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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 51. ASH-SHAHID by EDWIN ARNOLD

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS CAME AT MORN
Last Line: THE ERRAND THAT THY CHILDREN BEAR.
Subject(s): GOD; ISLAM;

@3Aah-Shahîd! God is "Witness!" and He took
Witness of us, ye people of the Book!@1

The spirits of the Prophets came at morn
To Sinai, summoned by their Lord's command,
Singers and seers;—those born and those unborn,
The chosen souls of men, a solemn band.

The noble army ranged, in viewless might,
Around that mountain peak which pierces heaven;
Greater and lesser teachers, sons of light;
Their number was ten thousand score and seven.

Then Allah took a covenant with His own,
Saying, "My wisdom and My word receive;
Speak of me unto men, known or unknown,
Heard or unheard; bid such as will, believe."

"And there shall come apostles, guiding ye,
Jesus, Muhammad: follow them and aid!
Are you resolved, and will you war for Me!"
"We are resolved, oh, Lord of all!" they said.

"Bear witness, then!" spake Allah, "souls most dear,
I am your Lord and ye heralds of Mine."
Thenceforward through all lands His Prophets bear
The message of the mystery divine.

@3Allah-ash-Shahîd! make us hear
The errand that Thy children bear@1.



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