Friday Musings

From his light (from The Poem of the Sufi Way)

-by Umar Ibn al-Farid

From his light,

     the niche of my essence enlightened me;

          by means of me,

               my nights blazed morning bright.

I made me witness my being there

     for I was he;

          I witnessed him as me,

               the light, my splendor.

By me the valley was made holy,

     and I flung my robe of honor --

          my "taking off of sandals" --

               on those summoned there.

I embraced my lights

     and so was their guide;

          how wondrous a soul

               illuminating lights!

I set firm my many Sinais

     and there prayed to myself;

          I attained every goal,

               as my being spoke with me.

My full moon never waned;

     my sun, it never set,

          and all the blazing stars

               followed my lead.