An amazing poem by the 8th century jurist, scholar and poet Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Idris al Shafi’i, popularly known as Imam Shafi’i.

In this candid poem he speaks about the futility of living one’s life at the whim of others, a worthless attempt to conform to a society that will always demand more. Instead he calls us to live for a higher purpose, to forsake trivialities and worldly distractions, to seek inner peace and a lasting happiness.

🧵3/3

#ImamShafii #Poetry #Islam #Faith #Society

"... When I showed up some courage they said it was rash and reckless and I wouldn't have behaved so if I was balanced. When I said NO they considered me odd. When I agreed with them, they called me a blind follower. So it became certain, that no matter how hard I try, pleasing people will bring nothing but criticism.

- Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i (Imam Shafi'i)

🧵2/3

#ImamShafii #Shafii #Poem #Poetry #Islam #Faith #Society #Spirituality

"I laughed and they said 'can't you be modest?' I cried and they said 'why don't you smile?' I smiled and they said 'he's a show off'. I frowned and they said 'I started showing my true colours. I was silent and they said I had a feeble tongue. When I spoke they said I was too talkative. When I was tolerant they called it cowardice and said, had I been brave I would have taken a revenge..."

🧵1/3

#ImamShafii #Shafii #Poem #Poetry #Islam #Faith #Society #Spirituality