O People Gone On Hajj Pilgrimage, Where Are You? - a Poem by Rumi

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Rumi's following mystical poem is one of my all time favorites. This deeply meaningful poem clearly manifests Rumi's profound mystical Sufi argument that a believer's "Inner" reality always outweighs the "Outer" practices and rituals of his/her faith. Through these highly mystical and meaningful verses, Rumi is effectively teaching us that while it's a noble Islamic cause and a Muslim's lifelong obligation to embark on the Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, our genuine pilgrimage must first start by not only helping our next-door neighbors and loved ones under our own roofs , but also by embarking on the Sufi mystical pilgrimage deep within our own self in search of our hidden inner realities. Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the 'Five Pillars' of the Islamic faith, and also a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for any Muslim who has the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. Rumi is simply at his best in this short poem. I hope my translation can capture Maulana's intended Sufi mystical messages and teachings. By Kaaba (House of Allah/God), Rumi is referring to the Cube-shaped structure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia where Muslim make their annual Hajj-Pilgrimage (see above image).





O People Gone On Hajj Pilgrimage, Where Are You?
By Rumi (Ghazal/Ode # 648 from Divan-e Shams)


O people gone on Hajj Pilgrimage
Where are you? Where are you?
The Beloved is right here
Come on back, come on back!

Your Beloved is your next-door neighbor -
Wall-to-walls -
Why are you wandering in the Arabian deserts?

If you take a really good look at
Beloved's Faceless Face,
You will get to see clearly that
The Master, the Holy House, and the Kaaba
Are all in reality You!

You've already journeyed like ten times
On the path of Hajj Pilgrimage
To visit that Holy House.
For once in your life,
Also climb up to the roof of your own house.

That Holy House is indeed magnificent
You've already talked about its many wonders.
But from the Master of that House,
Did you even get its correct address?

Where is your flower bouquet
If you've seen that Divine Garden?

Where is your soul's pearly essence
If you now belong to the Ocean of God?

Well, despite of it all,
May all your sufferings turn into your treasures.
Alas, you are always veiling your own treasures.
Rumi


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