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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 49. AL-MAJID by EDWIN ARNOLD

Poet Analysis

First Line: BY THE HEAVENS, WALLED WITH SILVER SIGNS AND TOWERS
Last Line: THAT WE MAY KEEP THIS COVENANT.
Subject(s): GOD; ISLAM;

@3Al-Majid! Glorious Lord upon the Throne.
With this great name we praise Thee, Sovereign One!@1

By the Heavens, walled with silver signs and towers!
By the Promised Day!
By the Witness and the Witnessed; and the Way
Of righteousness!—this glorious Book of ours
Lieth treasured up in Heaven,
As 'twas given
On the mighty "Night of Powers;"
And its easy bond is this,
The which to keep is bliss:

@3"None save Glorious Allah serve;
Never from His precepts swerve
Honor teacher, father, mother;
Unto him who is thy brother,
Unto kindred, friends also,
Orphans, suppliants, sad ones, show
Gentleness and help; to each
Speak with kind and courteous speech.
Give in alms that thou may'st spare,
And be constant in thy prayer."

Allah al-Majîd! Thy favor grant,
That we may keep this covenant@1.



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