By Novid Shaid, 2011

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(based on a poem attributed to Rabia Al Adawiyya, “Ya Habeeb al qulub”)

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O You, who created the dazzling light of the sun,

which fills the sky at dawn with a mesmerising crimson complexion,

and grows in height and strength until it scales its zenith

beaming down from way on high, illuminating and majestic.

O You, who casts the lustrous light of the moon,

which pervades the night sky with a radiant attitude.

And when the moon reveals its whole blooming face,

The darkened sky displays an image of such heavenly grace

But, alas, the lights of the sun and moon ebb and abate,

Each knowing full well, that their lights daily terminate.

O You, who composed our heavenly spheres with Your sheer power

How strange it is that the lights in the hearts of Your awliya,

which may be clothed in skin and cells, aging and ailing,

the lights of their hearts grow brighter, each moment, intensifying.

The sun and moon of the sky shine bright but are destined to fade,

While the hearts of the awliya glow with a light that proliferates.

O You who casts Your light deep in their breasts,

Guide us to their lights, make them manifest.

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Notes:

Awilya: Arabic plural noun meaning the friends/saints of God.