Stairways to paradise

                           ******************
                               MY BELOVED
                           ******************

                There was a time in my youth,
                When Islam was only a custom.
                They said “say La IIaha IIIa Allah,..
                And pray, you’ll go to Heaven.”
        ****************************************************

                Ah, how simple, no struggle in this,
                Just a word, and simple act.
                Thereafter I’m absorbed in this world again,
                With my ‘assured’ place in Paradise intact.
        *****************************************************

                But this was not to be my fate
                For ALLAH chose to guide my heart.
                I learnt of a man who struggled so hard
                When his mission was from the start.

        ******************************************************

                The story of someone who had morals,
                Spoke gently, kindness he knew.
                Never fearing to say what’s right,
                His conviction in ISLAM was true.
        ******************************************************

                The touch of his hand was as soft as silk
                To comfort a crying child.
                To mend his clothes, or do the chores,
                Never complaining, he always smiled.
        ******************************************************

                A living he made with his bare hands,
                The same that held his mighty sword.
                Valour shone from the edge of his blade,
        ******************************************************

                His smell was always of musk,
                And cleanliness he kept at his best.
                Stark contrast with the heroes of today,
                Who stink of beer and sweat.
        ******************************************************

                He held the hands of his companions.
                Unashamed to play with many children.
                So modest, so humble, a perfect example,
                That strangers could not recognise him.
        ******************************************************

                His eyes slept little for nights were precious,
                His prayers he treasured much greater.
                To pray Tahajjud in the depths of night,
                Seeking forgiveness, and nearness to his Creator.
        ******************************************************

                He broke his tooth for me at Uhud,
                And bled for me at Ta’if.
                He cried for me, tears of concern,
                Just so I could have this belief.
        ******************************************************

                His enemies admired his teachings,
                Uniting every religion, every clan.
                Till ISLAM came to every corner of the world,
                O, but indeed he was only a man.
        ******************************************************

                To own a house, or build his wealth
                Was not his main priority.
                To establish ISLAM was more essential,
                To bring us under a Higher Authority.
        ******************************************************

                Don’t you want him to plea for your case,
                When before ALLAH-The Judge-you stand?
                Don’t you wish to be around his fountain,
                A burning desire to drink from his hand?
        ******************************************************

                So I love him more than all creation,
                My Leader, my Humble Prophet.
                Muhammad (SAWS) was a mercy to all mankind,
                And to me, he is MY BELOVED !
                           ************

Ahmed M. Hashim