Ibrahim ibn Adham was a holy man. A prominent Sufi saint, he has been immortalised in this poem by Leigh Hunt. Referred to as Abou Ben Adhem here, the poem written in 1834, tells of his encounter with an angel one night. The lesson that the poem bears is that God wishes that every human being - His creation should harbour feelings of love, compassion, considerateness and goodwill towards other people. There should be no negative emotions among humans - no jealousy, conflict or bitterness. Those who have embraced and indeed practice this philosophy are the ones whom God showers his love on. The theme of the poem is that love for fellow humans is akin to true love for God and ranks far higher than mere ostensible demonstration of faith or superficial worship. Abou Ben Adhem who led a blameless life of virtue and poetry could as a result sleep the sleep of the just-deep and tranquil. The angel's presence did not alarm him. He spoke fearlessly. His goodness was rewarded by God pouring forth love and blessings. Leigh Hunt has left for us a wonderful, moving poem that bears a poignant message of a way of life that is good and righteous. This poem does not preach. It's tone is not didactic either. Its narration of the interaction between Abou Ben Adhem and the angel is straightforward but effective in driving home the message it wants to deliver. A very popular poem, 'Abou Ben Adhem' is at its core a powerful poem but one that all can easily interpret.

Full Poem:

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.


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