Qasida of Imam al-Haddad



My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me

from asking or choosing



For my du’a and my agonising supplication

is a witness to my poverty.



For this secret (reason) I make supplication

in times of ease and times of difficulty



I am a slave whose pride

is in his poverty and obligation.



O my Lord and my King

You know my state.



And what has settled in my heart

of agonies and preoccupations.



Save me with a gentleness

from You, O Lord of Lords.



Oh save me, Most Generous

before I run out of patience (with myself)



My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me

from asking or choosing



O One who is swift in sending aid

I ask for aid that will arrive to me swiftly



It will defeat all difficulty

and it will bring all that I hope for



O Near One Who answers

and All-Knowing and All-Hearing



I have attained realisation through my incapacity,

my submission and my brokenness



My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me

from asking or choosing



I am still standing by the door, so please my Lord

have mercy on my standing.



And in the valley of generosity, I am in i’tikaf (solitary retreat)

So, Allah, make my retreat here permanent.



And I’m abiding by good opinion (of You)

For it is my friend and ally.



And it is the one that sits by me and keeps me company

All day and night.



My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me

from asking or choosing



There is a need in my soul, O Allah

so please fulfill it, O Best of Fulfillers



And comfort my secret and my heart

from its burning and its shrapnel



In pleasure and in happiness

and as long as You are pleased with me



For joy and expansion is my state

and my motto and my cover.



My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me

from asking or choosing