Mahmoud Sami Al Baroudi

1838-1904 / Iraq

Some People Say

Some people say that I revolted to dethrone.
Such is a defect far from my character.
Nay, I called for justice,
seeking to please God,
and I awakened the people of truth.
I commanded good and forbade evil,
and that is but the obligation of all people.
If my action was a rebellion,
then I Intended through
my rebellion obedience to my lord.
Is the call for consultation a disgrace to me
when in it lies the guidance
for the seeker of the right way?
Nay. truly it is an obilgatory observance
imposed by God on every living soul, ruling or ruled.
How could anyone be free
and cultured while approning
of that which every sinner commits?
Though others have been treacherously
hypocritical in their religin,
praise be to God that
i am not of their number.
Verily i did my utmost to advice
those whose treachery prevented them
from accepting sincere advice.
They decided to rule the people by force,
and so they hastend to violate
their established agreements.
When oppression continued
a military group raised their banners in revolt.
The people of the country supported them
and rushed to join from all sides.
They wanted the ruler of the country
to carry out the sincere
promise he had sworn to his people.
This is the evident writh,
so do not ask others,
for verily i am the knower of truths.
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