first, these are introductions to particular poems for a specific audience (i.e., western and western-minded muslims) and should not be taken as literary commentaries. in other words, i may use a given poem to provoke a topic of relevance to the audience even if that is not what the poem is originally or primarily about.

second, these introductions are meant to open up discussions and not close them. by reflecting seriously on the themes of individual poems, we are forced to confront certain existential possibilities. this does not mean, however, that i actually think that any particular introduction is the final word on the subject or representative of my larger views. in this particular case, a messianic poem has done its job if it forces us to consider the prospect of chaos, nihilism or civilizational collapse. other reflections will, God willing, be more hopeful.

on a separate note, i am curious about your reference towards the evolution of the human race. of course, i understand that you mean a spiritual and not a biological evolution, but i am still struck by the idea that humanity as a whole will morally improve over time (really? what warrants such faith?).

And there are good and brave people working on both a political and spiritual level to evolve the race toward its real purpose.

The broader vision is increasingly hopeful.

“Once out of nature I shall never take
My bodily form from any natural thing,
But such a form as Grecian goldsmiths make
Of hammered gold and gold enameling”