5
Al-Kuddûs
Isrâfîl is one of the Archangels, who will
sound the last trumpet at the resurrection. He has “the
sweetest voice of all God's creatures.”
Allah-al-Kuddûs—the “Holy One” He is;
But purify thy speech, pronouncing this;
For even Israfil,
Who waits in Heaven still
Nearest the Throne, and hath the voice of sweetness,
Before his face doth fold
The wings of feathered gold,
Saying “Al-Kuddûs;” and in supreme completeness
Of lowly reverence stands,
Laying his angel-hands
Over his lips, lest Allah's holiest name
Be lightly breathed on high;
And that white mystery
Pass, as if that and others were the same.
Iblîs—'tis written—when
Iblîs, “He who despairs,” is Shaitân, or
Satan, who fell from Heaven on account of arrogantly refusing
to pay reverence to Adam at the creation, when all the other
Angels worshipped the first man.
He heareth among men
The name of “Allah” spoken, shrinks and flies;
But at the sound of this,
Uttered in realms of bliss,
The Djins and Angels, in their ranks, arise.
And what believer dares
Begin his morning prayers
Without “wuzu“h”—th'ablution? who is seen
His Korân to rehearse
But hath in mind its verse,
“Let none me touch, save such as are made clean?”
Lo! if with streams or sands
Ye lave the earnest hands
Lifted in prayer; and if ye wash the mouth
Which reads the sacred scroll,
Dare ye with sullied soul
Meditate this dread word, that shrines the truth
Of Allah's purity?
Bethink! His great eyes see
The hearts of men unto their inmost core!
Make clean your hearts within;
Cast forth each inmost sin;
Then with bowed brows, say this name, and adore.
Forgive, Thou Pure One!—Whom we bless—
Of our good deeds the sinfulness.
