Poetic Counsel

Dedication: To loved ones who send you poems as Ramadan gifts. Also -- to keyboard warriors 😏

On 19 Ramadan 1437 / 24 June 2016, I read the following verses sent to me by a friend before walking over to the library to continue my dissertation work: 

The short poem above is described with the heading "Invaluable Counsel." The upbeat meter of the poetry's form including the unusual rhyme of Ḥā' is infused by the charmingly gentle and clear tone of its content.  I found the verses widely circulated on the internet and shared in the form of images (as the one above), as memes, and in blogs without a writer attributed. Here is my translation below: 

 

My dear brother, give counsel and do not shame

Admonish without injury

Forgive the one who hurts (you) and say,

"May the Lord of Creation forgive."

Should you find yourself in the world's tightening grip

Reflect upon (the chapter) "Alam nashraḥ..."

And ask your Lord for reprieve

Perhaps God will grant you an opening*

Follow the best of those who were sent

Delight in the Door that will never close

Leave behind that which you desired, and seize

The more becoming desire for the Noble One

Do not (solely) rely upon your intellect

 The intellect of the Chosen One is more perceptive

Do not bear contempt for anyone

For those filled with hatred never succeed

Trade in your world for that which is to come

Truly, it is a blessed and most profitable trade!

For reconciliation is more virtuous

And the virtuous one attains success  

Invoke blessings and everlasting peace upon the Beloved
And rejoice in the most delightful of melodies.

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*In other versions I found online, the following additional verse is included:

و قُلْ حَقّاً بِلَا مَيْنٍ

إِذَا مَا شِئْتَ أَنْ تَمْزَحْ

Speak the truth without deception
Should you wish to speak in jest