There was a time
Ibn Arabi • 1165-1240
There was a time I would reject those
who were not of my faith.
But now, my heart has grown capable
of taking on all forms.
It is a pasture for gazelles,
An abbey for monks.
A table for the Torah,
Kaaba for the pilgrim.
My religion is love.
Whichever the route love’s caravan shall take,
That shall be the path of my faith.
Published in The Interpreter of Longings (Turjumdn al-Ashwdq)
Edited and translated from the Arabic by R. A. Nicholson