Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition is a stunning collection that showcases the love poetry and mystical teachings at the heart of the Islamic tradition. Accurately and sensitively translated by leading scholar of Islam Omid Safi, the writings of Jalal al‑Din Rumi can be read alongside passages by Kharaqani, ‘Attar, Hafez of Shiraz, Abu Sa‘id‑e Abi ’l‑Khayr, and other key Muslim mystics.
During Poetry Month 2023, enjoy excerpts on our blog from a variety of poets published by Yale University Press.
My Only Shame
My Only Shame
is this
On the Day of Judgement
I won’t have sinned
enough
to match
the enormity
of Your forgiveness
QA’ANI
This is Love!
Look!
This is love
—to soar towards the heavens
To tear a hundred veils
in every breath
To tear a hundred viels
at the beginning
To travel in the end
without a foot
I said:
“O my heart
may it for you be blessed
To enter
in the circle of the lovers
To look from far beyond
upon
what the eye
cannot see
O soul,
from where comes
this new breath?
O heart
from where comes
this heavy throbbing?
O bird,
speak now
the language of the birds.”
RUMI
Not This, Not That
Both This and That
I will write you a book on Radical Love
provided you do not bifurcate it
into Divine Love
and Human Love
AHMAD GHAZALI
Love Beyond Death
Radical Love is nothing
but heart-shattering grace
Nothing
but the expansion of heart
and guidance
The masters of law
offer no lessons
on love
Religious law is
relevant only until death
Love is for all eternity
infinite
RUMI
Omid Safi, professor of Islamic studies at Duke University and a columnist for On Being, is a frequent commentator on Islam. He has published numerous books, including Memories of Muhammad.
Ep. 134—The Therapeutic Benefits of Reading Greek Tragedy