Munajat Namah: (Litanies/Dialogues with God)

O my friend, behold yon cemetery, and see

how many tombs and graves there be;

introduction xvhow many hundred thousand delicate

ones there sleep

in slumber deep.

Much toiled they every one and strove,

and feverishly burned with barren hope

and selfish love,

and shining garments jewel-sprinkled

wove.

Jars of gold and silver fashioned they,

and from the people profit bore away,

much trickery revealing, and great moneys

stealing;

but, at the end, with a full regretful sigh

they laid them down to die.

Their treasuries they filled,

and in their hearts well-tilled

planted the seed

of lustful greed;

but, at the last,

from all these things they passed.

So burdened, suddenly

at the door of death they sank,

and there the cup of destiny

they drank.

xvi introductionO my friend, ponder well thy dissolution,

and get thee betimes thine absolution;

or, know it full well,

thou shalt in torment dwell.

From Muslim Saints and Mystics

Translated by A.J. Arberry

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