Poetry has existed for centuries and there has long been a great tradition of spiritual poetry in the world of Islam. From the time of the Prophet David (AS) to that of the Blessed Prophet Muhammad (SAW), when his companions used to recite poetry with his approval, and until our present day where Muslims have sought to discover the truth of the saying, “in some poetry there is wisdom.” (Hadith No. 6145, Book of Al-Adab, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8)
Poets like Jalauddin Rumi and Rabiʿa al-Basri are famous among Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and one of the most beautiful poems that I’ve ever read was written by Rabiʿa al-Basri. The poem is entitled, My Love, from the book Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabia, and reads:
My joy
My hunger
My shelter
My friend;
My food for the journey
My journey’s End.You are my breath,
My hope,
My companion,
My craving,
My abundant wealth.Without You — my Life, my Love —
I would never have wandered across these endless countries.
You have poured out so much grace for me,
Done me so many favors, given me so many gifts —
I look everywhere for Your love —
Then suddenly I am filled with it.O Captain of my Heart
Radiant Eye of Yearning in my breast,
I will never be free from You
As long as I live.Be satisfied with me, Love,
And I am satisfied.
Much of the poetry that I’ve read by Rabiʿa al-Basri speaks about her love for and adoration of Allah (SWT) and from such adoration and love much can be accomplished. Poems at their best can elevate minds and hearts towards achieving their greatest potential and I have been personally touched by poetry of all kinds from artists such as Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes to Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Emily Dickinson. Through the art of poetry, we are able to convey that which is unseen, like sentiments of love, pain, fear, and joy, in a way that is substantial and in the best instances, effective for achieving positive changes in our lives.
aMuslima featured my first poetry collection, Redemption Song, in 2013 and it seemed fitting to share my newest poetry collection, Luminous, with the aMuslima readers. Like Redemption Song, this collection of poetry also explores the importance of self-reflection, faith, and the creation and sustenance of positive, meaningful relationships. Much of this collection was written after offering salaat or in reaction to personal and world events as a way of coping with pain, frustration and/or sadness. For this reason I’ve included sections within the book that can act as a type of journal for writing notes or personal reflections by the reader.
Whether we are aware of it or not, we all leave footprints in the interactions that we have with others and most of the huge issues that we are facing in the world today can be defeated by showing day-to-day kindness and respect to one another. Poetry can be the reminder that we need to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, at least it has been that for me, and I hope that if Allah (SWT) so wills, it may be that for you too.
I selected the title Luminous for this recent collection as a reminder to myself about constantly seeking to put my best foot forward in all situations. Whether it be in the face of racism, bigotry, sexism, oppression, injustice, hatred, back-biting or any other ill. The title poem from Luminous, Collected Poetry by Janette Grant is included below:
Light up the darkness
From the secret corners of your soul
To the outermost reaches over land and sea
Be luminous
Let not the horrors of this world deceive you
Nor the malice perpetrated by others to hinder you from salvation
Be bright
Loving
Kind
Strong in the face of faithlessness
Patient in the face of adversity
Love is greater than hate, stronger than hate
Darkness is only the absence of light-
I issue these reminders to my soul so that this dunya does not ensnare me within its grasp-
As a supplication for the protection of our children
So that generations to come might be armed with weapons of faithfulness and light
Be luminous, and rise
Light up the darkness with the remembrance of Allah
And shine for the sake of others – not for the glory of oneself
Be the change that you wish to see in this world
As we strive towards the blessings of the hereafter
Copyright © 2015 by Mindworks Publishing
Copyright © 2014 by Janette Grant
