Ottomon History Archives: Poem by Sultan Murad

SULTAN MURAD III: "WAKE UP O MY EYES FROM HEEDLESSNESS"

This poem have been written by Sultan Murad III who reigned the Ottoman Empire between 1574-1595. One day, Sultan Murad could not wake up for the dawn prayer (fajr) and he felt so sorry and he wrote his famous peom, to state his deep feelings which impressive by itself indeed:

WAKE UP O MY EYES FROM HEEDLESSNESS

Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up
Azrael's intent is the soul, believe me
Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

All birds wake up before dawn
They start reciting God's names in their own tongues
Mountains, rocks and trees declare His unity
Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

They open the doors of the heavens
They sprinkle the water of Mercy upon believers
They sew the heaven dress for those waking up at dawn
Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

This world is transient, don't ever be deceived
Don't rely on the crown and throne in vanity
Don't feel confident by saying "the seven climates are mine"
Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

Forgive me, your servant Murad
Excuse my offenses, abolish my misdeeds
Resurrect me under the Messenger's Flag
Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up