Omar Khayyan (49)

Juan Cole 03/03/2012

In monasteries, seminaries,
retreats and synagogues,
they fear hell
and seek paradise.
Those who know
the mysteries of God
never let that seed
be planted in their souls.

Translated by Juan Cole
from Whinfield 49

About the Author

Juan Cole is the founder and chief editor of Informed Comment. He is Richard P. Mitchell Professor of History at the University of Michigan He is author of, among many other books, Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires and The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Follow him on Twitter at @jricole or the Informed Comment Facebook Page