How Shall I Endure Separation From You
Echoes of Dua Kumayl
“And suppose that I am able to endure the heat of Your Fire — how shall I endure separation from You?”
— Du‘ā Kumayl, attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib
How shall I endure distance from the splendour of dawn,
from the first trembling rays that spill across the morning sky?
How shall I endure distance from the hush of night’s embrace,
when my soul returns from the depths of sleep,
awakened once more to mercy—
to rise again, to seek, to be forgiven,
to drink from the quiet generosity of Your grace?
How shall I endure distance from the breath of morning,
when my chest expands with unseen gifts,
and my eyes open softly
to the colours of a world made new?
How shall I endure distance from that still, hidden voice—
the gentle whisper within,
that calls, that stirs, that guides me back to You?
How shall I endure distance from the untamed winds,
that rush from horizons unknown,
bearing secrets of a world beyond my knowing,
yet known fully to You?
How shall I endure distance from the joy You place within my heart,
when You fill it with love,
and adorn it with the companionship of the righteous?
Do not abandon us, O Lord—
for how can I endure a life
in which You are absent?