From: Ahmed M Hashim Ahmed.M.Hashim-1@tc.umn.edu ****************** 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 ! ************