Poem
as an art form is very powerful to deliver ideas and convince people.
Its intriguing chosen words, beautifully framed lines and deeply
thought reflection are some main attraction points of a poem. Thus, a
poem may tickle mind, as well as grab heart. In fact, poem is often
used either intentionally or unintentionally to contribute to social
change expected. In the interfaith dialogue context, it is no
exception.
While
interfaith dialogue advocates may use poem to deliver her/his
aspirations, some philosophers, religious figures, spiritualists have
been using poems to reflect on their conviction and/or inner journey.
Even, as a matter of fact, several (parts) of holy scriptures of
different faiths are written in poetic styles, resembling a poem. It
is a personal deepest struggle and search toward life, love, human,
nature and even the Supreme Being that spur the expression through a
poem. Thus, frequently a poem is more a personal one, rather that
being used to aim collective groups. Nevertheless, a poem, later, may
be used for advocacy by the writer her/himself or others.
One
of an interesting poem that is about interfaith issue is written by
an Indonesian Muslim scholar, Ulil Abshar Abdalla. His personal
background is undoubtedly strong Islam tradition. His thoughts on
religions are seen very progressive and liberal,1 that
invites support and admiration as well as opposition and criticism. I
would like to introduce one of his poems written about Easter and
Jesus.2
Easter Poem
By Ulil Abshar-Abdalla
He who collapsed,
on the holy virgin’s lap,
resurrected after three days,
against death.
He who was weak,
revived an impossible expectation.
He who is the weakest,
His body bears our sufferings.
***************************
He who is the weakest,
His suffering conquers kings of the
world.
He who falled in love with morning,
after being stoned painfully.
He who looked up to the holy sky,
swathed in scarlet red cloth: Love
me, please!
****************************************
They argue
about who died on the wooden cross.
I’m not interested in the debate
of theologians.
It is the pouring blood which
strongly touches me.
When I boast my faith,
The painful body lying on that
wood,
keeps reminding me:
In fact, He also suffers, with the
insulted.
************************************
My Mohammed, your Jesus, your
Buddha, your Krisna, your Confucius,
they all are my teachers,
who teach me about the vastness of
the world, and love.
*************************************************
Your disease, O believers:
You easily become complacent,
arrogant,
boasting yourself like a peacock.
You are eager to judge!
*********************
The body with the pouring blood on
that wood,
is not a peacock.
He teaches us, about love,
for those who are misled and
insulted.
**********************************
Suffering sometimes teaches you
about a humble faith.
The letters in the scriptures,
often make you feel you are the
only holiest person.
**********************************************
Yes, your Jesus is also my Jesus,
He has saved me from a faith,
which is arrogant and too proud.
He makes me love the insulted!
****************************
(Translated by S.Belen)
This
poem is powerful, because not only is written by non-Christian, but
also brings the humane side as well as the understanding of different
perspective. The suffering of Jesus as believed by Christian is
vividly and emotionally described, as if a Christian is reflecting on
the Easter meaning. Yet, Ulil connects it with his identity or belief
as a Muslim. Yet, he expands to other (figures) of faith and tries to
find the common ground for all. Humility and love are some of them,
while at the same he criticises act of arrogance and proud. Thus, it
is definitely a result of a deep process of an interfaith dialogue, a
true passover. Yet, whether this poem is effective or not, it is
quite difficult to say. Whereas many people enjoy and possibly get
some enlightenment, some become more defensive and reject it totally.
The poem itself once went viral in the internet in Indonesia. It
usually goes viral again during Easter period. Nevertheless, a poem
indeed is a refined form of human expression, that often gives softer
but sharper approach to an issue. This poem, then, I will say is
pretty valuable.
1
He is also known for his activism in a group called “Liberal
Islam Network.”
2
For the orginal source, see:
https://sbelen.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/easter-poem-by-ulil-abshar-abdalla-an-islamic-scholar-activist/.
Wonderful Danny! Thanks for introducing us to this poem ....
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