Sol 5.6

  1. O you departing for Mina, drawing me by the reins,

    You stirred my heart on the day of departure.

  2. You journeyed, and your guide journeyed—O my desolation!

    The white camels transported me, and the camel-driver’s song.

  3. You robbed my eyelids of sleep by being far away,

    O dwellers of the hillside bend and the valley.

  4. When you arrive there safely, then convey

    My greetings, dear folk of that valley.

  5. And remember, while circling the Kaaba, one enslaved by love:

    A yearning lover, consumed by longing and banishment.

  6. For Mecca’s heights and sacred landmarks I yearn;

    Perhaps God will generously grant my desire,

  7. And what lies between Zamzam and Safa will gleam before me.

    Beside the Station, I heard a caller’s voice

  8. Saying to me, “O sleeper, press on through the night!

    Arafat cleanses every thirsting heart.”

  9. By God, how sweet it is to spend the night at Mina

    On the feast day, noblest of all feasts.

  10. The people have made the Hajj and attained their hopes;

    I too made the Hajj, yet did not attain my desire.

  11. They made the Hajj, and God forgave their sins;

    They spent the night at Muzdalifah without lingering.

  12. They slaughtered their offerings, and their blood flowed;

    But I, enslaved by love, have slaughtered my heart.

  13. They shaved their heads and clipped their nails;

    The All-Sovereign accepted those noble ones’ repentance.

  14. They donned white garments—the writ of favor unfurled;

    But I, enslaved by love, donned my black.

  15. O Lord, You brought them near and cut me off;

    By their sanctity, O Lord, release my bonds.

  16. By God, O visitors to Muhammad’s tomb,

    Whoever among you goes at evening or at dawn,

  17. Convey a thousand greetings to the Chosen One

    From a lover whose very vitals are torn apart.

  18. Tell him: “Abd al-Rahim is enslaved by love,

    Parted from his loved ones and his children.”

  19. May God bless you, O banner of guidance,

    As long as a caravan journeys or a camel-driver sings.

Sol 5.6