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about
Reconcile with whoever cuts you off, give to whoever deprives you, and forgive whoever wrongs you.
- Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
I have seen the signs of Your Grace and Kindness in the
appearance of that incomparable Pearl, O Generous One.
Since, although he is from among us, he doesn't resemble us. We
are entirely like copper, and Muhammad is the alchemical
elixir.
- Rumi
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.
- Shakespear
Dearly beloveds, II have recently been working on a new project which brings together original sacred poetry in the English language with a fusion of original sacred music played by inspired musicians from all over the world. The goal is to create a listening experience which places the listener into a meditative and contemplative state; one at once calming and awakening; a listening which evokes the sacred and the mysterious; the traditional and the eternal now; both beautiful and beckoning.
I have been working on this project with a wide range of talented musicians from all over the world. We have called the new project "The Alchemical Theatre" because, like life itself, the whole experience is created so that we can be transformed and drawn back to our original state: remembrance and awakening to the Glory of God, Most High.
"Drawing Muhammad" is the first release, and though the project is still in the early stages, we wanted to offer this piece to the beloved, peace be upon him, during his birth month, Rabi al-Awwal.
About this piece:
This poem was sparked with the "Drawings of Muhammad" controversies over the past few years. This created protests and counter protests and enraged the egos of people on both sides. It seemed that the people veiled from the light of Muhammad were baiting those who love Muhammad to, out of anger, act un-Muhammadan. The phrase "Draw Muhammad" played over and over again in my head as I watched the news, and the only thing I could think was, "I've been trying to draw Muhammad into my heart for years, and the only one that protested was my ego." This poem flowed from that reflection and realization. If we could all draw Muhammad into our hearts, we would find the way to peace and beauty in this world and the next. And if we responded to darkness the way he responded, we would find illumination spreading from heart to heart.
You can stream the piece for free. Downloads are also free. But if you like what you hear and would like to contribute to the project, that is greatly appreciated. Proceeds will go toward completion of the new album.
lyrics
Drawing Muhammad
Draw the prophet?
Could you draw the jewel at the center
Of the lotus blossom
Of beginningless being
If you wanted?
Can you draw the bucket
From the well of existence
Until you've exhausted every droplet?
Draw the breath into your lungs and let your tongue
Draw "Muhammad".
Can you draw the light as it enters your optics?
Can you draw the thought as it enters your conscience?
Can you draw the light that drew the pen
And the tablet that wrote his praises upon it?
Draw the breath into your lungs
And exhale "Muhammad".
Can you draw the sun in its glory?
Can you draw the colors in autumn?
Draw the bucket from the well of existence
Until you've exhausted every droplet
Then draw your lips to the cup of praise
And sip what is offered
But you will still have not
Approached the topic
Of the form, let alone the meaning,
Of Muhammad.
Can you draw what he heard in the cave?
Can you draw the two bows distance
What was witnessed
By the praised prophet-slave?
May you be drawn to his banner when
You raise from your grave
Could you draw a heart
That could bear the weight of the name?
Muhammad.
Can you draw a mother's love for her child?
Can you draw the calm in the midst of the wild?
Can you draw forgiveness for your rabid oppressors?
And those who tried to murder you
For sharing your message
Those who mocked you violently
In your absence and presence
Draw the way he used their hatred
To transmit a lesson
Draw peace in his heart, smiling
At those seeking a fight
Knowing even those who attack him
Are made of his light
You can draw the full moon
In all of its glory
But to behold his countenance
Is a whole different story
You may not be able to draw this
But the best place to start
Is to draw his remembrance
Into your heart
Is the moon offended
By the bark of dogs in the dark
Or does his light embrace all creatures?
Just like the ark
You may not be able to draw him
but the best place to start
Is to draw his attributes inward
That is the art.
If all the nows in eternity and infinity
Conspired to draw the prophet
They would prostrate to the throne of divinity
In awe and incapacity
Before their pens hit paper
In the ancient gatherings of the prophets and sages
All tongues fell silent before they
Exhausted his praises
And for those veiled from his light
By their hatred
We weep in the depths of the night
In prostration
That they no longer be deprived
Of the gift so sacred
Gazing upon his face
Best of creation.
So yes, brothers and sisters
Let's all draw the prophet
Draw breath into your lungs
And on the canvas of your soul
Let your tongue draw "Muhammad".
- From the poetry collection 'Empty & The Ocean'. http://www.lulu.com/shop/baraka-blue/empty-the-ocean/paperback/product-22897824.html
credits
released December 15, 2016
Lyrics: Baraka Blue
Flute: Sufi Mem
Production: Deewan
Additional Vocals: Pearls of Islam, Ahmed Ikhlas
Cover Artwork: Qasim Arif
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