UMAR IBN AL-FARID (Egypt, 1181 - 1235)

FROM THIS LIGHT,

from "The Poem of the Sufi Way"

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 holey,
and I flung my robe of honor --
my "taking off of sandals" --
on those summend there.

I embraced my lights
and so was their guide;
how wondrous a soul
illuminating lights!

I set firm my many Sinais
and ther 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.

By my leave, in my realm
planets moved,
and angels bowed
to my dominion.

In the world of remembrance
the soul has her ancient lore;
my young disciples
seek it from me,

So hurry to my union old
where I have found
the elders of the tribe
as newborn babes,

For my friends drink
what I left behind,
while those before me,
their fine qualities fall short of mine.