Spirituality, mystical concepts form main characteristics of Imam Khomeini's poetry

Spirituality, mystical concepts form main characteristics of Imam Khomeini's poetry

Mysticism, which is manifested in Imam Khomeini’s divine personality, runs deep though his poetry as well.

Experts widely believe that Imam Khomeini’s mystical dynamic ideals have deep roots in basic Islamic sources such as Quran and Sunnah and genuine teachings of the holy prophet of Islam and his pure progeny.   

The collection of poetry of the Muslim world's spiritual and religious leader were compiled and its translations have been published in English, Arabic, Urdu, Chinese and some other languages.

Imam has mentioned several ethical, moral and religious concepts in form of poetic verses

Imam has left several works on jurisprudence, Hadith, Quranic interpretation, philosophy and mysticism. The great leader's genuine teachings and works would continue to guide the generations to come in coming decades. 

Imam Khomeini’s level of mysticism (irfan) is far higher that its interpretation could be limited to such conventional mystical boundaries.

The following are the mystical verses:

 

The Sea and the Mirage

Release me from these countless pains,

From this rent heart and seared breast.

A lifetime has passed in anguish

for separation from the face of the beloved

I am a bird in fire and a fish out of water.

My lot has been no mystical state,

for all this pain and life.

Old age arrived immersed in idleness

after the prime of youth.

I did not profit from the lessons

and discourses of the seminary.

How can one reach the sea from this mirage?

Each precept I learned, and every page I turned

Was nothing but another veil upon a veil.

Behold, O dear, in the season of your youth be conscious,

For in old age you can do nothing but sleep.

These ignoramuses who claim to have guidance

Have no gift under their Sufi robes but “I am”.

Our own imperfections and defects

and the perfections and beauties of others, we

Have hidden like old age behind hair-coloring.

Breath no more of it;

tear up your notebook of vanity.

How long will you continue this vain talk

and erroneous speech?

Azar 1365 AHS
(November-December 1986)

 

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