DIDACTIC: "LET GOD BE GOD, AND MAN BE MAN" BY MUHAMMAD MERCURIAL

Many deny God,

Yet their fortunes grow.

Does wealth prove God's favour?

Does poverty mean no?

Some prosper through business,

Some rise through trade.

Not every fortune

Is by faith made.

We pray for riches,

Yet neglect the grind.

Then blame our Creator

For the wealth we can't find.

We fast for favour,

But won't learn a trade.

Can prayer do the work

Our hands haven't made?

The Qur'an speaks of striving,

The Bible speaks of deeds.

Why pray for the harvest

While neglecting the seeds?

Surah 53:39,

James 2:17.

Faith must have footsteps,

Not just words unseen.

You pray for a job,

But won't build a skill.

You ask God to move,

While you sit still.

You pray for a change,

Yet cling to your ways.

Then blame the Almighty

For your wasted days.

Don't dress up your laziness,

And call it belief.

Don't hide from your duties

Behind holy relief.

The ant needs no sermon,

Yet stores for the rain.

Proverbs says, watch it.

What excuse will remain?

Allah gives guidance,

But you choose the road.

You cannot blame Heaven

For the choices you hold.

Not every closed door

Means you didn't pray.

Some doors stay shut,

Some you walk away.

Let God be God,

And man play his part.

Use the hands He gave you,

With faith in your heart.

Pray, but prepare.

Believe, but begin.

Faith is not a licence

To remain where you've been.

Do what you must.

Hand over to God.

Trust in His wisdom.

And walk your own road.

Let God be God.

Let man do his part.

Faith in your spirit.

Work from your heart.

© MUHAMMAD MERCURIAL 

-Nigeria.

The poem “Let God Be God, and Man Be Man” by Muhammad Mercurial explores the relationship between faith in God and human responsibility. The poet challenges people who rely solely on prayer while neglecting hard work, personal development, and practical efforts towards achieving their goals. Drawing references from the Qur’an and the Bible, the poem emphasises that faith should be accompanied by action. It also encourages individuals to take responsibility for their choices rather than blaming God for their failures. The poem's central message is that prayer and hard work should go hand in hand, as trusting in God does not eliminate the need for human effort and responsibility.