@3Allah-al-Kuddûs—the "Holy One" He is; But purify thy speech, pronouncing this;@1 For even Israfil, Who waits in Heaven still Nearest the Throne, and hath the voice of sweetness, Before his face doth fold The wings of feathered gold, Saying "Al-Kuddûs"; and in supreme completeness Of lowly reverence stands, Laying his angel-hands Over his lips, lest Allah's holiest name Be lightly breathed on high; And that white mystery Pass, as if that and others were the same Iblîs—'tis written—when He heareth among men The name of "Allah" spoken, shrinks and flies; But at the sound of this, Uttered in realms of bliss, The Djins and angels, in their ranks, arise. And what believer dares Begin his morning prayers Without "wuzu'th"—th' ablution? who is seen His Korân to rehearse But hath in mind its verse, "Let none me touch, save such as are made clean?" Lo! if with streams or sands Ye lave the earnest hands Lifted in prayer; and if ye wash the mouth Which reads the sacred scroll, Dare ye with sullied soul Meditate this dread word, that shrines the truth Of Allah's purity? Bethink! His great eyes see The hearts of men unto their inmost core; Make clean your hearts within; Cast forth each inmost sin; Then with bowed brows, say this name, and adore. @3Forgive, Thou Pure One!—Whom we bless— Of our good deeds the sinfulness@1. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DEAD LEAVES by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON LOVE'S TENDRILS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE ROOM OF MIRRORS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE INEBRIATE by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM THE HUMAN ABSTRACT, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE SORROW by AUBREY THOMAS DE VERE |