As you gaze across to me
Your searching eyes are questioning me
'How is it you live?' You say
'Do you trek a straight pathway?
With Whom do you daily plead?
Why this Book you always read?
And the dress you women wear!
Why this scarf upon your hair?
In your palm is there some power?
Why then supplicate each hour?
What then, do you claim to share?
For world justice do you care?
Tell me! Speak what is right
What then is your plight?'


In Allah's Name I now begin
'For Him, I do everything
Dependent I am, so I pray
Seeking Guidance night and day
His Good-Will I try to live
To share my love and wealth I give
My prayers for blessings never cease
For all creatures, man and beast
My coverings are His decree
To help me grow in purity
And my Qur'an fulfils a need
It strengthens me and my belief
And every human I embrace
Extending peace to every race
My path: Islam, is Straight and pure
For every sickness, there is a cure
O stranger! Much talk you raise!
Know this! To God is due our Praise!'

By Ayesha bint Mahmood.