Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Islamic Realization Society

Sufi Literature and Poetry

As has been previously mentioned, earlier Sufism was based on an oral tradition, but around 1000 AD, its teachings and doctrines were put into writing. For the next four centuries, Sufi literature flourished in the form of manuals, mystical tales and anecdotes, treatises on Islamic theology, philosophy, metaphysics and mystical poetry.

Sufi manuals were for the instruction and practice of new "initiates," in various orders. They took a form of "master-disciple" instruction on correct behaviour and conduct within the order. They also dealt with strict "obedience" to the master, methods of "dhikr" and meditation, and also with piety and devotion to God. A famous classical manual is by IBN ARABI called, "Journey to the Lord of Power," which is a handbook on spiritual retreat.

Tales and anecdotes in the form of literature are really meant as "teaching tales," with the purpose of driving home a moral or mystical point. Some of the tales are elaborate and allegorical in their content. A classical example is ATTAR's "Conference of the Birds," and SA'DI's "The Rose Garden," and many others by Arabic and Persian authors and poets.

Classical Sufi treatises on the nature and essence of Sufism and Islamic theology were written by the famous Sufi philosopher AL GAZALLI, who lived in Damascus, Syria around 1100 AD. His famous work called "Reconstruction of Religious Sciences," and "Alchemy of Happiness"' are classic examples. Another Sufi master IBN ARABI, born in Spain around 1160 AD, is perhaps the most profound Sufi author of his time. Two of his famous works are called "Bezels of Wisdom," and"Meccan Revelations." They deal with theories on pantheism and monotheism, such as the theory that asserts that "God is Nature, and Nature God." The other theory differentiates God from Nature, by asserting that "God is above Nature, which He created." Yet other theories deal with the "Unity of Being," and the "wisdom of prophecy," and so on. Studies based on such works are still subjects for Sufi contemplation and meditation.

Sufi poetry is recited by Sufis to enhance mystical awareness. Such poetry written in the "classical era" were by Arabic poet IBN-AL-FARID, and persian poets such as HAFIZ, SA'DI, JAMI and RUMI. RUMI, perhaps is the best known in the West for his monumental poetic works called the "Masnavi" and "Divan-i-shams." Poetic imagery both symbolic and mystical, depicts the central themes with which all Sufis are familiar with, are the "pangs of separation of the lover from the beloved," the "individual soul's" desire for mystical union with the "Universal soul," These are some of the important themes. Classical and modern Sufi poetry can be found from North Africa and Middle East, to India and Indonesia.

Few examples of Sufi poetry are as given below
Attar (1119 - 1230?) saint and mystic, one of the most voluminous authors in Persian literature on religious topics. His best-known work, Conference of the Birds, is an elaborate allegory of the soul's quest for reunion with God
So long as we do not die to ourselves, and so long as we identify with someone or something, we shall never be free. The spiritual way is not for those wrapped up in exterior life.
Farid ud Din Attar

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Strive to discover the mystery before life is taken from you. If while living you fail to find yourself, to know yourself, how will you be able to understand the secret of your existence when you die?
Farid ud Din Attar

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Intoxicated by the Wine of Love. From each a mystic silence Love demands. What do all seek so earnestly? 'Tis Love. What do they whisper to each other? Love. Love is the subject of their inmost thoughts. In Love no longer 'thou' and 'I' exist, For Self has passed away in the Beloved. Now will I draw aside the veil from Love, And in the temple of mine inmost soul, Behold the Friend; Incomparable Love. He who would know the secret of both worlds, Will find the secret of them both, is Love.
Farid ud Din Attar - translation Margaret Smith -The Jawhar Al-Dhat

In the dead of night, a Sufi began to weep. He said, "This world is like a closed coffin, in which We are shut and in which, through our ignorance, We spend our lives in folly and desolation. When Death comes to open the lid of the coffin, Each one who has wings will fly off to Eternity, But those without will remain locked in the coffin. So, my friends, before the lid of this coffin is taken off, Do all you can to become a bird of the Way to God; Do all you can to develop your wings and your feathers."
Farid ud Din Attar - translation by Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut - 'Perfume of the Desert'

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The whole world is a marketplace for Love, For naught that is, from Love remains remote. The Eternal Wisdom made all things in Love. On Love they all depend, to Love all turn. The earth, the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars The center of their orbit find in Love. By Love are all bewildered, stupefied, Intoxicated by the Wine of Love. From each, Love demands a mystic silence. What do all seek so earnestly? "Tis Love. Love is the subject of their inmost thoughts, In Love no longer "Thou" and "I" exist, For self has passed away in the Beloved. Now will I draw aside the veil from Love, And in the temple of mine inmost soul Behold the Friend, Incomparable Love. He who would know the secret of both worlds Will find that the secret of them both is Love.
Farid ud Din Attar, in Essential Sufism, James Fadiman and Robert Frager
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Four Things to Know
Hatim al-Asamm said, "I have chosen four things to know and discarded all other things of knowledge. "The first is this: I know that my daily bread is apportioned to me and will neither be increased or decreased, so I have stopped trying to add to it. "Secondly, I know I owe to God a debt which no one else can pay for me, so I am busy about paying it. "Thirdly, I know that there is someone pursuing me --- Death --- whom I cannot escape from, so I have prepared myself to meet him. "Fourth, I know that God is observing me, so I am ashamed to do what I should not."
Farid ud Din Attar, translation by Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut - 'Perfume of the Desert'
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In the dead of night, a Sufi began to weep. He said, "This world is like a closed coffin, in which We are shut and in which, through our ignorance, We spend our lives in folly and desolation. When Death comes to open the lid of the coffin, Each one who has wings will fly off to Eternity, But those without will remain locked in the coffin. So, my friends, before the lid of this coffin is taken off, Do all you can to become a bird of the Way to God; Do all you can to develop your wings and your feathers."
Farid ud Din Attar, translation by Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut - 'Perfume of the Desert'
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Hafiz of Shiraz (1230-91) the greatest lyric poet of Persia, who took the poetic form of the ghazal to unparalleled heights of subtlety and beauty. I speak frankly and that makes me happy: I am the slave of love, I am free of both worlds. I am a bird from heaven's garden. How do I describe that separation, my fall into this snare of accidents? I was an angel and highest paradise was my place. Adam brought me to this monastery in the city of ruin. The hours' caress, the pool and shade trees of paradise were forgotten in the breeze from your alleyway. There is nothing on the tablet of my heart but my love's tall alif. What can I do? My master taught me no other letter. No astrologer knew the constellations of my fate. O lord, when I was born of mother earth which stars were rising? Ever since I became a slave at the door of love's tavern sorrows come to me each moment with congratulations. The pupil of my eye drains the blood from my heart. I deserve it. Why did I give my heart to the darling of others? Wipe the tears from Hafiz's face with soft curls or else this endless torrent will uproot me.
Hafiz - Ghazal 44 - "The Green Sea of Heaven" - Elizabeth T. Gray Jr
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The sun Won a beauty contest and became a jewel Set upon God’s right hand. The earth agreed to be a toe ring on the Beloved’s foot And has never regretted its decision. The mountains got tired Of sitting amongst a sleeping audience And are now stretching their arms Toward the Roof. The clouds gave my soul an idea So I pawned my gills And rose like a winged diamond Ever trying to be near More love, more love Like you. The Mountain got tired of sitting Amongst a snoring crowd inside of me And rose like a rip sun Into my eye. My soul gave my heart a brilliant idea So Hafiz is rising like a Winged diamond.

Hafiz - “The Gift” – translation by Daniel Ladinsky
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We are the guardians of His Beauty We are the protectors Of the Sun. There is only one reason We have followed God into this world: To encourage laughter, freedom, dance And love. Let a noble cry inside of you speak to me Saying, "Hafiz, Don't just sit there on the moon tonight Doing nothing - Help unfurl my heart into the Friend's Mind, Help, Old Man, to heal my wounded wings!" We are the companions of His Beauty We are the guardians Of Truth. Every man, plant and creature in Existence, Every woman, child, vein and note Is a servant of our Beloved - A harbinger of joy, The harbinger of Light.

Hafiz - "The Subject Tonight is Love" - Daniel Ladinsky
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Mortal never won to view thee, Yet a thousand lovers woo thee; Not a nightingale but knows In the rose-bud sleeps the rose. Love is where the glory falls Of thy face: on convent walls Or on tavern floors the same Unextinguishable flame. Where the turban'd anchorite Chanteth Allah day and night, Church-bells ring the call to prayer, And the Cross of Christ is there.
Hafiz - "Persian Poems" - R.A. Nicholson
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Come, let's scatter roses and pour wine in the glass; we'll shatter heaven's roof and lay a new foundation. If sorrow raises armies to shed the blood of lovers, I'll join with the wine bearer so we can overthrow them. With a sweet string at hand, play a sweet song, my friend, so we can clap and sing a song and lose our heads in dancing.
Hafiz (Ghani-Qazvini, no 374) ' the Shambhala Guide to Sufism' Carl.W Ernst, Ph.D.
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Jami (1414-92) (Nur al-Din 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Ahmad al-Jami) commonly called the last great classical poet of Persia, saint and mystic, composed numerous lyrics and idylls, as well as many works in prose. His Salaman and Absal is an allegory of profane and sacred love. Some of his other works include Haft Awrang, Tuhfat al-Ahrar, Layla wa -Majnun, Fatihat al-Shabab, Lawa'ih, al-Durrah al-Fakhirah.

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Who is man? The reflection of the Eternal Light. What is the world? A wave on the Everlasting Sea. How could the reflection be cut off from the Light? How could the wave be separate from the Sea? Know that this reflection and this wave are that very Light and Sea.
Jami, Diwan, tr by W.C. Chittick
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Hidden behind the veil of mystery, Beauty is eternally free from the slightest stain of imperfection. From the atoms of the world, He created a multitude of mirrors; into each one of them He cast the image of His Face; to the awakened eye, anything that appears beautiful is only a reflection of that Face. Now that you have seen the reflection, hurry to its Source; in that primordial Light the reflection vanishes completely. Do not linger far from that primal Source; when the reflection fades, you will be lost in darkness. The reflection is as transient as the smile of a rose; if you want permanence, turn towards the Source; if you want fidelity, look to the Mine of faithfulness. Why tear your soul apart over something here one moment and gone the next?

Jami, translation by Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut - 'Perfume of the Desert'
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Whether your destiny is glory or disgrace, Purify yourself of hatred and love of self. Polish your mirror; and that sublime Beauty From the regions of mystery Will flame out in your heart As it did for the saints and prophets. Then, with your heart on fire with that Splendor, The secret of the Beloved will no longer be hidden.

Jami, translation by Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut - 'Perfume of the Desert'
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Jelaluddin Rumi (1207-73) saint and mystic, inspiration for the Mevlevi Order of the whirling dervishes, highly revered for the great Mathnawi which is a majestic tribute to the depth of spiritual life. The Jesus of your spirit is inside you now. Ask that one for help, but don't ask for body-things... Don't ask Moses for provisions that you can get from Pharaoh. Don't worry so much about livelihood. Your livelihood will turn out as it should. Be constantly occupied instead with listening to God.

Rumi, Mathnawi II:450-454
~~ Listen for the stream that tells you one thing. Die on this bank. Begin in me the way of rivers with the sea.

Rumi - Coleman Barks - from "Say I Am You"
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You've no idea how hard I've looked for a gift to bring You. Nothing seemed right. What's the point of bringing gold to the gold mine, or water to the Ocean. Everything I came up with was like taking spices to the Orient. It's no good giving my heart and my soul because you already have these. So- I've brought you a mirror. Look at yourself and remember me.

Jalaluddin Rumi
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Longing is the core of mystery. Longing itself brings the cure. The only rule is, Suffer the pain. Your desire must be disciplined, and what you want to happen in time, sacrificed.

Rumi - The Essential Rumi - Coleman Barks
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Oh! Supreme Lover! Let me leave aside my worries. The flowers are blooming with the exultation of your Spirit. By Allah! I long to escape the prison of my ego and lose myself in the mountains and the desert. These sad and lonely people tire me. I long to revel in the drunken frenzy of your love and feel the strength of Rustam in my hands. I'm sick of mortal kings. I long to see your light. With lamps in hand the sheikhs and mullahs roam the dark alleys of these towns not finding what they seek. You are the Essence of the Essence, The intoxication of Love. I long to sing your praises but stand mute with the agony of wishing in my heart.

Rumi - 'The Love Poems of Rumi' - Deepak Chopra & Fereydoun Kia
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Inside this new love, die. Your way begins on the other side. Become the sky. Take an axe to the prison wall. Escape. Walk out like someone suddenly born into color. Do it now. You're covered with a thick cloud. Slide out the side. Die, and be quiet. Quiteness is the surest sign that you've died. Your old life was a frantic running from silence. The speechless full moon comes out now.

Rumi - The Essential Rumi - Coleman Barks
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~~ The Morning Wind Spreads The morning wind spreads its fresh smell. We must get up and take that in, that wind that lets us live. Breathe before it's gone.

Rumi - 'The Essential Rumi' - Coleman Barks
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Everyone is overridden by thoughts; that's why they have so much heartache and sorrow. At times I give myself up to thought purposefully; but when I choose, I spring up from those under its sway. I am like a high-flying bird, and thought is a gnat: how should a gnat overpower me?

Rumi - Mathnawi II, 3559-3561 - 'Rumi: Jewels of Remembrance' - Camille and Kabir Helminski
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I wonder from these thousand of "me's", which one am I? Listen to my cry, do not drown my voice I am completely filled with the thought of you. Don't lay broken glass on my path I will crush it into dust. I am nothing, just a mirror in the palm of your hand, reflecting your kindness, your sadness, your anger. If you were a blade of grass or a tiny flower I will pitch my tent in your shadow. Only your presence revives my withered heart. You are the candle that lights the whole world and I am an empty vessel for your light.

Rumi - "Hidden Music" - Maryam Mafi & Azima Melita Kolin
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Happy the moment when we are seated in the Palace, thou and I, With two forms and with two figures but with one soul, thou and I. The colours of the grove and the voice of the birds will bestow immortality At the time when we come into the garden, thou and I. The stars of heaven will come to gaze upon us; We shall show them the Moon itself, thou and I. Thou and I, individuals no more, shall be mingled in ecstasy, Joyful and secure from foolish babble, thou and I. All the bright-plumed birds of heaven will devour their hearts with envy In the place where we shall laugh in such a fashion, thou and I. This is the greatest wonder, that thou and I, sitting here in the same nook, Are at this moment both in ‘Iraq and Khorasan, thou and I.

Jelaluddin Rumi, in The Mystics of Islam, translated by Reynold A Nicholson
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Awakened by your love, I flicker like a candle's light tryin to hold on in the dark. Yet, you spare me no blows and keep asking, "Why do you complain?"

Rumi - "Whispers of the Beloved" - Maryam Mafi & Azima Melita Kolin
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My heart tells me it is distressed with Him, but I can only laugh at such pretended injuries. Be fair, You who are the Glory of the just. You, Soul, free of "we" and "I," subtle spirit within each man and woman. When a man and a woman become one, that "one" is You. And when that one is obliterated, there You are. Where is this "we" and this "I"? By the side of the Beloved. You made this "we" and this "I" in order that you might play this game of courtship with Yourself, that all "you's" and "I's" might become one soul and finally drown in the Beloved. All this is true. Come! You who are the Creative Word: Be You, so far beyond description. Is it possible for the bodily eyes to see You? Can thought comprehend Your laughter or grief? Tell me now, can it possibly see You at all? Such a heart has only borrowed things to live with. The garden of love is green without limit and yields many fruits other than sorrow or joy. Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh.

Rumi - Mathnawi I, 1779-1794 - The Rumi Collection - Kabir Helminski
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