Zayd’s Poems on Leaving His People’s Religion

Ibn Ishaq said: I was told that Zayd’s son Sa‘id ibn Zayd and his cousin ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah, “Should we seek forgiveness for Zayd ibn Amr?” He replied, “Yes; he will be raised as a community on his own.”

Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl said, describing his departure from his people’s religion and what he suffered from them: “Shall I worship one lord or a thousand, when matters have been divided? I have abandoned al-Lat and al-‘Uzza together; that is what the steadfast and patient do. I worship neither al-‘Uzza nor her two daughters, nor do I visit the idols of Banu Amr. I worship no Hubal, once treated as our lord in days gone by, when my judgment was slight. I wonder, for nights bring marvels known to the discerning: Allah has ended the lives of many whose course was wicked, yet preserved others through their people’s virtue, so that a small child among them grows strong.”

The poem continues: “While a person may one day return to life, as a rain-soaked branch revives and puts forth leaves, I worship the Most Merciful, my Lord, so that the All-Forgiving Lord may pardon my sin. Guard the fear of Allah, your Lord; whenever you preserve it, it will not be wasted. You will see the righteous dwelling in gardens, while the unbelievers have a scorching Fire, disgrace in life, and, when they die, what constricts the breast.”

Another poem begins: “To Allah I offer my praise and commendation, and a firm word that will not cease with time. To the Most High King, above whom there is no god or lord nearby. O man, beware of ruin, for nothing is hidden from Allah. Do not set another beside Allah; the path of right guidance has become clear. Your mercy, again and again: the jinn were their hope, but You, my God and Lord, are my hope.”

The poem continues: “I am content with You, O Allah, as Lord; I will never see another deity besides You. You sent Moses, by Your grace and mercy, as a herald. You told him, ‘Go, you and Aaron, and call Pharaoh, the tyrant, to Allah. Ask him: Did you level this earth without a stake, so that it settled as it is? Did you raise this sky without pillars? How excellent is its Maker! Did you set its middle alight, guiding it when night covers it? Who sends the sun each morning, making the earth bright? Who brings grain out of the soil, so plants rise and sway, bringing forth their seeds? In this are signs for whoever understands. By Your favor You saved Jonah, who spent nights within the depths of a fish. If I were to glorify You, our Lord, I would do so abundantly, were it not that You forgive my errors.’”