Kun Kaatiman – Poem by Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba
Kun Kaatiman – Poem by Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba
In the name of God the Compassionate the Merciful
Prayers, Peace, and Blessing be upon the Prophet Muhammad.
This work of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba M’Backe [May Allah be well pleased with him] is for anyone who wants to acquire knowledge and achieve a goal in this earthly life.
It is a poem that contains many useful things for the awakening of consciences. From the first to the last verse, he sums up all that we may face in this life.
It calls for humility, used to walk unnoticed, to escape the misery of the world.
It prevents it’s reader, in it’s recommendations, from doing harm or doing harm to their neighbor.
To realize the aim of this Qasida we must decisively discern its purpose and do anything that we can to encourage its success or hasten it’s loss.
Here we are reminded life is a brief passage on earth and we are not here to stay forever.
Kun Kaatiman is a poem of eight stanzas each murid (aspirant) must take into account, and take seriously in their progress towards Allah.
أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Hide yourselves, you who search for knowledge, this will save you from trials and sorrows,
have determination, thus you will surpass your generation.
Do not grieve for the trials which come upon you,
be courageous, so that people believe you want for nothing.
For the Science is never granted to one who fears hunger,
GOD raises his servant who shows patience.
You who wish to acquire knowledge, review your studies constantly,
every time, my sympathy is with them.
You who seek knowledge, do not at the same time go after money,
for the Creator provides for the needs of those on the quest for knowledge.
Fear GOD and follow his religion which is ISLAM,
for he who disobeys GOD or does harm to others will never hold knowledge.
Keep yourself seperate from the opposite sex, young or old,
for approaching them will only lead you to contempt, disobedience, and destruction.
Do not sacrifice the hereafter for this world, O Son of Adam!
It is clear whoever trades light for darkness will regret it.
Note: Special thanks to Yusuf Fisher for sharing this on Facebook.
