The Month of Rajab Has Come – Abdur Rahman’s Corner

Peace, one and all…

Ramadan will start in the next few days. As such, I wanted to share a beautiful ghazal of Mevlana.

May the hearts of the lovers be opened

The month of Rajab has come,
that he [the seeker] may gaze upon that marvellous Moon;
And those consumed by the fervour of this Path might find
warmth and even more yearning.

Whosoever comes in prostration shall find refuge and peace;
And whosoever walks in discourtesy shall receive a slap and
chastisement.

Those who are content with the decree of God shall be filled with joy;
But those who rebel against the Sultan shall find nooses around their necks.

Those who are worthy of love shall flourish like Damascus,
And those who do not give their hearts to love, their hearts shall lie in ruins like Aleppo.

You may question why one city prospers while another is brought to ruin—
Only one with the spirit of Khidr knows the spirit of the cause.

Then comes Sha’ban, purposefully for our deliverance,
That we might find sustenance and victory from the Bounty of the Lord.

Then Ramadan follows, the seal of mouths,
That with shut mouths, we may taste the sweetness of prayer.

Here comes Fasting, a goblet that shatters other goblets;
If you doubt this joy, come and experience this ecstasy without wine.

Drink the wine of wisdom on an empty stomach,
For only the eyes of the chaste behold the Beloved in solitude.

Speak to your pride and self-deceit: This season will end;
The cold will depart; warmth and radiance shall take its place.

Let go of seasons, become a servant of Ahmad,
Let your existence, like snow, witness the Arab sun.

Speak not excessively, for they speak much who seek glory
who chase after titles and names.

Divan-i Kebir no. 664