Some who say that they were born
     Into the Islamic fold
     Allow the binding fear of God
     To gradually lose its hold.
    
     They early learn to fast and pray
     And recite the Holy Book,
     They make the Hajj and pay Zakat
     And swine they will not cook.
    
     So after this they proudly say
     That they are Muslims true
     And venture forth to western lands
     Where Muslim men are few.
    
     Their eyes and minds are then amazed
     At everything they see,
     And soon their hearts admire the men
     Who cause such things to be.
    
     But those men seek to make this world
     Their haven of delight,
     And therefore they create their own
     Standards of wrong and right.
    
     So when a Muslim looks to them
     As models for all men,
     Unwittingly he begins to slip
     Gradually into sin.
    
     At first, perhaps, he misses a prayer
     Or rushes one on through.
     Then, busily pursuing the western ways,
     Perhaps he misses two.
    
     He reads the Book a little less,
     And less he gives the poor;
     The challenge to raise his standard of life
     Now means a little more.
    
     Perhaps he'll even begin to gamble
     Or taste some wine or beer,
     His acts distinguish him not from those
     Who have no Godly fear.
    
     The path he follows gradually leads
     The way the worldly seek,
     And his religion becomes a task
     To practise once a week.
    
     What! Six days he gives himself,
     And God he gives but one!
     But still he claims to be a Muslim
     'Cause he's a Muslim's son.
    
     He who serves his own desires
     But one place will he dwell;
     God shall seize him by the neck
     And throw him into Hell!
    
     Your father's nor your mother's faith
     Will save you from the Fire,
     If you consider this world to be
     Your innermost desire.
    
     But wait! Wherever you are, your life
     Can surely be turned around,
     And the God you placed upon your tongue
     Can in your heart be found.
    
     Conversion not only occurs with those
     Who do not know the way,
     It occurs also with those well-versed
     Who gradually go astray.
    
     Forget, therefore, how you were born;
     God judges not your birth.
     By the purity of your heart at death
     Will He determine your worth.
    
     Those who say that they were born
     Into the Islamic fold,
     Like others, they must submit themselves
     As clay for God to mould.
    
     "He encompasses all things in knowledge."
     (At-Talaq : 12)