahu Anhuma).
And Ali and Uthman (Radiyallahu Anhuma), the people of nobility.
As long as the easterly breeze makes the branches of cypress rustle.
And (as long as) the camel riders make their camels march with the enchanting songs.
Forgive its writer and its reader
I ask of you all goodness O You the Most Generous and Most Munificent.