Hymn on Mohamed in the Cave

“Hymn on Mohamed in the Cave” is a poem written by the early English Muslim convert and poet Amherst D. Tyssen (1843–1930). It recalls the pivotal moment during the Hijra when the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr took refuge from the idolaters pursuing them in a cave of Mount Thawr, south of Mecca.

Lyrics

The Prophet with one faithful friend
In the dark cavern stood,
A thousand foemen scouring round,
All thirsting for his blood.

“Alas, my master,” spake the liege,
“Our term of life is sped;
I hear the murd’rous bands approach,
Intent to strike us dead.”

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“Be not distressed!” in accents firm,
The Prophet’s voice replied,
“For God is mightier far than they,
And God is on our side.

“Will He we live, no mortal power
Can take our lives away;
Will He we die, to Him we pass;
No need to feel dismay.”

Oh, may we thus through life’s rough voyage,
With all its tempests cope;
Make God the rock whereon we cast
The anchor of our hope.

Come weal: to Him we give the praise;
Come woe: on Him we rest;
E’en death is bliss to hearts assured
Whate’er He sends is best.

Audio Samples

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