By Mohamed Dasu
This poem is titled “O’ Prophet,” and is a response to the French government’s symbolically disrespectful attitude towards a central figure in Islamic religion and culture. It is a discourse in the culture of absolute freedom of speech and expression. The poem specifically responds to the act of depicting or illustrating the face of Prophet Muhammad, which is verboten by his own instruction. Certainly, in lands that enforce freedom of speech and expression, this could hardly be prevented on the grounds of illegality. Rather it is the intent -- the desire to provoke outrage in Muslims by toying with a sacred symbol of Islamic religion, culture, and identity - that is most undignified.
Photo from Unsplash
my beloved,
they try to depict a face
for which a glance
would leave no words to
describe.
so peace be upon you,
messenger and teacher of
all kind.
those who defame
your moonlit face
surely on that day
will be baffled and blind.
in what fantasy do
they rest their heads,
thinking we would
not react.
and to whom are they
lying to think we
would not
respond in exact.
they can run their
mouths faster
than their brains
against anyone
but you.
for our hearts smolder
with fury even
if they were to
insult just your shoe.
you left this world
unscathed,
but marked us forever
with your mercy.
and since you left us,
my beloved,
our skies have been
blackened by volley.
by God, they were
bold enough to
wage war against
your honour.
yet the moon in that starlit sky
remains unharmed by
the screeches
of rats. so I
pity their loss
in this world and
the hereafter.
my beloved,
we command battalions
of words
guarding your
face, golden is it.
yet tonight we
disband them all,
letting the enemies
of peace waver
at your
sight.
About the Author
Mohamed Dasu has been a writer in various capacities since he was 14. Now attending the University of Toronto, he has been venturing in the field by writing for The Varsity, local charities, and youth-oriented organizations like EyesOnYouth. Mohamed has been awarded for his spoken word poetry and has been hired to write poetry for POC organizations. Additionally, he demonstrates a passion for voicing the concerns of young people through youth councils at a scholastic, municipal, and provincial level. Mohamed is incredibly passionate about Islamic history and hopes to learn Farsi and Arabic fluently, adding to the five languages he speaks already.
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