Diwan

By: Shaykh Alawi

31

Oh You by whose light

The cosmos appeared

You are the Manifest!

Until they were

Although they were not,

Is a dazzling affair.

This is their course

For that reason they did not deface:

It is wise and clever.

When they adorned

Indeed, they adorned:

A fragrant scent.

They were oblivious to it.

How can it be when they are

Its luminous full moon.

They wandered in it

As they ended

Alone, no more.

Many come

And nourish the spirits,

Both good and harm.

This is magic

Or is what you see, guidance?

Be present!

The face of the Beloved

Paused, and I

Am travelling to it.

For that is because

Every heart of ours

Begins to do dhikr,

When it harvests.

The heart has fruits

And begins to fly.

It builds in them

And becomes parted from His essence,

And becomes bewildered.

32

They hoisted! They hoisted! The lovers journeyed, they walked, and they rose to the carpet of meaning.

They rolled up; they rolled up those veils, which you see. They ascended and lifted up. A celestial one occupied them.

They forgot, they forgot their people and what they left. What can please them in the bliss of this world?

They shone, they shone like stars. They arose secure. They withdrew and hid the spirit. They went home with the intoxicated.

They were annihilated, they were annihilated. My intellect is bewildered — by what do they go-on? They were dazzled and drew near to the best of the strong in the rich.

They were treasured, they were treasured, they were valued like gold nuggets after they had come to creatures, of narrator!

They conveyed, they conveyed knowledges, which are correct. What did they lavish on the generous truthful one?

What did they purify from the hearts, which were barred? What did they guide from the confusion of time?

They gave drink, they gave drink, all of them became drunk and then sober. They drank and gave to drink from the prophetic wine.

They removed, they removed every obstacle. By what do they travel by night? They took booty and ran. I was a Darqawi among them.

They left a cup with me from them. By what do they give drink after they have followed the track to the station of the next world?

He saw us striving in correct behavior, which we saw. Perhaps they will be pleased with the weak al-‘Alawi.

Rijal have passed. Far be it from them to conceal our might! We hope for our day and what it contains.

33

Dhikr is the means of every good.

What was the past excessive with in moments?

Days are lost until they become rare.

We obtained my moment today. We do dhikr with intention. We are present with the heart and awareness.

Dhikr is better than commerce, had we told what is in it.

It is better than the kingdom and the government even while people distort it.

All of this world is loss, encircling the just and the fool.

My Lord, protect me from its heat.

We fear that my self will become its mount and that we will remain a prisoner in its power.

After success and pleasing attributes, dhikr is the means of every good.

Oh Lord, disasters are common and dhikr is heavy on the tongue.

Creation runs in strange things, and the states of people vary.

The goal is plunged into goals, and very little indeed is truthfulness.

People’s hearts are steel.

Admonition does not profit the lords of rebellion; I am incapable of being a warner.

Where are my words in relation to the words of the prophets? Dhikr is the means of every good.

The sleeper understands the near, and the corpse does not have any sensation.

What word is possible about him? He saw me and disliked me without basis.

The states of people are insane. They rush in hatred and bankruptcy.

It is well known that their day is great —

On the Day of Reckoning. What is ad-Dahiya (disaster)?

Had you seen what it becomes —

You would listen to our words and you would turn away from rebellion. Dhikr is the means of every good.

My brothers! Come on! Let us turn in tawba! We will all do dhikr of our Lord.

This is what we do that hits the mark in the next world.

The moment is precious and should not be squandered.

Our Lord is enough for the wretched. He does not hear any word and he does not obey.

He rebels against his Master with great wrong action.

Dhikr benefits the heart and heals. It brings new life to the heart and awareness.

It goes out to might after abasement of rebellion. Dhikr is the means of every good.

Oh Lord; give success to the community for good deeds and rightness.

Strip off rebellion with his obedience. Turn to the slaves with forbearance.

We and all creation need intercession. We are all ugly.

We desire to turn in tawba, oh Powerful.

How many evil actions are performed in rebellion outwardly, and hidden while people bring me back good.

Were it not that Your favor covers me and appears in me? Dhikr is the means of every good.

Our words became realities, and they are transmitted in books.

A breath of wind appeared to the creatures. It took the spirit and the hearts.

The one with truthfulness has yearning. Oh Lord, veil faults — al-‘Alawi thinks well.

Oh Latif! Let me reach the desire by the rank of the truthful bringer of good news.

I and those present, and those with intention.

Dhikr is the means of every good.

34

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language.

We desire to glorify you, Oh TaHa, while articulation does not help to describe you.

Some of the praise of you is foolishness. Examples cannot come up to your likeness.

The stars came above their heaven. My eye is too weak to perceive you.

You appeared from afar in my eyes.

Elevated, like the pleaides, a brilliant, glaring star.

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language.

Had this community recognized you, their moments would have been annihilated in your dhikr.

Profit is in you without service which is misled by whoever prefers other-than-you.

All the earth and the heaven and the Throne and the Pen are from your light.

I am incapable of thought in that station.

What can we say about the Master of Ascension?

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language.

The light of Allah has no likeness, and the inability to describe it is wisdom.

Should we describe it, we would prefer other words than those we have uttered.

The branch and root is above all. He was sent to creatures as a mercy.

My Lord guard my house for him.

My thought is broken, lowered, in need.

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language.

Lying is not increased in those on foot. Had it not been for you, I would not have recognized the Powerful.

There would be no Deen and no prayer and no qibla.

Your favor covers us outwardly.

By it, I reached the might of the arrival. We were glorious in the earth and the heaven.

The entire length of time is madly in love with you.

My heart throbs for you, and my tears stream down abundantly.

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language.

May the Lord of mankind bless you. O master of every master, I desire you!

These praises of you are mere assessments. We hope to have a road.

My family, all of them, and the fuqara’ and the mu’minun hope for your favor.

One day we will die and be in the Gathering.

My heart is weak and fears injury.

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language.

Where is the Station? Where is the alighting? My Lord knows after separation.

We fear that mental disorder will spread among us on an immense day, O Abu’l-Qasim!

Pardon, O dove of the Messengers! Who except you would preserve the weak? I thought that you would accept my excuse.

The split is clear in me and the moment is ugly.

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language.

This is yours. He saw me polishing. What is excessive in me is impossible.

However, I fear my wrong actions, and whatever acts of rebellion have been committed.

My Lord, be kind to al-‘Alawi! Save him from the cares of this world. In every moment, an unforeseen event occurs.

The heart is not safe. It is always injured.

Muhammad — the Creator chose you.

We praise you with the heart and the tongue is crooked.

The description of the Beloved is beyond my language

35

My tears fall in torrents. My eyes burn from them.

O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

Grant peace to him, O breeze of nearness. Mention my pain from passion and my love to him. I am mad with love for him, and I cannot obtain him. Patience is impossible with the presence of radiance. O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

The light of the Beloved is taken away, O passionate lovers! A core is from it. If one sees it, he is attracted. A wondrous matter! Whoever draws near perceives it. He sees this meaning in the arrival. O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

Take the road, O you who desire nearness! Follow the guide to the presence of al-‘Arabi. Beware of inclining from the school of love. We drink cold water. We drink it from his wine. O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

The cupbearer of the wine is in the presence of purity. TaHa, the Imam, is forgotten from the wine. There is no criticism if I said that my cup is in him. The light of beauty covers things. O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

The beauty of the essence is Muhammad, the guide. The light of the attributes is my treasure and support. I made the state of death my increase. In the questioning, he says, ‘I am asking for it.’ O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

He will truly intercede for the one who is from me, on the Path. This is my opinion. I am firm. My fortress is Mustafa. In the end, we hope for mercy. O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

I have nothing except him. We hope for him in hardship. Great of rank, Muhammad is my treasure. My heart desires him for all time. His favor still continues and covers the community. O coolness of the late afternoon. Grant peace to TaHa.

36

May Allah bless you, Oh light! Oh light of all the stages.

Oh best of whoever is in the stages.

Oh Messenger of Allah! You, you are the variegated light.

Light upon light! You brought the Qur’an which was sent down.

A niche of light and oil. You brought a harmonious light.

Being was not until it appeared, adorned by you.

You are in effects. You said that the cosmos took shape from you.

You came from the presence of purity, and you are still in it.

You were before the cosmos. You were before endless time like after-endless-time.

You were absolute; you became adorned with limitations.

There is nothing at all in existence except light. I said, ‘Yes!’

A surprise appeared from the Unseen — you descended from the highest of the high.

Oh Messenger of Allah! You won the best favor and abundance.

Oh Messenger of Allah! You go on and I go on obedient to you.

Al-‘Alawi hopes that hope will obtain your pleasure.

37

Oh my master Ahmad. Oh Muhammad. May Allah bless you.

Oh you by whom the heart is supported, and it was brought up on you.

Oh Muhammad. Do not deny us the splendor of your face.

I am wounded and exhausted, and I still watch you carefully.

The place is still afflicted, still hoping that you will come.

I thought that you would come and return. What is it with you?

You turned from you. Oh most glorious! May Allah give you pleasure.

He saw me counting off the days. Had I been correct, I would have raised you in dignity.

The end generally runs out, and protection is yours.

He recognized me as firm by my nature. In what am I excessive about you?

By Allah! I still repeat the prayer on you.

Had I continued until after-endless-time, I would not have been generous enough with anything about you.

Perhaps by that, I will see the light of your face.

Al-‘Alawi fears to abandon desire for you.

Oh Muhammad! This is my opinion! You have perfection.

After praise, I continued to wait and watch for you in sleep.

Until I see you, Oh my master Ahmad — may Allah repay you —

However, you remain frightened away, fearing that I have not given you permission.

I recognize that my actions are wrong, and nothing is concealed from you.

However, the doctor endures, as you know.

There must be loss in the day in order that we become intimate with you.

Full of regret, I was patient with increase. Now you are enough for me.

Part of your description is that you are gentle with the denier — perhaps he will trust in you.

I surrender to you. I testify that I do not have any doubt.

There is no doubt and no hesitation — I am a unifier. The relationship is enough for you.

I, a Sufi and a unifier, admire you from the workmanship in your hands.

Test me and keep my company. You will find that my spirit is your ransom.

I make you unique in a house in which there is no partner.

In a set aside elevated place, outside of this and that.

I spread out for you a felt rug, excellent for reclining.

Unrolled carpets alight, while veils conceal you.

Fumigated with aloes, exposed by a scent, which spreads over you.

Prepared, diffused, supported, and the cupbearer gives you something to drink

From a sweet drink set forward. I think that it will please you.

What you seek, you will find taken care of, ready for you.

I admire you — a slave born in the house of the King.

Skilled, produced, existing, exercising your right.

I recognize you desiring to worship in this and that.

I leave you retreat in which to strive. I am with you in the morning.

I will bring you a pleasing jug — pure with which you can do wudu.

I will keep your company to the door of the mosque, my hand in your hand.

I will preserve you from evil events. I will shield you with myself.

Oh ruh of the body! How great you are! Might becomes you.

Had I found your rarity in antimony, we would cover the eyelid with you.

This is my state. My Lord is a witness of what I add to you.

Of source of mercy, Muhammad. May Allah bless you

38

The honey of the Beloved!

Says ‘Labayk’.

Does he know that the Master has given me a portion?

O you who know! We touch a dome.

Its scent and its goodness is delightful. It gathers every good thing. What the dome contains is enough for you.

We touch the station with the fineness of the desires of the one with adab. I cover my face with dust.

We sit like one who has done tayammum opposite near impurity, pouring out abundant tears.

You remain in persistence, abased, worshipping the Noble One. It is impossible that we hasten to Him.

He knows, and we stay in the house of my father as long as we remain exiles, related to him as we should be related.

We are not ignorant of this station.

They saw one looking towards the qibla.

If you desire to recognize favor, gather up all qualities.

I have not seen a like in the very poor the beauty of whose arrival was above all.

They saw him above the clouds, like the sky in place.

The sun and the moon would have been amazed had the dweller appeared in tajalli.

The angels circle around him, and lights pierce the heights.

We will relate the qualities of Mustafa —

Firm in joint, strong of body, we add that he is more radiant than the moon in purity.

His beard is thick, and his hair is thick and dark. White is hidden in the blackness.

He has abundant curly hair. The possessor is slender.

There is charm even in the parting of his hair.

A split between the teeth. Subtle saliva shines. A curved mouth, red of lip.

Wide of chest, and shoulder, what shall we add about stature, and body and stance?

Strength and courage. We speak about a strong wind proceeding in walk as is necessary.

If you desire to recognize a body, you gather together beautiful attributes.

A color drinking of redness. Medium height, they use the kunya.

Thick of palm, in which there is softness, hair dyed with henna.

He passed sixty by two and a half years.

There is no end, no omission in beauty.

Glory be to the One who guided him with radiance

Until purity, and he entered a cave.

There is no imperfection. They met and there is no insult.

Refined in character, skilled, and intelligent youth. Noble of descent and estimation.

Opposing enemies from childhood and opposing the rigid — respecting the family and relatives.

Straight of support, pure of body, bountiful. The eye is confused in the obligation.

I have not seen among creatures any near to his like — Harmonious in softness and gravity.

Had we grasped what is a portion of character for the people, we would not have enough ink to write it.

In garments, he did not choose to be veiled in order to obtain. In hardship, keep to him: sweet water!

If you desire to recognize the eye, black eyes in which there is brownness.

Lowered eyelashes, a look with a glance of blackness in which there is red

Fine-arched eyebrows appear as two (letter) ‘nuns’ inscribed on paper.

A bent nose, famous of report, known in the cities and the villages

Wide brow — I have a tear — perfect in beauty and form

Connecting the breast to the abdomen,

a split going to the navel

I have a desire in this saying

If you mention TaHa, I fear that my intellect will withdraw, attracted in him as it should be attracted.

He saw me saying, we will reach the grave, although walking is hard, whatever my one meal will be.

It is well known that whoever is in pain needs a doctor, and endures on the hard path.

The passionate lover doing tayammum draws hear in order to reach — truthfulness is a condition in love.

My Lord! Give al-‘Alawi a near opening! And let him obtain a rank in the heights.

We pass the honey of the Beloved to my family and brothers. We teach under the sponsorship of the Prophet

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The glance is pure. The presence is delightful.

Good news came to the people of Allah.

They stood up in intoxication with that great news.

They were filled with thankfulness to Allah.

O you who are present! Do dhikr and remember!

Beware of rejecting the state of the people of Allah.

Surrender to them in whatever befalls them.

Know that they have withdrawn into Allah.

They have ecstasy — a caller calls them

And comes suddenly on them in dhikr of Allah.

Whoever does not find ecstasy, let him affect ecstasy

Intending to turn to Allah’s favor.

They said this, and they inclined to this.

They were snatched away in dhikr of Allah.

Until we thought ‘Who is not among us?

We are completely mad by dhikr of Allah.’

Good health to us, then our good news!

Even if we are foolish in Allah.

40

Oh our Lord! Oh You we hoped for! Be kind to us with Your lutf and prepare an opening for us.

Our Lord, we ask You by the Qur’an and what is in it and by the seven Mathani,

And by the one who brought it and unfolded it and respected its ayat and loved it.

He commanded our love of the Qur’an. It was more delightful with us than whatever existed,

You sent it down and You commanded it to be gathered. Our Master! Preserve it as You said.

Others tried to leave it. Our Master! Do You permit it to be done?

We would not be pleased to abandon the Qur’an because it is the Deen with Iman.

Its value with us has no equal. All existence is contained in it.

The Qur’an is the source of Haqiqa, the Shari‘ah, and the firm grip.

You know our love of the Qur’an, and how it frees the heart and tongue.

It mixes with our flesh and blood, and the sinews and bones and what is in us.

Our Lord, by its right, do not take us by surprise in our Deen. Oh Master! Do not test us!

Our Lord, make an opening for Your Deen! One stands at Your door full of hope.

Oh Lord, give the exile shelter in his family! Separation is painful to his lovers.

Oh Lord, let him be aware before his death, and Oh Lord! Increase him in his life.

Make our house a safe house, and preserve us from every deceit and trial.

Oh Master, support us with Your spirit, and give us success in Your command, Our Lord!

Show mercy to us, great and small, and keep them safe — You see them in bewilderment.

Make this world of ours sound along with the Deen!

Remove the distress of the sorrowful and the poor!

Our Lord, forgive the one who makes a supplication with our supplication, and be ours and all the friends.

Bring us to the witnessing of beauty and what it has of the secrets of perfection.

Oh Lord, bless with a prayer befitting Mustafa, let it be true for the family.

And his Companions and his helpers and followers.