Friday, June 22, 2007

Seeking Knowledge


"Farewell greetings to her who enslaved me through her elegance,
The splendour of her cheeks, and the furtive glances of her eyes.
A charming young maiden captivated me and filled me with love.
Imagination is confounded in describing her(charms).

But I said to her: "Leave me and excuse me, for indeed
I have become enamored with knowledge and its unveiling.
And for me seeking knowledge, learning, and reverence of God
suffices me over the songs of singing maidens and their perfume."

... Instruction of the Student: The Method of Learning, Imam al-Zarnuji

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is this book on your "special" list still?

TheHoopoe said...

Every book has a special place in my heart :-)