Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 57. AL-HAMID, by EDWIN ARNOLD


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PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 57. AL-HAMID, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Praise him by alms; and when ye help believers
Last Line: Thy goodness, ever-laudable?
Subject(s): God; Islam


Rich to reward your Lord is; oh, do ye
Praise Al-Hamîd, the "Ever-praiseworthy!"

Praise Him by alms; and when ye help believers,
Mar not your gifts with grudging word or will:
Since ye at Allah's hands are free receivers,
Freely bestow. A garden on a hill

Is as a likeness of that fair compassion
Shown for the sake of God: the heavy rain
Descendeth, and the dew: and every fashion
Of good seed springs tenfold in fruit and grain.

The likeness of the evil heart, bestowing
That men may praise, is as the thin-clad peak,
Wherefrom the rain washes all soil for growing,
Leaving the hard rock naked, fruitless, bleak.

Say, will ye plant on rock or plenteous garden?
Grow nought, or grow green vines that shade afford!
Forgive your brethren as ye ask for pardon;
Give as ye have received, and praise your Lord!

Allah-al-Hamîd! what tongue can tell
Thy goodness, ever-laudable?





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