We may earnestly count the number of times we have asked Him, grumbling about the lapse in response, but He keeps no tally while giving.

These days when I call upon You
I realize:
Moments I haven’t called You
Are but less

When have I not
Called upon You?
When battered by the hailstones of trials
Or showered by the bliss of smiles?

Which among Your names did I miss:
Ya Qareeb! Ya Raqeeb!
Ya Musawwir! Ya Muqtadir!
Oh! So love-full, So powerful!

Not once have You turned away,
Nor been harsh or impatient.

Ya Rabb!

From the womb, I relied on You,
Forever calling, it’s nothing new,
I repeat the same, You never tire,
Your mercy and love never expire.

You never tire of my pleas,
No matter how much I repeat.

Though I may be
In the depths of hell
I am sure to find
Your merciful spell

Your perfection surpasses
All thoughts I can imagine
I asked with a count in mind
Yet, you gave unconditionally kind

I try to hold back
My constant plea,
Yet You urge me on:
“Ask, and I shall decree.”

Your gifts to me
Overflow my grasp

I am exhausted:
Sinful day and night
Yet You love to pardon
Small and great alike.

Rock-bound or beneath the sea,
In the darkness where none can see,
You are the Provider, Ya Razzaq,
Nourishing all, nothing You lack.

Mar 09 2006. Edit March 2023