Umar Ibn al-Farid: In truth, I led my prayer leader in prayer (from The Poem of the Sufi Way)

In truth, I led my prayer leader in prayer
     with all of humanity behind me;
          wherever I turned
               was my way,

And my eye saw her before me
     in my prayer,
          my heart witnessing me
               leading all my leaders.

It is no wonder
     the prayer leader prayed toward me
          since she had settled in my heart
               as niche of my prayer niche.

All six directions faced me
     with all there was
          of piety and pilgrimage
               both great and small.

To her I prayed my prayers
     at Abraham's Station,
          and I witnessed in them
               her prayer to me,

Both of us one worshipper
     bowing to his reality
          in union
               in every prostration.

For no one prayed to me but I
     nor were my prayers performed
          to other than me
               in each genuflection.

How long must I be brother to the veil?
     I have rent it,
          and its clasps were loosened
               in the bond of my pledge!

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About Umar Ibn al-Farid

Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About Umar Ibn al-Farid

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World