This page features a video of the poem “Abou Ben Adhem”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 7th Standard English Second Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe
increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep
dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in
his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem
bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou?”—The vision
raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next
night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God
had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep
dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in
his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem
bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou?”—The vision
raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next
night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God
had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
Summary
The poem tells the story of Abou Ben Adhem and highlights his humility, peace, and love for fellow human beings. One night, he sees an angel writing in a golden book the names of those who love the Lord. When he asks whether his name is included, the angel says that it is not. Abou then asks the angel to write his name among those who love their fellow men. On the following night, his name appears at the top of the list blessed by God's love, showing the importance of loving and serving humanity.
Author
Leigh Hunt