by Rabi'a
O my Lord,
the stars glitter
and the eyes of men are closed.
Kings have locked their doors
and each lover is alone with his love.
Here, I am alone with You.
O my Lord,
if I worship you
from fear of hell, burn me in hell.
If I worship you
from hope of Paradise, bar me from its gates.
But if I worship you
for yourself alone, grant me then the beauty of your Face.
From:
Women in Praise of the Sacred (New York: HarperCollins, 1994)
Copyright ©:
Translated By Jane Hirshfield
Last updated February 06, 2012