A poem: "A Man's Trail"

I found the following poem from an online source some years back, and read this as one of the capsules for Radio IKIM. To my mind, this is one of the most touching Islamic poems that I have ever come across. The poem was quite popular back then, and I am putting it up again as a reminder for us all. After all, we need to be reminded from time to time so as to not stray from the right path. (A special thanks to Alawiyah Ahmad for reminding me about this poem after all these years).

Note that the author of this poem goes by the name of Dee77. I believe the author is a Singaporean. If anyone has details about the author, do let me know. Thank you.

A MAN'S TRAIL

This is the story of an average human

From his story there is so much to learn

"I work through life working day and night

Let me tell you of my miserable plight

Before that, let me thank Allah Most Merciful too

That's why I'm sharing my story with you

From young I was told I had to be the best

I must learn to score for my exams and tests

I studied hard to be the top in class

So that my friends will respect me with all the fuss

In my youth days, I was actually insecure

So much temptations and many are impure

I prayed sparingly but it didn't help me

Why couldn't I feel that Allah was watching me?

I wanted to be the cream of the cake

I didn't allow myself to make a single mistake

I wanted more friends and also be praised

When I didn't get complimented, I felt so dazed

I began to doubt myself again and again

Was I not good enough or was I insane?

I was feeling inadequate for my lack of looks

Was I too fat, short, or did my smile give the spooks?

I learnt to dress up in trendy clothes bought from stores

I wanted people to look at me and say 'wow' in awe

I wanted to be adored, praised and be popular

Success to me is to be top scholar

I wanted to shower myself in fame

I also hoped to earn a big name

I studied hard and topped my school high

I believe that to make friends, success is a tool

Whenever I was with friends and my date was just beside

I felt the pressure to display my witty side

I'm afraid my friends would leave me if I'm not nice enough

So I bought them gifts and other good stuff

Branded clothes, car, intelligence and friends indeed

You may think I have all that I need

But I'm still unhappy inside and I don't even know why

Was I not good enough, too ugly or too shy?

At work, I pleased my boss to show him I was the best

I treated my colleagues lunch and sacrificed all my rest

I was afraid that my boss disliked me if I lazed about

In front of him, I did my best and tried to stand out

Then I climbed the corporate ladder and be my own boss

Finally, I was successful but I was still in a loss

I was cheerful outside but scared inside

I was not even sure what I'm doing is right

I looked around to see all my best friends

I wonder if they still like me if my wealth ends?

I cannot bear to face rejection or even fail

If I become poor and old, will my friendships be stale?

I work hard, but who am I trying to impress?

The fear of losing my reputation is causing me stress

I want friends to respect me forever and ever

I could imagine my friendship to sever

But alas! My business failed me terribly

I was down with illness and suffered painfully

All the people whom I thought were faithful friends

Left me because my status has no stands

I'm left alone and wonder whether it is true?

To make good friends, wealth matters too?

I looked at the side of my bed and saw the Qur'an

Guilt enveloped me because the Qur'an I have read none

Since I was alone and feeling so bored

I explored the Qur'an to know about Allah the Lord

True Muslims friends start to befriend me

It doesn't matter whoever I'll be

They accept me and love me despite my flaws

I don't have to make them like me by using force

I don't have to impress Allah with my witty charm

I already know Allah loves us and protects us from harm

With Allah's help, we can attain peace in self

So let's put doubt back in Satan's shelf

If there are problems with work and with men

Please remember that it's part of Allah's plan

Ask from Allah because He listens to us always

Allah will help us with His Kindness and Grace

I met a man who is unfortunately blind

He then advised me with words so kind

He said, 'Love yourself and be grateful for what you are

You owe it to Allah for coming this far

Allah loves us and makes us Muslims

But many people don't appreciate it, it seems

It doesn't matter if we're poor or earn less

Allah loves who we are and He cares

Don't do good deeds if you do it for show

Or else your spiritual status will sink below

If you're humble, do good deeds and pray to Allah Most Wise

You can earn yourself a place in Paradise

Good Muslims overcome worries and insecurity

They are unfazed even if they are treated with hostility

Why be a slave to affluence and glamour?

Why worry if we are not witty with humour?

Always be yourself, dear brother, have no pretence

Allah will still love you, even if you don't have any fans

Why be afraid, dear brother, when friends shun away

When Allah is there for you it's always that way.'

After the blind man left, my mind started working

I was still surprised and truth starts coming

It seems that I may be a boss or lying here poor

but good Muslims greet me with salaam, a smile and no fear

I kept wondering, what is success to me?

Is it about having friends, or earning a good degree?

I had all these and yet I was not satisfied

Could it be because that Allah was not on my side?

Then I realize that I have been foolish

My INSECURITY is the one that was my leash

Why was I ungrateful to Allah Most Great?

Allah's helping us all the way as Fate

Oh! I'm ashamed for being so proud

When my success was actually a passing cloud!

Now I realize my great big mistake

So I do more good deeds now with sincerity and no fake

Let's learn from this life and tread the virtuous road

Remember that this world is only a temporary abode

Now I live through my life devoted to the Islamic cause

And repent, so Allah will love me despite my flaws."

Remember true success is not about having lots of friends

In fact, it is about passing Allah's tests

Happiness is not about showing off your generous part

In fact, it's about the ATTITUDE of your heart

Say: 'I like who I am and I'm glad to be me

I love being a Muslim and Allah sets my heart free!

I can feel in my mind and in my little heart bone

I confess - with Allah around, I know I'm never alone'.

-Written by Dee77