Peace, one and all…
Own Your Own Reponses
Since this Way is advice,
let us speak of such things awhile.
O beloved soul, own your own responses
and never look to others for your own human shortcomings.
As you walk along the paths of this world
blame not another for the work of your own hands.
Realise, my friend, that a beautiful woman
did not cause those seeds of attraction to grow within you.
She is merely herself and neither a vessel
to hold the doleful wine of your lust,
nor a safe in which to store away
all those complexities of your honour.
Remember, my friend, that in the Beloved’s wide realms
love of truth and beauty are the only currency.
So take yourself to task when you do wrong
and be honest enough to claim the deeds you have wrought.
(Abdur Rahman, May 2007, The Corner Reloaded)
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
May 2, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I absolutely love the simple title of this piece, and the whole piece in general. It’s a wonderful imperative and something I’m going to carry with me for a long time. Thank you for sharing
May 2, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Salaams Shiraz,
Jazak Allah. Thank you for your kind thoughts. They are appreciated.
These poems are really about the things I’m learning myself. May Allah help us all to grow beyond our limitations.
Abdur Rahman
May 2, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Salaams Abdur Rahman Bhai,
Alhamdulillah! What a beneficial advice!
Masha Allah! Among all your poems, there is a special message which connects to a whole set of circumstances which one might come across in life.
One just cannot miss….. a sense of hope, a healing touch, an inward glance and aboveall, a connection to the Divine.
that’s why, dear Bhai, i always enjoy reading all your poems over and over again.
Alhamdulillah! your poems do help others a great deal……….so before you would be a formal Chaplain, MashaAllah, this is already a medium for Chaplaincy!!!
Jazaak Allah Khair,
Ma as Salaama,
sf
May 3, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Salaams SF,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m touched by your generosity. However, all that is good comes from Allah. Only the mistakes are mine (and Lord knows there are enough of them).
Abdur Rahman
May 11, 2007 at 4:34 pm
[...] Rahman presents Own Your Own Responses posted at Abdur Rahman’s Corner. Some wise words of advice about how our souls should [...]