Peace, one and all…
The following na’t (a traditional poetic form, often sung) was written by Nuri (the pen name of the mid-20th century poetess, Sayyida Musarrat Jahan Begum). This na’t was taken from John Renard’s excellent anthology, Windows on the House of Islam and was translated by Dr. Ali Asani.
Enjoy and may never-ending prayers and blessings fall evermore upon Muhammad, the Beloved and Chosen.
‘There has come a sign from the unseen that I should praise Ahmad;
Friends, in neither my pen nor tongue is there the ability or capacity
for this
My mind and speech are perplexed: if I am to recite, what should I recite?
How can I praise him who is loved by God Himself?
This pride, my dignity, they rely on your being,
The outcome of my life is but a spark of your love.
He is the Prophet, entirely mercy, consoler of the community;
He has been so kind to us that we can hardly
raise our heads.
No one in this world shares in pain and sorrow like him;
O Soul, after God, refuge lies in his being.
May my na’t be accepted and I be allowed to enter his presence:
Whether it be a revelation of the holy door or a vision or a glance.
I would sacrifice heart and soul if I have the good fortune of his
presence;
My sould would be in ecstasy, the sign of [true] desire.
My prayer is that on the day of resurrection, my master should say to
me:
‘Nuri, why are you fearful? Surely you are not unprotected!’
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
