Earthly things Quote by Ibn Hazm
““Men sometimes come and question me How many years my age may be, Seeing my temples silver now And flecks of snow upon my brow. This is the answer that I give "When I count up the life I live Applying all my reason's power, I make the total just one hour." "And how", my questioner replies In accents of amazed surprise, "Mak'st thou this sum, which seems to me Beyond all credibility?" "One day", I answer," she I love All other earthly things above Lay in my arms, and like a thought Her lips with mine I swiftly sought. "And though the years before I die Stretch out interminably, I Shall only count my life in truth As that brief hour of happy youth." -””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Hour of Life, 11th century
The poet reflects on mortality, valuing a single hour of true love over a long life.
In simple terms: A brief moment of love outweighs a lifetime.
Key Takeaway
Cherish deep connections, not longevity.
Themes
mortality
love
time
philosophy
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- elder care
- spiritual practice
- creative writing
Key Concepts
existentialism
romanticism
human experience
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a single hour of love mean to you?
- How can you balance love with daily responsibilities?
A Different Perspective
Love alone may not sustain practical needs.
![“There are two things that if you do them you will attain the good of this world and the hereafter; [They are] that you bear what you dislike if it is beloved to Allah and you leave what you like if it is disliked by Allah.” quote by Ibn Hazm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a2/ibn-hazm-24934_bears_there-are-two-things-that-if-you-do-them_1229528.jpg)
