Shushtari My neglect of you is reprehensible, while your love is a duty my longing is everlasting, while union is elusive On the tablet of my heart, your love has been marked my tears are the ink, and beauty is the writer The reader of my thoughts constantly recites lessons on the signs of the…
Natural Mystic
Shushtari Natural, Natural, ay, by God, Natural Natural, Natural, ay By God, Natural A poor man like me, with a begging bag around my neck My heart is free of any care And I like people who are light-hearted Such is the natural, he is liked by every natural Natural, Natural, ay, by God, Natural…
One Love
Ibn al-Fāriḍ Translation: As for my way in love, I have no way If I neglect my love for a day, then I have left my sect And if the thought of other than you occurs to me Inadvertantly, I would consider it as my apostasy You govern my life as you will, so…
I looked and all I saw was you…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ZMU1dZpIY Translation: If the meaning of your speech is not for me, then I don’t know For my heart will not be cured and my liver’s fire will not be quenched I looked and I didn’t see any one but you whom I love If not for you, love would not be sweet for those who…
Ibn ‘Arabi-My Beloved
Although not a poem in Arabic, this moving account of Divine “pillow talk” or munājāt (intimate discourses) by Ibn ‘Arabi was beautifully translated by Henri Corbin in poetic form (and modified by me to better correspond to the Arabic). Translation: Listen, O dearly beloved! I am the sought essence in the cosmos I am the centre…
O you present in my heart…
Translation: O you present in my heart, thinking of you makes me sweet If no one ever visits my eye, then my heart will take its place for me I am not gone, but my body is vanishing from wasting away So no blamer found me, and no chaperone/rival saw me Had the era known about me, people would…
Du’a Nasiri الدعاء الناصري
Du’a Nāṣiri Translation: O You to Whose mercy one flees! You in Whom the one in need and distress seeks refuge! O Master, You Whose pardon is near! O You Who help all who call on Him! There is nothing more majestic than Your immense power and nothing mightier than the might of Your…
‘Afīf al-dīn Tilimsānī and son
The disciple of Ibn ‘Arabi, ‘Afīf al-din Tilimsānī (d. 1291), and his son (known as al-Shab al-Ẓarīf, “The Elegant Youth” ) are known and loved for their poetry, some of which is still sung today. Here I present one poem from the father, and a more famous poem by the son with special thanks to K.M. for…
Me/not Me
Shah Niyaz Barelvi A lover without news I am I am not I, yet I am I A Knower with art I am I am not I, nay I am I Burning of the heart and liver I am Restless in seclusion I am knowledgeable of all cures I am I am not I, nay…
Good news from Shaykh al-‘Alawi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILStmtFREEs Translation: Good news to you, my friends! News of nearness and drawing near! You are gathered in security As long as you are in the party of Allah. Good news to you, my masters! Good news to you, my lovers! Good news about what is coming —You are in the mercy of Allah. Your gathering is…