Rumi's Masnavi - I have planted my foot in evil more firmly (than ever), for through Thy omnipotence verily I am (engaged) in a losing business all the time.

I have planted my foot in evil more firmly (than ever), for through Thy omnipotence verily I am (engaged) in a losing business all the time. 770

I have been deaf to Thy admonitions: while professing to be an idol-breaker, I have (really) been an idol-maker.

Is it more incumbent (on me) to think of Thy works or of death? (Of death): death is like autumn, and Thou art (the root which is) the origin of the leaves.”

For years this death has been beating the drum, (but only when it is) too late is your ear moved (to listen).

In his agony he (the heedless man) cries from his (inmost) soul, “Alas, I am dying!” Has Death made you aware of himself (only) now?

Death's throat is exhausted with shouting: his drum is split with the astounding blows (with which it has been beaten). 775

(But) you enmeshed yourself in trivialities: (only) now have you apprehended the mystery of dying.

Comparison of (the behaviour of) the heedless man who wastes his life and (only) begins to repent and ask pardon (of God) when he lies in extreme distress on his death-bed to the yearly mourning of the Shí‘ites of Aleppo at the Antioch Gate (of the city) during the ‘Áshúrá; and how a poet, who was a stranger, arrived (there) on his journey and asked what was the cause of these shrieks of mourning.

On the Day of ‘Áshúrá all the people of Aleppo gather at the Antioch Gate till nightfall,

Men and women, a great multitude, and keep up a constant lamentation for the (Holy) Family.

During the ‘Áshúrá the Shí‘ites wail and lament with tears and sobs on account of Karbalá.