My Beloved

                                        

               There was a time in my youth,
               When Islam was only a custom.
               They said "say La IIaha IIIa Allah,..
               And pray, you'll go to Heaven."
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               Ah, how simple, no struggle in this,
               Just a word, and simple act.
               Thereafter I'm absorbed in this world again,
               With my 'assured' place in Paradise intact.
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               But this was not to be my fate
               For ALLAH chose to guide my heart.
               I learnt of a man who struggled so hard
               When his mission was from the start.

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               The story of someone who had morals,
               Spoke gently, kindness he knew.
               Never fearing to say what's right,
               His conviction in ISLAM was true.
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               The touch of his hand was as soft as silk
               To comfort a crying child.
               To mend his clothes, or do the chores,
               Never complaining, he always smiled.
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               A living he made with his bare hands,
               The same that held his mighty sword.
               Valour shone from the edge of his blade,
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               His smell was always of musk,
               And cleanliness he kept at his best.
               Stark contrast with the heroes of today,
               Who stink of beer and sweat.
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               He held the hands of his companions.
               Unashamed to play with many children.
               So modest, so humble, a perfect example,
               That strangers could not recognise him.
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               His eyes slept little for nights were precious,
               His prayers he treasured much greater.
               To pray Tahajjud in the depths of night,
               Seeking forgiveness, and nearness to his Creator.
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               He broke his tooth for me at Uhud,
               And bled for me at Ta'if.
               He cried for me, tears of concern,
               Just so I could have this belief.
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               His enemies admired his teachings,
               Uniting every religion, every clan.
               Till ISLAM came to every corner of the world,
               O, but indeed he was only a man.
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               To own a house, or build his wealth
               Was not his main priority.
               To establish ISLAM was more essential,
               To bring us under a Higher Authority.
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               Don't you want him to plea for your case,
               When before ALLAH-The Judge-you stand?
               Don't you wish to be around his fountain,
               A burning desire to drink from his hand?
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               So I love him more than all creation,
               My Leader, my Humble Prophet.
               Muhammad (SAWS) was a mercy to all mankind,
               And to me, he is ************

Ahmed.M.Hashim-1@tc.umn.edu