Spring’s Gift – A Poem By Shaykh Hamza Yusuf in Praise of The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

As we draw closer to the end of Rabi’ al-Awwal, let us take this opportunity to reconnect with some of the finest descriptions and attributes of the Prophet ﷺ. Poets, Sufis and scholars of the past have encouraged Muslims to reconnect with the Prophet ﷺ in this way, as it was in this month that he arrived into the world. 

To commemorate his achievements, efforts and life, we present to you a remarkable poem by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. As the Prophet ﷺ was born in Spring, the poem has been titled Spring’s Gift.

Springs Gift

I envy the sand that met his feet
I’m jealous of honey he tasted sweet
Of birds that hovered above his head
Of spiders who spun their sacred web
To save him from his enemies
I envy clouds formed from the seas
That gave him cover from the heat
Of a sun whose light could not compete
With his, whose face did shine so bright
That all was clear in blinding night
I envy sightless trees that gazed
Upon his form completely dazed
Not knowing if the sun had risen
But felt themselves in unison
With those who prayed, and fasted too
Simply because he told them to
With truth and kindness, charity
From God who gave such clarity
His mercy comes in one He sent
To mold our hearts more heaven bent
I envy all there at his side
Who watched the turning of the tide
As truth prevailed and falsehood fled
And hope restored life to the dead
Men and Women through him found grace
To seek together God’s noble face
I envy the cup that gave him drink
His thoughts that helped us all to think
To be one thought that passed his mind
Inspiring him to act so kind
For me this world is not one jot
If I could simply be a thought
From him to God throughout the ages
As revelation came in stages
I pity all who think it odd
To hear him say there is one God
Or he was sent by God to men
To hone their spirits’ acumen
It’s pride that blinds us from the sight
That helps good men to see his light
He taught us all to be God’s slaves
And he will be the one who saves
Humanity from sinful pride
Muhammad has God on his side
So on this day be blessed and sing
For he was born to grace our Spring
With lilies, flowers, life’s rebirth
In a dome of green like his on earth

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf