A Fruit of the Black Mulberry

[The Old Said spoke this with the tongue of the New Said under the blessed mulberry tree.]

The one I'm addressing isn't Ziya Paşa, it's those enamoured of Europe. The one speaking isn't my soul, it's my heart in the name of the students of the

Qur'an.

* * *

The previous words are all truth; beware, don't lose course, don't exceed their

bounds!

Don't heed the ideas of Europe and deviate, or they'll make you regret it!

* * *

You see the most enlightened of them, in brilliance their standard-bearer,

Exclaim in bewilderment: Of whom, to whom can I complain?

* * *

The Qur'an says, and I say too — I won't hold back:

I lodge my complaint with Him. I'm not confused, like you.

* * *

I cry out to the True God; I don't slip away, like you.

I shout my cause from the ground to the skies; I don't flee, like you.

* * *

For all the Qur'an's cause is light upon light; I don't renege, like you. In the Qur'an is truth and wisdom; I'll prove it. I count as nothing hostile

philosophy.

* * *

In the Criterion are diamond truths; I take them to myself, not sell them, like

you.

I journey from creation to Creator; I don't lose the way, like you.

* * *

I pass over thorny paths, I don't tread on them, like you. From the earth to the Throne, I offer thanks; I don't neglect it, like you.