Often referred to as ‘Iraqi or ‘Araqi, he was born in Hamadan
in Persia in 1213. During his lifetime he spent many years in Multan
, (present day Pakistan) as well as Konya and Toqat in present day Turkey. He is known by many Sufis as a commenter on Sufi teachings, one of the great Persian poets, and an artist. ‘Iraqi is also considered to have reached an exalted station of spiritual realization within the Sufi tradition.
Born in 1213, ‘Iraqi lived during the height of the revival of Islamic spirituality.
La ilaha illa'l-'ishq
Before this there was one heartbut a thousand thoughtsNow all is reduced to "There is no love but Love."
The Morning of Manifestation sighed, the breeze of Grace breathed gently,ripples stirredupon the sea of Generosity. The clouds of Abundance poured down the rain upon the soil of preparedness; so much rain that the earth shone with Light.
The magic springthat gives eternal Life,is in your own heartbut you have blocked the flow.
Beloved, I sought youhere and there, asked for news of you from all I met; then saw you through myself and found we were identical. Now I blush to think I ever searched for signs of you.
They look, they see, but do not comprehend.They take no pleasure in the View, For to enjoy it one must know through the Truth of Certainty What he is seeing, through Whom, and why.
Know yourself: a clouddrifting before your sun.Cut yourself off from your sensesand behold your sun of intimacy.
By day I praised You but never knew it; by night slept with You without realising; fancying myself to be myself; but no, I was Youand never knew it.
The Beloved's Loveliness owns a hundred thousand faces; gaze upon a different fair one in every atom; for She needs must showto every separate thinga different aspectof Her beauty.