Allah Awoke

A Sufi Love poem

Some of the world’s spiritual traditions teach that the very sound of certain languages, particularly Hebrew and Arabic, can have a spiritual effect on one.  I am not Muslim, nor am I fluent in Arabic, but I wrote parts of this poem using Arabic words and phrases that nestle so warmly and sweetly in my heart. Blessings to all.

 

Allah Awoke

From the void Allah awoke

To sing a single holy note.

His voice gave rise to all vibration,

Spirit song of life’s creation.

La illa ha illah ‘lah

Alhumdulillah Subhanallah

Joined in a Circle we pray his name.

Within the Circle angels the same.

Wingtip to shoulder, shoulder to wing,

Gathered together, together we sing.

Alhumdulillah Subhanallah

La illa ha illa ‘lah

The Sufi heart is a chalice of pain.

Here in secret we hold his flame.

The Sufi heart is a chalice of Love

Filled with baraka from above.

La illa ha illa ‘lah

Alhumdulillah Subhanallah

Reviews

[Ayesha Faiz]

As a Muslim, I’m truly pleased to see the influence of the Arabic language in your work. This poem is beautifully written, and I sincerely appreciate the thought and emotion you’ve put into it.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Ayesha. Your kind words mean so much to me. While I was not raised in a Muslim society, nonetheless many aspects of Islam speak strongly to me. Due to years of involvement with a Sufi order, many of my own spiritual practices draw from Islam. One of my great regrets is being unable to read the holy Quran in Arabic as intended. I have been hesitant to post my poetry that reflects my involvement with Sufism, I have feared offending Muslims who may see me as superficial, as toying with the faith. Thank you again. MSB

[Ayesha Faiz]

Thank you for sharing that with me. I truly believe it’s okay to follow what your heart is drawn to, sincere curiosity and respect are never something to be ashamed of. If your connection to Sufism brings you peace and inspiration, then it’s a beautiful thing. Don’t be afraid to express that in your poetry. You don't need to be concerned about what others would think of you. You alone are enough as it is. Do what your heart desires. Heartfelt intentions always shine through.

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work. Excellent

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thanks Thomas.

[Emunah June.]

I think it is not studied enough the emotional, raw, visceral reaction within the human spirit when these languages fall on one's ears. I speak fluent Hebrew, and honestly, I never get tired of hearing it. I dont know how to speak Arabic myself, but I knew a man who could and I found myself just as captivated. Your poem does an outstanding job encapsulating that amazing, and basking in the agape of adoration that is our Creator. Im positively enthralled to have read such a piece!

[Michael Sun Bear]

Hey, thank you! You really jumped right on this; I was still fooling around with the spacing, the website just did not want to accept my format. Finally got it right. I am so pleased to hear from you, someone who speaks Hebrew. I used to have a Jewish Sufi teacher who spoke of how, when in Jerusalem, he found it pleasing to hear Christians, Jews and Muslims all using the word Allah. Language can tear us apart, or bring us together.

[Emunah June.]

In Judaism, there is a concept known as lashon hara, which states that words can bring forth blessings or curses. To speak lashon hara is to speak ill of a friend or neighbor, and so it is expressly forbidden. It is unclean, unkempt, and startlingly so, unwise.

A Christian singer, TobyMac, once sang a song called "Speak Life", and in the song he says "its crazy to imagine / words from my lips as the arms of compassion", and "we can turn a heart through the words we say".

Language is so incredibly powerful, and really when you sit to think about it, its amazing a few sounds we swish around have the power to uplift the lost and destroy civilizations.