This is the will of Mohammed al-Baqir… never forget the one killed in Karbala
* * *
When death had approached the splitter of knowledge
And when poison had withered away his age
And when the book of God turned its final page
He told his final will to his son Jafar
O’ Jafar wail for your grandfather… never forget the one killed in Karbala
* * *
O’ Jafar I have left tears upon my will
Tears so great that oceans they would overfill
The love of Hussain in your students instil
Put tears within their eyes for Heaven’s Master
To the breaking of hearts none is worthier… never forget the one killed in Karbala
* * *
O’ Jafar I was young when I saw Hussain
Alone, crying for help on that desert plain
My eyes have seen things that give my pupils pain
Every day they see upon Hussain, Shimr
Shed tears to soothe the eyes that have seen terror… never forget the one killed in Karbala
* * *
O’ Jafar in my school that educated
One hundred poets from it graduated
I taught them how Hussain should be lamented
And I loved every writer and reciter
Know that loving Hussain gives people power… never forget the one killed in Karbala
* * *
O’ Jafar make sure every year at Mina
When they go for Hajj which is Islam’s pillar
They hold high the Father of Freedom’s banner
And shed tears on Abbas, Hussain’s flagbearer
And when you remember the hands they’d sever… never forget the one killed in Karbala
* * *
O’ son when your father’s body you enshroud
Save your tears for the one left without a shroud
Hold your head high with his love and hold it proud
Be the rose that only for him would wither
Let your heart blossom but die on Ashura… never forget the one killed in Karbala
* * *
(London – 03/10/14)