The Heavenly Sign — Page 3
3 In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Ever Merciful I see the power of the Creator And I see the plight of the age. I do not say all this by reading the stars: Nay! I relate what God Almighty has told me. In Khorasan, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq; I see sedition and wars. Every one is in a wretched state, Even the highest and the best. I hear a strange story: I see grief and sorrow everywhere. Pillage, plunder and massacre by numerous armies, I see left and right. I see many men of little importance Masquerading as teachers and scholars. Religion and faith do I find weak and defenceless; Alas! I see this sad state is a source of pride and glory for the heretic. I see the compassionate friends of every nation Shamefully disgraced and deserted. I see that appointment and dismissal of public officers Is frequent and of little importance. I see enmity and dispute Between the Turk and the Tajik. I see hypocrisy, deceit, and guile everywhere, And among the high and the low.