The Prophet's Paradise

(5)

I liked Omar right away. I could see that we were in some sense 'kindred spirits,' although I was a dunce at mathematics. I could tell that Lucifer also liked the old poet. 'The ice broken,' so to say, I wondered about the Muslim Paradise. I wondered whether the Muslim Paradise was any more valuable than the Judeo-Christian Paradise. I broached the initial question with:

me: Can you tell us from your perspective how we on Earth should live our lives?
om:
Some for the Glories of This World; and some
Sigh for the Prophet's Paradise to come;
Ah, take the Cash and let the Credit go,
Nor heed the rumble of a distant Drum!
(translation: none needed)
me: Do you mean that the religious life is worthless?
om:
Alike to those who for To-day prepare,
And those who after some To-morrow stare,
A Muezzin from the Tower of Darkness of darkness cries,
"Fools! Your reward is neither Here nor There!"
(translation: none needed)