6
As-Salâm
Thou Who art “Peace,” and unto peace dost bring,
Allah-as-Salâm! we praise Thee, judge and King!
When th' unshunnëd Day arriveth, none of men shall doubt it come;
Into Hell some it will lower, and exalt to Heaven some.
When the earth with quakenings quaketh, and the mountains crumble flat,
The “Companions of the right hand” are
so called because they will have the book of their good deeds
put into their right hands in token of salvation; while evildoers
will have their scroll of condemnation, at the last day,
thrust into their left hands.
Quick and dead shall be divided threefold; on this side, and that,
The Companions of the right hand (ah! how joyful they will be!)
The Companions of the left hand (oh! what misery to see!)
Such, moreover, as of old time, loved the truth and taught it well,
“Such, moreover, as of old time,” &c. These
are the early prophets and holy teachers in all nations. The
text of the Koran calls them “the leaders, the leaders!” that
emphatic repetition denoting their dignity, and the assurance
of their prominence in the final reward.
First in faith, they shall be foremost in reward: the rest to Hell!
But those souls attaining Allah,—ah, the Gardens of good cheer
Kept to lodge them! yea, besides the “Faithful,” many will be there.
Lightly lying on soft couches, beautiful with broidered gold,
Friends with friends, they shall be served by youths immortal, who will hold
Akwâb, abareek—cups and goblets—brimming with celestial wine—
Wine which hurts nor head nor stomach—this and fruits of Heaven which shine
Bright, desirable; and rich flesh of what birds they relish best;
Yea, and feasted, there shall soothe them damsels fairest, stateliest—
Damsels having eyes of wonder, large black eyes like hidden pearls,
Lulu-'l-maknûn, Allah grants them, for sweet love, those matchless girls.
Never in that Garden hear they speech of folly, sin, or dread;
Only “Peace”—As-Salâm only—that one word for ever said,
“Peace! Peace! Peace!” and the Companions of the right hand (ah! those bowers!)
They shall roam in thornless lote-groves, under mawztrees hung with flowers;
“Mawz-trees.” The original word talh'
may mean either the plantain, or that acacia which has small
round golden blossoms.
Shaded, fed by flowing waters; near to fruits which never cloy,
Hanging always ripe for plucking; and at hand the tender joy
Of those maids of Heaven, the Houris: lo! to them We gave a birth
Sale has a citation upon these privileged
attributes of the Houris. “Allah has created them purposely
of finer materials than the females of this world, and subject to
none of those inconveniences which are natural to the sex.
Some understand this passage of the beatified women; who,
though they died old and ill-favoured, shall yet all be restored
to their youth and beauty in Paradise.”
Specially creating, lo! they are not as the wives of earth;
Ever virginal and stainless, how so often they embrace,
Always young and loved and loving these are; neither is there grace
Like the grace and bliss the Black-eyed keep for you in Paradise,
O Companions of the right hand! O ye others that were wise!
Giver of peace! when comes that day,
Set us within Thy sight, we pray.
