Distress

Be quiet, my soul, no need for all this distress.

Yes, it is true, yesterday you were unfaithful.

Allah was not the object of your desire.

Lucky for you, though, Allah does not hold grudges.

This day’s sun is new, and dew has washed clean

the dust from every leaf and stone.

This day I will choose my Love more wisely.

This day I will reserve my affection

for Him who is worthy of it.

We all do this, of course.

Every day we choose whom we will love.

Every day we choose the lips we will touch our own.

Beloved, forgive me.

Your servant Najat is a careless fool.

This day when I prostrate myself toward Mecca

I will not be thinking

of something else.