"Let Peace Be Our Path"
By Afzal Ahamed Malik
They say seventy-three paths divide,
But all kneel where truth and faith reside.
One Allah, one Book, one final call,
Yet walls are built, and bridges fall.
They chant the same, they fast, they pray,
Yet curse each other every day.
A difference in the way we stand,
Becomes a war across the land.
The Book is one, the words are clear,
But each translation fuels more fear.
Every scholar draws his line,
As if salvation is just mine.
O children of the same divine,
Why let the hatred redefine?
Your sect, your name, your claim to truth—
They all are shadows of lost youth.
Let not the mullah judge your soul,
Let not the power play that role.
On Judgment Day, the Lord will see
Who walked with love, who walked in plea.
So till that day, let’s not divide,
Let’s walk in peace, let hearts decide.
Let mosques be homes of calm and light,
Not battlegrounds for proving right.
Let’s help the poor, uplift the weak,
Let’s teach our tongues to softly speak.
Let’s not be pawns in politics’ game,
Let’s not kill faith in Allah’s name.
The planet burns with needless hate,
Let’s not add more to twisted fate.
Respect the path your brother takes,
For every soul, the whole Earth shakes.
Let’s walk the path of love and grace,
And see in each a sacred face.
No flags, no sects, no bitter voice—
But peace and hope, our truest choice.