What Is Important?

An original poem by (sister) Amatullah Al-Marwani

Bills, ringing phones, dirty dishes!
Oh, if only I could make 1,000 wishes!

Things to do, got to hurry, people to see...
Is this my life? Is this frantic mess really me?

Late for Fajr, running a prayer behind.
Sigh! No focus! Why does junk fill my mind?

I’ve let things get too far out of whack.
I’ve got to work and find my way back.

Where to start, what exactly to do?
I feel all washed up, as if I’m through.

But…what is important? Where to start?
Got to decide what’s the essential part.

Is it getting stuff done, lots of success?
Is it buying fancy shoes, purse, a dress?

Is it a shiny car parked in my drive?
Is this the reason I am kept alive?

Is it who has more and climbs ever higher?
Is it who is left with the biggest funeral pyre?

I struggle and search, truly sad.
I’ve lost my way. Ya, Allah...this is bad.

Is there no direction? No help at all?
Wait! What’s that I hear? Is it… a Call?

It’s been faint in my heart for so very long.
But there’s no mistake, the Call is strong!

I must have shut it out with my daily, busy life,
turning from its peace while clamoring for strife.

But now, I’m aware as it pulls me near.
And, oh, that Call, it is precious and dear.

A Call that beckons an answer from me
A Call that brings one to humble, bended knee.

I’ve had the roadmap, it was at hand.
But I left it enshrouded high on a stand.

What roadmap? The Qur’an! What Call?
Vivid and clear as any writing on the wall…

There is no god but Allah, a truth so plain!
This is the remedy to ease my pain!

This is the end of worry and stress.
This is the end of my ‘frantic mess’.

The Call continues. Guiding. There.
Taking away my every earthly care.

It isn’t magic, fortune-telling or trick.
It’s having free-will, then a choice to pick.

I’ve made mine. Islam is the way.
I pray I’ll heed the Call each day.

Get your own map out. Dust it off. Listen quiet.
Don’t waste time on “I wish”; just trust and try it!

This is what is important, please don’t forget.
Answer the Call of, “Servant, do you submit?”