Some who are born Muslim

Some who say that they were born

Into the Islamic fold

Allow the binding fear of God

To gradually lose its hold.

They early learn to fast and pray

And recite the Holy Book,

They make the Hajj and pay Zakat

And swine they will not cook.

So after this they proudly say

That they are Muslims true

And venture forth to western lands

Where Muslim men are few.

Their eyes and minds are then amazed

At everything they see,

And soon their hearts admire the men

Who cause such things to be.

But those men seek to make this world

Their haven of delight,

And therefore they create their own

Standards of wrong and right.

So when a Muslim looks to them

As models for all men,

Unwittingly he begins to slip

Gradually into sin.

At first, perhaps, he misses a prayer

Or rushes one on through.

Then, busily pursuing the western ways,

Perhaps he misses two.

He reads the Book a little less,

And less he gives the poor;

The challenge to raise his standard of life

Now means a little more.

Perhaps he'll even being to gamble

Or taste some wine or beer,

His acts distinguish him not from those

Who have no Godly fear.

The path he follows gradually leads

The way the worldly seek,

And his religion becomes a task

To practice once a week.

What! Six days he gives himself,

And God he gives but one!

But still he claims to be a Muslim

‘Cause he's a Muslim's son.

He who serves his own desires

But one place will he dwell;

God shall seize him by the neck

And throw him into Hell!

Your father's nor your mother's faith

Will save you from the Fire,

If you consider this world to be

Your innermost desire.

But wait! Wherever you are, your life

Can surely be turned around,

And the God you placed upon your tongue

Can in your heart be found.

Conversion not only occurs with those

Who do not know the way,

It occurs also with those well-versed

Who gradually go astray.

Forget, therefore, how you were born;

God judges not your birth.

By the purity of your heart at death

Will He determine your worth.

Those who say that they were born

Into the Islamic fold,

Like others, they must submit themselves

As clay for God to mould.

(from his book of Poetry "In Praise of Allah")