Faith
One can learn a dictionary by memorizing it,
Translated from Uzbek · Original text
1One can learn a dictionary by memorizing it,Memorize the rules, and they are learned by rote.But in my studies I do not find wisdom,And yet it is in wisdom that the benefits lie.Which university, my friend,Or which school will teach the lesson of aspiration?Who will teach loyalty and pass on modesty,Telling the heart, “Be kind,” my friend?If only we could study, as eager learners,The textbooks about love and kindness.Whatever secrets lie within fairness and piety,If only we could know their bright ways.But teaching this is impossible, and soNo lessons on this are taught at school.Yet because of this it is a question in your soul,No other flower can be offered to the soul.That is, for your soul to be joyful,Give it the flowers called modesty.So that lovers may die at peace,Give their eyes the light of loyalty.2My God, to You be praise and glorification without end,I am Your servant, and You are my Master.In this world the only thing that holds my body togetherIs Your divine Word, full of mercy.If a servant loves his master, he obeys,He keeps far from the steppes of rebellion.Whatever the lover receives from his beloved,He finds it all sweet, even in separation.The lover wants to resemble the beloved,The lover follows the beloved every moment.Though cries and sighs burn his breast,He takes the memory of the beloved as his companion.You are the One who does good, my God,Yet You expect no return from anyone.You have always sent down love into hearts,Yet You stand free of need for a servant's love.Without bowing to You, rebellious wretchesSaid and did whatever they could.But You sent the voices of revelation —Compassion rained down upon the misguided.My God, raise me Yourself —So that I do good without expecting good.Make love a trait of my very being,May I not crave love, but smile.Even if oppression rains wholly upon my head,Even if bitter torment reaches my soul,With a smile blooming on my face like many flowers,May I offer compassion to my oppressor!For You are ar-Rahman, You are as-Salam,You are the Forbearing, the Patient, without doubt.Your mercy is the divine Word,You are an-Nur, who lights the world, without doubt.You are al-Qahhar; I fear Your wrath, my God,Before Your anger I am utterly afraid.May I show wrath to no one for my ego's sake,You alone are King, You alone are the Truth!If I fill the world with love and light,If I plant saplings of compassion night and day,My head is bowed before Your will,Perhaps one day I'll attain Your compassion…Perhaps, among the servants who love You,Perhaps, among those surrendered to You,If love's eternal spring should call me, “Come,”I would kneel before Your generosity, trembling with awe…Akrom MALIK
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