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PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 5. ALLAH-AL-KUDDUS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: For even israfil
Last Line: Of our good deeds the sinfulness.
Subject(s): God; Islam


Allah-al-Kuddûs—the "Holy One" He is;
But purify thy speech, pronouncing this;

For even Israfil,
Who waits in Heaven still
Nearest the Throne, and hath the voice of sweetness,
Before his face doth fold
The wings of feathered gold,
Saying "Al-Kuddûs"; and in supreme completeness

Of lowly reverence stands,
Laying his angel-hands
Over his lips, lest Allah's holiest name
Be lightly breathed on high; And that white mystery
Pass, as if that and others were the same

Iblîs—'tis written—when
He heareth among men
The name of "Allah" spoken, shrinks and flies;
But at the sound of this,
Uttered in realms of bliss,
The Djins and angels, in their ranks, arise.

And what believer dares
Begin his morning prayers
Without "wuzu'th"—th' ablution? who is seen
His Korân to rehearse
But hath in mind its verse,
"Let none me touch, save such as are made clean?"

Lo! if with streams or sands
Ye lave the earnest hands
Lifted in prayer; and if ye wash the mouth
Which reads the sacred scroll,
Dare ye with sullied soul
Meditate this dread word, that shrines the truth

Of Allah's purity?
Bethink! His great eyes see
The hearts of men unto their inmost core;
Make clean your hearts within;
Cast forth each inmost sin;
Then with bowed brows, say this name, and adore.

Forgive, Thou Pure One!—Whom we bless—
Of our good deeds the sinfulness.





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