“Death overpowers me
My son!
I can now hear
Its stealthy steps
And the knell, being tolled.
But before
I cross the threshold of life
Before I part with you
I wish to give you these precious jewels
Which have been my sole assets.
These sparkling jewels will spread light
And illuminate your world
When the gloom of sinful thoughts
May trail in
To dissuade you from right path.
Temptations will come in your way
In different forms, in different shapes
Don’t heed to them
Don’t yield to them
Be steadfast! and conquer them.
Your aim should not be to win
The glittering but deceptive pearls
Which may lead you
Alas! my son
To the unfathomable sea of sin.
Don’t woo the world
It’s shortlived
It’s like a bubble that comes and goes
Appears with noise
Then is seen no more.
So,
Clad yourself in spiritual shroud
Live ready to die
For, death is inevitable, son
At any time, it may come by.
But,
Strive to lead a successful life
Struggle to earn good name
As if, this world is permanent
And you have come for good.
Excel and always vie with others
In the field of work
For, rivalry with good intent
Is praiseworthy my son.
Don’t live only, for yourself
Be useful to all
Help those souls
That are in need
Love your neighbour as you love yourself.
Don’t be prodigal
Don’t be a miser
Allah detests them both
Follow the path of the righteous
Which is the best
And moderate.
Poverty of goods is nothing son
Poverty of soul is great vacuum
So, review your deeds, improve on them
For, only deeds will go with you
When you’ll leave this world.
You may be struck by blows of fate
Distress and misery may be your lot
Don’t languish then in grief my son
For, divinity does this
To try our faith.
Neither oppress, nor be oppressed
Fight for truth, ask for your right
Shake off the yoke of tyranny
Though, piety, kindness, brother-hood
Should be your guiding light.
If goodness is undermined
Or, truth is vainly flouted
Don’t dread the foes, strike them hard
Remembering the sacrifice
Of our great martyrs.
Fight for truth
Stand for truth
Arm yourself with truth
For, only “truth” can lead aright
Breaking the mounds of sins.
This is the legacy
I leave for you
These are those peerless jewels
My son
Which can never be tarnished.
The death has now crept in
At last
I have to pay the debt of life
To Allah, who now summons me
To my final abode.”
This feebly said
The old pious man
Breathed his last
And then
Gave up.