Editor's note
A forgotten verse – Ideal for our troubled times
In a world of instant connections and social media, sometimes we need to stick to the basics
This is a poem written some 200 years ago…
That it has survived so long and been re-published over and over again is testimony to its message of tolerance. We live in a country and at a time when such a message is as important to us as it was to the writer.
Abou Ben Adhem
By Leigh Hunt (1974-1859)
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou?”-The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel.
Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
Leigh Hunt does not mince words with the poem: Loving your fellow human beings is a sign that you love God and by implication, the poem states that hating your fellow humans estranges you from God. This poem, published over 200 years ago, is as relevant today as it was when it was written.
If you are interested in who Abou Ben Adhem was, read HERE
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