One of the famous poems of Ottoman history was one penned by the Caliph Sultan Murad III, who ruled the Ottoman Caliphate between 1574-1595. This poem found it’s inspiration one day when the Sultan did not wake up for the dawn prayer. With a feeling of immense shame and guilt, he penned this famous poem, perhaps as penance or atonement. For a man who had immense power in the worldly sense, these words indicate a man who knew his ultimate judgement would be by The One, The Irresistable: his Creator.

Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

Azrael’s intent is the soul, believe me

Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

All birds wake up before dawn
They start reciting God’s names in their own tongues
Mountains, rocks and trees declare His unity

Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

They open the doors of the heavens
They sprinkle the water of Mercy upon believers
They sew the heaven dress for those waking up at dawn

Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

This world is transient, don’t ever be deceived
Don’t rely on the crown and throne in vanity
Don’t feel confident by saying “the seven climates are mine”

Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up

Forgive me, your servant Murad
Excuse my offenses, abolish my misdeeds
Resurrect me under the Messenger’s Flag

Wake up, o my eyes, wake up from heedlessness
Wake up, o my very sleepy eyes, wake up