Who plans love? - The Prince Part 14

1. I did not plan

Wealth took me into his arms,

And I replied, "Peace be upon you",

Poverty shook my hand,

And I replied, "Peace be upon you",

Envy then appeared to greet me,

And I replied, "I want nothing to do with you,"

Jealousy lit a fire under my feet,

And I replied, "It is a hateful thing that you do,"

I look to the Sun but I receive no answer,

I look to the Moon and he is silent to me,

Then I look within, and finally I could see,

The spring of truth, the fountain of peace

The strange yet familiar face that seems

To look like me, but is more than me.

If you find me pleasant, then blessed is me,

If you find me rude, then accursed is me,

But in the shadow of the looming storm,

And in the eye of a rising cyclone,

Never am I alone.

I did not plan my journey

Knowing what awaits

Me around the corner,

Through the valley of life,

With leafs and flowers left

Wet with morning kisses

The path takes me forward

Wherever God pleases.

I did not plan to fall for you

Knowing what awaits me in

Your secret embrace,

Only that love came,

Then love called,

Mysterious and

Masked in her

Many beguiling

Disguises.

...........................

Religion without love is like having a cask of wine empty of any wine. It is like having a map, but never making the journey. It is like learning the art of life, but never living. It is like having a ship, forever in the harbour, it is like having a horse, forever in the stable. Never to be sailed, never to be ridden.

I wonder whether there is anyone among the many friends, admirers and groupies of Al Marhum Shaykh Raja Ashman Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Shah (Ku Ash), who at any time prior to meeting him, had an inkling that they would one day meet a royal prince of a reigning sultan, who happens to also be a Sufi shaykh and to have their lives amended in many beautiful and thoughtful ways? I for one certainly didn't. Like many, I didn't particularly go out of my way searching for 'the truth'. I sort of blundered into Love. Love disguised in an easy smile, a courtly manner, humility and a zest for life. Ku Ash never tried to be different, never tried to be above the ordinary. But somehow, that was what made him extraordinary to many.

Cyprus (for a wedding)

Malaysia.

May the Lord light his path in the Hereafter, walking by the Shore of the Sea of Mercy, taking pleasure in the company of the Prophet.

And I would dream the same dream for you too, sunshine. God bless.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way