PEARLS

FROM

A STREAM

VOLUME-XI

CONTENTS
INQILAB: INDIVIDUAL LEVEL PRAYERS-I 1
The Childs Invocation ..4
The Flower Bud ..5
The Supplication 8
Ghazal 11
Quatrains ..13
On Occasion of Permission to Keep Sword14
Quatrain 15
A Prayer 16
To the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) .17
INQILAB: INDIVIDUAL LEVEL PRAYERS-II 37
Invocation .37
Ghazalein ..39
INQILAB: INDIVIDUAL LEVEL PRAYERS-III ..85
Hazoor-e-Haq: Set-1 86
Set-2 ...89
Set-3 ...94
Set-4 ...98
Set-5 .100
Set-6 .103
Set-7 .104
Set-8 .106
Set-9 .107
Set-10108
Set-11109
2

INQILAB: INDIVIDUAL LEVEL PRAYERS-IV .111

Hazoor-e-Tisalat .111
Set-1..112
Set-2 .115
Set-3 .116
Set-4 .118
Set-5 ,119
Set-6 .121
Set-7 .122
Set-8 .123
Set-9 .126
Set-10131
Set-11135
Set-12179
Set-13180

INQILAB
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
PRAYERS - I
Prayer is an important ritual of all religions which is performed in a
prescribed manner by followers of a particular faith. The prayer so offered is
an overt display of an individuals submission to God expressed in specific
words of mouth and prostrating gestures.
Islam makes it mandatory for its followers to say prayers five times a
day. Each prayer consists of different number of rakaats and in each
rakaat the recitation of first seven verses of Holy Quran, Surah Fatiha is
compulsory. By virtue of that it becomes the most offered prayer on earth
round the clock.
This Surah is the finest composition of a prayer. It has to be so as it
has been revealed upon human kinds through His last Messenger (S.A.W.).
With the help this Surah one can endeavour to understand the essential
elements of a prayer.

()
( )
(Shoroa) Allah kay naam sey jo barra meharban, nahait reham wala hai.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

()

Sabb taarifein Allah he ko laiq hein jo Marabbi hein her her alam kay.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds

()

Jo barra meharban nahait reham waley hein.
The Beneficent, the Merciful.

()
4


Jo maalik hein roz-e-jaza kay.
Owner of the Day of Judgment,

()


Hum Aap he ki ibadat kartey hein aur Aap he sey darkhwast eanat ki kartey
hein.
Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.

()


Batla dijiay hum ko rastah seidha.
Show us the straight path,

()

)(
) (
Rastah onn lougon ka jinn per Aap ney inaam farmaya hai. Nah (rastah)
onn lougon ka jinn per Aap ka ghazb kiya gaya aur nah onn lougon ka jo
(rastah sey) gom ho gaey.
Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.
(Urdu translation by Ashraf Thanwi and English translation by Pickthal)
The recitation of first verse is desirable before saying or doing
anything; the primary aim is to invoke benevolence and mercy of Allah. The
second verse is affirmation; the culmination of the journey that begins with
La, the rejection of all gods. It is affirmation that Allah is the Lord of the
worlds created and sustained by Him. In other words He is not only the
Creator but also the Provident.
Third verse is reiteration of sifaat mentioned at the beginning. The
fourth verse is the acceptance that Allah is the Judge to whom all his
creations are accountable. The fifth verse is the pledge that He is the only

one worthy of worship and worthy of seeking help. The last two verses
contain the prayer, which in itself is all encompassing.
In short, a formal prayer begins with invocation and the praise, leads
to affirmation and the pledge, finally ending up with submitting the request.
In addition to formal prayers, a believer often converses with his
Creator. In that monologue the individual begs for forgiveness and mercy for
his acts and neglects. He seeks guidance and help for tackling problems
encountered by him. Such a conversation with the unseen God is also called
a prayer or Dua.
A Dua, a random prayer is in fact a statement of intent. A statement
of intent made before the Creator ought to be honest and sincere. It is
understood that the desire expressed to seek Divine guidance and help has to
be noble and earnest.
The sincerity of the prayer can be ascertained from the endeavours
and efforts put in before and after a prayer by the one who prays. Sincerity is
directly proportional to efforts put in for fulfillment of the intended desire. A
prayer lacking the corresponding endeavour makes the sincerity suspect and
may not merit response.
The prayers about Palestine and Kashmir can be quoted in this
context. For more than six decades, people in our part of the world have
been collectively praying for liberation of lands occupied Jews and Hindus
yet both the communities have been plunging deeper into the quagmire of
subjugation. This is because acts of those, who have been praying, have been
contrary to what they seek from God.
Notwithstanding the conflict in intent and action, one must not give up
praying for the simple reason that one day his prayers may incite him for the
right action. Moreover, sometimes the prayers are responded despite the lack
of sincerity; that is because of sheer benevolence of the Benevolent.
One must also pray for the reason that it is an act of expressed
submission and acknowledgment of the might of the Almighty, in addition to
thanks-giving. Islam encourages this and that is why there is a prescribed
prayer to be said before performing even ordinary routine acts like eating,
drinking, sleeping, and dressing etcetera.
Remembrance reflects belief and faith in the Creator and invokes His
mercy and grace. The contents and frequency of prayers of an individual
also reflect upon his personality. The contents of his prayers unveil his goals
and frequency reflects the degree and intensity of contact with his Creator.
6

From the above one can discern as to how much that individual cares for his
betterment, or well being of others.
Most of the poetical works of Allamah Iqbal sought well being of the
humanity in general even when Muslims were especially mentioned in these.
A verse or two in every poem qualify as a prayer, so many poems included
in earlier volumes merited place in this chapter.
But, herein only those poems are included which are a prayer from the
beginning to the end. This volume starts with a Dua written by Allamah
Iqbal for the children and which is the most recited poem (prayer) in
Pakistan. This is also the only poem that has been included in an earlier
volume and repeated here.
THE CHILD'S INVOCATION
The chapter ends with a wish and prayer for the children, which
is widely taught to and memorized by the children in this part of the world.
Bachay ki doa

Labb peh aati hai doa bun kay tamanna meyri; zindagi shamaa ki surat ho
Khodaya meyri.
My longing comes to my lips as supplication of mine. O God! May like the
candle be the life of mine!

Door dunya ka merey dum sey andhaira ho jaaey; her jagah meyrey
chamakney sey ojala ho jaaey.
May the world's darkness disappear through the life of mine! May every
place light up with the sparkling light of mine!

Ho merey dum sey yuonhi meyrey watan ki zeenat; jiss tarah phhool sey
hoti hai chaman ki zeenat.

May my homeland through me attain elegance as the garden through flowers

attains elegance.

Zindagi ho meri pervaney ki surat Ya-Rabb; ilm ki shamaa sey ho mojh ko
mohabat Ya-Rabb.
May my life like that of the moth be, O Lord! May I love the lamp of
knowledge, O Lord!

Ho mera kaam gharibon ki hamayat karna; dardmandon sey zaifon sey
mohabat karna.
May supportive of the poor my life's way be! May loving the old, the
suffering my way be!

!

Merey Allah! Boraeyi sey bachana mojh ko; naik jo raah ho oss reh peh
chalana mojh ko.
O God! Protect me from the evil ways; show me the path leading to the good
ways!
(Translated by Dr M A K Khalil)
THE FLOWER BUD
Dr Khalil writes: Allamah Iqbal has used a common object like the
flower bud to explain mystic secrets and to show the way to recognizing,
loving and revering God... In this poem the wishes expressed by the poet
qualify as prayer.
Kali

Jabb deikhhati hai sehar aarz-e-rungin apna; khhol deyti hai kali seinah-ezarrein apna.
8

(Aarz-e-rungin: Khoobsurat rokhsar.)

When the dawn uncovers its beautiful cheek; the flower bud uncovers its
golden breast.

Jalwah aasham hai sobh kay maey khaney mein; zindagi oss ki hai Khurshid
kay paimaney mein.
(Jalwah aasham: Jalwah peinay wala yaani jalwey sey faidah othhaney
wala.)
It is manifest in the dawn's tavern; its life is in the goblet of the sun.

Saamney mehr kay dil chir kay rakhh deyti hai; kis qadar seinah shigafi kay
mazay leyti hai.
(Seinah shigafi: Seinah khhol deyna.)
It opens up its heart before the sun; it enjoys the Love's anguish immensely.

!

Merey khurshid! Kabhi tou bhi othha apni niqab; beher-e-nazarah tarrapti
hai nigah-e-bey taab.
My sun! You should also lift your veil some time; my restless eye is
impatient to witness your sight.

Teyrey jalway ka nashiman ho merey seinay mein; aks abad ho teyra merey
aeinay mein.
May the abode of your manifestations be in my heart! May your reflection
flourish in the mirror of my breast!
(This and the remaining verses are the spontaneous expression of Allamah
Iqbal's feelings of Love for God and request to Him to appear in tangible
form instead of through His signs, like the sun. In this poem My sun means
God.)
9



Zindagi ho tera nazarah merey dil kay leay; roshni ho teri gaehwarah merey
dil kay leay.
May your sight be the life for my heart! May your light be the cradle of my
heart!

Zarrah zarrah ho mera pher tarab andoz-e-hayat; ho ayan johar-eandaishah mein pher soz-e-hayat.
(Tarab andoz-e-hayat: Zindagi ka lotf othhaney wala.)
May every speck of mine full of pleasure be again! May life's warmth
appear again in the skill of my thoughts!

Apney khurshid ka nazarah karon door sey mien; sift-e-ghonchah humaaghosh rahon noor sey mien.
(Sift-e-ghonchah: Ghonchah ki tarah.)
May I view my sun's sight from the distance! May I embrace its light like a
flower bud!

Jan-e-mozter ki haqiqat ko nomaiyan kar duon; dil kay poshidah khiyalon
ko bhi oriyan kar duon.
(Jan-e-mozter: Bey qarar jan. Oriyan: Bey niqab.)
May I highlight the reality of the restless life! May I also open the secret of
heart's thoughts!
(Translated by Dr M A K Khalil)

10

THE SUPPLICATION
This very beautiful and forceful poem describes the ardent desire of
Allamah Iqbal for the rejuvenation of the Muslim Ummah, starting with
their return to Islam and to the Love of God. This poem is very popular
among the Muslims of the Indo-Pakistan-Bangladesh sub-continent and is
often committed to memory.
Doa

Ya-Rabb! Dil-e-Moslim ko woh zindah tamanna dey; jo qalb ko garma dey,

jo rooh ko tarrpa dey.
O Lord! To the Muslims heart grant that live longing; which may warm the
heart, which may restlessness to the soul grant.

Pher wadi-e-Faran* kay her zarrey ko chamka dey; pher shouq-e-tamasha
dey, pher zouq-e-taqaza dey.
(*Morad hai tamam Millat-e-Islamiah.)
Again brighten up every speck of dust of the Valley of Faran; again; Longing
for the Spectacle, taste for the asking grant.
(Allusion to the Holy Quran 7:142-145, particularly 143, in which the
longing of Mosa A.S. to witness the countenance of God is described.)

Mehroom-e-tamasha ko pher deidah-e-beina dey; deikhha hai jo kochh mien
ney auron ko bhi dikhhla dey.
(Deidah-e-beina: Deikhhney waali ankhh.)
Again to the one deprived of the Spectacle the discerning eye grant;
whatever I have seen, to others also its sight grant.

11



Bhatkay hoay aahoo kop her sooey Haram ley chal; iss shehar kay khoogar
ko pher wosaat-e-sehra dey.
(Aahoo: Heran, morad hai Mosilman. Sooey Haram: Haram yaani Deen
ki taraf. Khoogar: Aadi, morad hai shehar ki ghhotan ka aadi.)
Again guide the strayed away deer towards the Haram* to the one addicted
to city, vastness of wilderness grant.
(This is a metaphor for the Muslim Ummah having gone astray and
supplication to guide them to the right path.)

Paida dil-e-veran mein pher shorish mehshar kar; iss mehmal-e-khali ko
pher shahid-e-Laila dey.
(Shorish mehshar: Morad hai pher sey zindah kar dey. Mehmal: Kajawah jo
oont per sawari kay leay rakhha jata hai. Shahid-e-Laila: Morad hai pher
sey Deen sey lagao paida ho jaaey.)
Again in the forlorn heart create the Last Days tumult; again to this empty
camel-litter the lover of Lailah grant.

Iss duor ki zolmat mein her qalb-e-perishan ko; woh dagh-e-mohabat dey
jo chand ko sharma dey.
(Zolmat: Andhaira.)
In the darkness of this age to every perturbed heart that mark of Love which
may embarrass the moon grant.

Rifaat mein maqasad ko humdosh-e-Suriya kar; khodaari-e-sahil dey,
azadi-e-darya dey.
(Rifaat: Bolandi. Humdosh-e-Suriya: Suriya sitaron kay eik jhormat ko
kehtey hein morad sitaron ki tarah boland kar dey. Khodaari-e-sahil:
12

Morad hai sahil kissi ki taraf chal kar naheen jata; sabb oss ki taraf chal
kar aatey hein. Azadi-e-darya: Darya apni marzi sey apna rastah banata
hai; kissi ki madad ka mohtaj naheen hota.)
In elegance raise the Muslims goals to the level of Thurayyah; self-respect
of the ocean, freedom of the sea shore grant.

Bey lous mohabat ho, bey baak sadaqat ho; seinon mein ojala kar, dil
surat-e-mina dey.
(Bey lous mohabat: Aisi mohabat jo silah nah maangay. Bey baak: Bey
khouf, naddar. Surat-e-mina: Morad hai keh surahi jo kochh rakhhti hai
woh doosaron mein baant deyti hai.)
Love should be pure, candor fearless should be! Grant Light to hearts, hearts
like crystal grant.

Ehsaas inayat kar asaar-e-moseebat ka; imroz ki shorish mein andaishah-efarda dey.
(Imroz ki shorish: Aaj ki masroofiyat. Andaishah-e-farda: Aaney waaley kal
ki fikr.)
Grant the feeling for signs of the calamity in todays tumult concern for
tomorrow grant.

Mien bulbul-e-nalan hon ekk ojrray gulistan ka; taseer ka saeyal hon,
mohtaaj ko Data dey.
(Bulbul-e-nalan: Aah-o-zaari karta hoa bulbul. Taseer: Bheig. Saeyal:
Maangney wala.)
I am the wailing nightingale of a ruined rose garden; I am the supplicant for
acceptance, O Benevolent one alms to the beggar grant.
(Translated by Dr M A K Khalil)

13

GHAZAL: PART THREE

***** (6) *****
This ghazal is very popular despite being full of mysticism. Each
verse has a different theme. The ghazal as a whole defines the relationship
between God and Man and the last verse tells that while praying ones heart
should be completely free of false gods which are rejected right at the start
of the path leading to Allah.

Kabhi ay haqiqat-e-montazir nazar aa libaas-e-majaz mein; keh hazaron
sajdey tarrap rehey hein meri jabein-e-niaz mein.
(Haqiqat-e-montazir: Woh sachaeyi jiss ka intizar kiya jaaey; morad hai
Zaat-e-Khodavandi. Jabein-e-niaz: Aisa maatha jo (Allah Taala) kay
saamney jhokney kay leay tayaar ho.)
O the much sought after Reality! Some time appear in material form, as
innumerable prostrations restless in my humble forehead are.

Tarab aashnaey kharosh ho, Tou nawa hai mehram-e-gosh ho; woh sarood
kaya jo chhopa hoa ho sakoot-e-pardah-e-saaz mein.
(Tarab aashnaey kharosh: Shor-o-ghol aur hungamey sey khoshi hasil
karney wala. Mehram-e-gosh: Kaanon ka mehram, yaani kaan takk
pohnch. Sarood: Naghmah. Sakoot-e-pardah-e-saaz: Saaz (kay nah bajaey
jaaney ki wajah) ki khamoshi.)
Join the assemblys celebrations, You are a song, be heard! What good are
melodies which veiled in guitars frets are!

Tou bacha bacha kay nah rakhh issey, tera aeinah hai woh aeinah; keh
shikastah ho tuo aziz-ter hai nigah-e-aeinah saaz mein.
(Shikastah: Toota hoa.)
Do not jealously protect them; your mirrors are the mirrors, which would be
dearer in the Makers eye if they broken are.
14



Dum-e-touf kirmak-e-shamaa ney kaha keh woh asar-e-kohan; nah teri
hikayat-e-soz mein, nah meri hadis-e-godaz mein.
(Dum-e-touf: Chakkar lagatey waqt. Kirmak-e-shamaa: Chiragh ka
patanga, pervanah. Hadis-e-godaz: Dokhh bhari kahani.)
During circumambulation the moth exclaimed, Those past effects
neither in your story of pathos, nor in my tale of love are.

Nah kaheen jahan mein iman mili, jo iman mili tou kahan mili; merey
jorm-e-khanah kharab ko terey ofow-e-bandah nawaz mein.
(Ofow-e-bandah nawaz: Aisi moafi jiss mein banday per lotf-o-karam kiya
gaya ho.)
My wretched sins could not get shelter anywhere except when they in the
shade of Thy Gracious Forgiveness were.

Nah woh ishq mein rehein garmiyan, nah woh hosn mein rehein
shokhiyan; nah woh Ghaznavi mein tarrrap rehi, nah who kham hai zolf-eAyaz mein.
Neither Love has that warmth nor Beauty has that humour! Neither that
restlessness in Ghaznavi nor those curls in the hair locks of Ayaz are.

Jo mien sar basajdah hoa kabhi tuo zamin sey aaney lagi sada; tera dil tuo
hai sanam aashna, tojhey kaya millay ga namaz mein.
(Sanam aashna: Botton sey raghbat rakhhney wala.)
Whenever I went into prostration a voice came from the earth: Your heart is
in materialism no rewards for your prayers are.
(Translated by Dr M A K Khalil)

15

Many poetical works included in various Volumes contain a verse or

two which fall in the category of prayer. Herein only a few of those have
been reproduced from Allamahs various books; first, three four-liner
prayers selected from Bal-e-Jibril.
QUATRAINS

Dilon ko markaz-e-mehar-o-wafa kar; harim-e-kibriya sey aashna kar.
Jissey naan-e-javin bakhshi hai Tou ney; ossey baazoey Haider bhi atta
kar.
(Naan-e-javin: Jao ki roti.)
Give to the youth my sighs of dawn; give wings to these eaglets again.
This, dear Lord, is my only wish that my insights should be shared by all!
(Translated by Naeem Siddiqui)
*****(23)*****

Jawanon ko meyri aah-e-sehar dey; pher inn shaheen bachon ko baal-oper dey.
Khodaya aarzoo meyri yehi hai; mera noor-e-baseerat aam kar dey.
(Noor-e-baseerat: Morad hai soojh boojh.)
Give the young, O Lord, my passionate love for Thee, and give them an
eagle's force to fly and to see.
O Lord, I pray that Thou vouch safe to them the power of vision that Thou
hast given me.
(Translated by Naeem Siddiqui)
16

*****(29)*****

Atta aslaah ka jazb-e-daron; sharik-e-zomrah-e-la yahzanon, kar.
Khird ki gothiyan soljha choka mien; merey Moula mojhey sahib-e-janon
kar.
(Zomrah-e-la yahzanon: Aisey loug jin n kay dillon mein runj-o-milal nah
aaey.)
Grant me the absorption of the souls of the past, and let me be of those who
never grieve. The riddles of reason I have solved, but now, O Lord! Give me
a life of ecstasy.
(Translated by Naim Siddiqui)
ON THE OCCASION OF PERMISSION TO KEEP SWORD
The poem reproduced hereunder is from Zarb-e-Kalim; the second
last line of which contains the prayer.

Azadi-e-Shamshir kay Elaan per

Socha bhi hai ay mard-e-Mosilman kabhi tou ney; kaya cheez hai foulaad
ki shamshir jigardar.
(Shamshir jigardar: Johar waali talwar jo bey panah kaat rakhhti ho.)
O Muslim, did you ever think or feel what is meant by piercing sword of
steel?

Iss beyat ka yeh missra-e-awwal hai keh jiss mein; poshidah chaley aatey
hein Towhid kay asrar.

17

It is the first hemistich of this verse that God's Oneness shows in form so
terse.

Hai fikr mojhey missra-e-saani ki ziyadah; Allah karey tojh ko atta faqr ki
talwar.
My anxiety for the second half is greater though, may God the sword of
Faqr on you bestow.

Qabzay mein yeh talwar bhi aa-jaey tuo Momin; ya Khalid-e-janbaz hai
ya Haider-e-Karrar (R.A.).
If Muslim true can get this sword in hold; he is Ali the Lion of God, or
Khalid bold.
(Translated by Syed Akbar Ali Shah)
QUATRAIN
The following quatrain has been chosen from Armoghan-e-Hijaz
(Urdu)
*****(3)*****

Digargon alam-e-shaam-o-sehar kar; jahan-e-khoshk-o-tar zir-o-zabar kar.
Rehey Teyri Khodaeyi dagh sey pak; merey bey zouq sajdon sey hazr kar.
(Digargon: Badalna. Zir-o-zabar: Tehas nehas. Hazr: Bach, perhaiz kar.)
Change the whole worlds evenings and dawns, change the whole worlds
dry and wet lawns. Make thy Godship free from every plaint, look not my
kowtows tasteless taint.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

18

A PRAYER
The prayer reproduced below is from Payam-e-Mashriq. This is the
only prayer from Persian poetry in this chapter, but the remaining three
chapters have poetical works from Zabur-e-Ajam and Armoghan-e-Hijaz.
Doa

Ay keh az khomkhanah-e-fitrat bajamam raikhti; z-aatish-e-sehbaaey

mun begodaz meinaey mera.
[Ay woh Zaat! Jiss ney khom khanah-e-fitrat sey meyrey jaam mein waafir)
ondail dei, meyri sharab ki aag sey meyri mina (qalb) ko pighhla dey.]
O You who filled my glass with wine galore from Natures own wine-store,
see to it that my glass is melted by this fire sent from Your sky.

Ishq ra sarmayah-e-saaz az garmi-e-faryaad-e-mun; shoalah-e-beybaak
gardaan khak-e-Sinaiey mera.
[Meyri faryaad ki garmi ko ishq ka sarmayah bana, meyri Khak-e-Seina ka
shoalah-e-bey baak mein tabdil kar dey. (Mosa (A.S.) ney Sehraey Seina
mein jalwah-e-noor deikhha thha).]
O let my spirited lament provide Love with its wealth of pride. Would that
the dust of my Sinai became an all-consuming flame!

Choon bimiram az ghobar-e-mun chiragh-e-lalah saaz; tazah kon dagh
mera sozaan besehraey mera.
[Jabb mien mur jaaon tuo meyrey ghobar sey gul-e-lalah ka chiragh bana;
(yuon) meyrey dagh ko (mout kay baad) tazah kar-key mojhey sehra mein
sozan rakhh.]

19

When I die, let my ashes form a bed where tulips will be bred, so that my
passions wounds, revived, may shine in tulips hearts again.
(Translated by M. Hadi Husain)
TO THE HOLY PROPHET S.A.W.
While translating this poem from Pas Chih Bayad Kard Ay Aqwaam-eSharq, B. A. Dar in the explanatory note writes: Iqbals love for the Prophet
(S.A.W.) has become proverbial. His visitors have related almost
unanimously that whenever there was discussion about the Prophet
(S.A.W.), Iqbal was deeply touched and tears would begin to flow from his
eyes involuntarily. In one of his letters, Iqbal says about the Prophet
(S.A.W.): It is my belief that the Prophet (S.A.W.) is still alive and the
people of this age can get inspiration from him as his Companions did
during his mortal life.
In Asrar-i Khudi, first published in 1915, he spoke of the love for the
Prophet (S.A.W.) in relation to the development of the individual. It is
through love, he says, that the Self is made more lasting, more living, more
burning, more glowing. He continues: He [i.e. Muhammad (S.A.W.)] chose
the nightly solitude of Mount Hira and [then] founded a state and laws and
government. In the Moslems heart is the home of Muhammad (S.A.W.),
all our glory is from the name of Muhammad (S.A.W.). We are like a rose
with many petals but with one perfume: he is the soul of this society, and he
is one. We are the secret concealed in his heart: he spoke out fearlessly, and
we were revealed. The song of love for him fills my silent reed, a hundred
notes throb in my bosom.
In Rumuz-i Bekhudi, first published in 1918, Iqbal speaks of the role
of Prophethood in the life of the community. God fashioned forth our form,
he says, and through Apostleship breathed in our flesh the soul of life [It]
shaped our being, gave us Faith and Law, converted our vast myriads into
one, and joined our fractions in a mighty whole inseparable, indivisible
His was the breath that gave the people life; his sun shone glory on their
risen dawn. In God the Individual, in him [i.e. Muhammad (S.A.W.)] lives
the Community, in his suns rays resplendent ever; his Apostleship brought
concord to our purpose and our goal.
At the end of the book; Iqbal expresses his misgivings about the
present state of the Muslim society, the ignoble role of its leaders of thought
and his prayers for its bright future which depends, as he holds, on the
20

Muslims turning once again to the inspiring leadership of the Prophet

(S.A.W.). It was the Prophet (S.A.W.) who lit the lamp of life and infused
the spirit of truth in the hearts and minds of the people who, in spite of being
weak, rose in revolt against the strongest and thus succeeded in establishing
the law of truth and justice. It was love for the Prophet (S.A.W.) that hath lit
a flame within my heart [and] all my spirit is consumed in me But now
the Muslim is estranged anew unto the Prophets (S.A.W.) secret; now once
more Gods sanctuary is an idols shrine As timorous of death as any
infidel, his [Muslims] breast is hollow, empty of a living heart.
Iqbal decides to close the gap that has developed unfortunately
between the Muslims and the Prophet (S.A.W.), the source of their
inspiration, and break down all the barriers raised between them. I bore him
[i e. the Muslim], he says, lifeless from the doctors hands and brought him
to the Prophets (S.A.W.) presence; dead he was; I told him of the Fount of
Life, I spoke with him upon a mystery of the Koran I brought to him
perfume sweet pressed from the roses of Arabia.
But Iqbal complains that his readers, the Muslims of the subcontinent,
accuse him of weaving Europes spells with which he bound their hearts and
minds. Iqbal claims, on the other hand, that he broke this spell of the West
by his poetry: I broke the spell of modern knowledge, and managed to tear
off the net, after removing the grain; God knows that like Abraham I came
out of the fire of the West unscathed.
He claims that what he teaches is the truth from the Quran which he
received through the Prophet (S.A.W.). He prays that he may be granted
knowledge of the Truth: O thou, that to Busairi grant a cloak and to my
fingers yielded Salmas lute, grant now to him, whose thoughts are so
stray, that he can no more recognize his own, perception of the truth, and joy
therein.
In Payam-i Mashriq, first published in 1923, he says about love for
the Prophet: He who cherishes love of Mustafa, controls everything in the
seas and lands. It is love for him that gives life and prosperity in the universe
to Community.
In Javid Namah, published in 1932, he states clearly that the present
miserable plight of the Muslims is due to the fact that they have ceased to
cherish love for the Prophet (S.A.W.) as they should. Speaking about the
modern Muslim, Afghani says: In his heart there is no burning fire, Mustafa
(S.A.W.) is not living in his heart.

21

The same idea is expressed by Iqbal in Armoghan-i Hijaz: I wept

bitterly one night before God and asked Him: Why is the Muslim so
miserable? Came the reply: Dont you know, this Community possesses the
heart but has no beloved. In other words, it is because the Muslims have
ceased to maintain that loving contact with and sentimental attachment to
the Prophet (S.A.W.) that once characterized them, that they have fallen on
bad days. The implication is clear. If the Muslims wish to regain their lost
glory, they must start loving the Prophet (S.A.W.) in right earnest and as
Iqbal states: The meaning of beholding the Last of Prophets is to make his
rule binding on oneself.
In Armoghan-i Hijaz, published posthumously in 1938, more than
sixty pages are devoted to quatrains addressed to the Prophet (S.A.W.). I
would quote only two here which give a clear picture of Iqbals views about
the role of the Prophet in the revival of Muslim society: The world is based
on Love and Love is derived from your breast, its intoxication flows from
your old wine. I have lifted veil from the face of Destiny, dont be
hopeless, follow the way of Mustafa (S.A.W.).
This poem may not qualify as a prayer as that has to be submitted
directly to Allah. This, however, is a request forwarded through a channel
that could enhance its acceptability.
Dar Hazoor Risalat Maab (S.A.W.)

1936
-
Shabb seh April 1936 keh dar Daar-al-Iqbal Bhopal boodam Syed Ahmad
Khan ra dar Khwab deidam moudand keh az ilalat-e-khwaish dar
hazoor-e-Risalat Maab (S.A.W.) arz kon.
[Teen April 1936 ki shabby jabb mien Daar-al-Iqbal Bhopal mein thha;
mien ney khwab mein Syed Ahmad Khan ko deikhha. Onnhon ney mojhey
farmaya keh apni bimaari kay barah mein Hazoor Risalat Maab (S.A.W.)
sey arz kar.]
On the night of 3 April 1936, while I was staying in Dar al-Iqbal, Bhopal for
rest and treatment I saw in a dream1Sayyid Ahmad Khan (on whom be
Gods mercy). He advised me to place before the Holy Prophet the state of
my health.

22



Ay tou ma bichargaan ra saaz-o-burg; wa rihaan ein quom az tars-emurg.
[Aap (S.A.W.) hum bey charah lougon ki mataa hein; iss quom (Moslim) ko
mout kay khouf sey raheyi dilaiay.]
O you who are helper of helpless people like us, free this nation from the
fear of death.
(Fear of death: Iqbal feels that this is the basic malady which destroys the
moral strength of man; it is found when men are oriented towards this world
and are unmindful of the next world. To be truly creative, one must cultivate
indifference to death which in any case is inevitable.)

Sokhti Laat-o-Manaat-e-kohnah ra; tazah kardi kainat-e-kohnah ra.
[Aap (S.A.W.) ney poraney Laat-o-Manaat jala diay; Aap (S.A.W.) ney
qadim dunya ko jadeed rung atta farmaya.]
You burnt down ancient idols and renewed the old universe.
(Ancient idols: Old social and economic order, old loyalties to others than
God.)

Dar jahan fikr-o-zikr-e-Inns-o-Jaan; Tou salaat-e-sobh Tou bang-e-azan.
[Insanon aur jinnon kay jahan-e-zikr-o-fikr mein Aap (S.A.W.) sobh ki
namaz hein, Aap (S.A.W.) bang-e-azan hein.]
In this world where men and genii are engaged in meditation and devotion,
you are the morning prayer and the call to prayer.

Lazzat-e-soz-o-saroor az la ilah; dar shabb andaisha-e-noor az la ilah.
[Soz-o-saroor ki lazzat la ilah sey hai andaishon ki (tareek) raat ko la ilah
ka noor roshan karta hai.]
23

La ilah is the essence of ardour and ecstasy; it sheds light in the dark night of
doubts.

Ney khoda-ha saakhtaim az gaao-o-khar; ney hazoor-e-kahinaan
afgandah sar.
[Nah hum ney gaaey aur gadhey ki pooja ki; nah kahinon kay saamney
apna sar jhokaya.]
We did not make gods of cows and asses, nor did we bow our heads before
soothsayers;

Ney sajoodi paish-e-maaboodan-e-pir; ney touf-e-koshak-e-sultan-o-mir.
[Nah poraney khodaon ko sajdah kiya; nah padshahon aur umra kay
mahalaat ka tawwaf kiya.]
We did not prostrate ourselves before ancient gods, nor did we walk in
adoration round the palaces of kings and nobles;
(It was due to the revolutionary teaching of the Prophet that man was freed
from bondage to other-than God.)

Ein hamah az lotf-e-bey payam-e-tost; fikr-e-ma pervardah-e-ehsan-etost.
[Yeh sabb Aap (S.A.W.) kay lotf-e-bey payan kay tofial hai; hamarey fikr ney
Aap (S.A.W.) kay ehsaan sey perwarish paeyi hai.]
This is all the result of your benevolence, our thought has been nourished by
your kindness.

Zikr-e-Tou sarmayah-e-zouq-o-saroor; quom ra darad beh faqr andar
ghayoor.

24

[Aap (S.A.W.) ka zikr zouq-o-saroor (rohaniyat) ka sarmayah hai; issi leay

quom fikr mein ghayoor hai.]
Our remembrance of you is the source of delight and rapture, and keeps the
nation jealous of its honour even in poverty.

Ay moqam-o-manzil her rahro; jazb-e-Tou andar dil-e-her rahro.
[Aap (S.A.W.) her salik kay leay moqam bhi hein aur manzil bhi; her rahro
kay dil mein Aap (S.A.W.) he ka jazb hai (jo ossey kashan kashan leay jaa
raha hai).]
You are the goal of every wayfarer, the ideal that everyone aspires to attain.

Saaz-e-ma bey saut girdeid aanchonan; zakhmah ber rug-haey oo ayad
graan.
[Hamara saaz (-e-hayat) iss tarah sey bey awaz ho gaya hai; keh ossey
apney taaron per mizraab ka lagna bhi gran gozarta hai.]
We are a defunct musical instrument whose chords do not respond to the
plectrum any longer.

Dar Ajam girdeidum-o-hum dar Arab; Mustafa (S.A.W.) nayab-o-arzan
Bu Lahab.
[Mien Ajam mein bhi phera hon aur Arab mein bhi, Bu Lahab ziyadah hein
aur Aap (S.A.W.) kay rung mein rungay hoay loug nayab hein.]
I have wandered through lands, Arab and non-Arab, Bu Lahab is
everywhere, Mustafa (S.A.W.) nowhere.
(Mustafa, the Chosen One, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Bu
Lahab, lit. the father of flame, title given by the Quran to one of the
Prophets uncles, who opposed his mission tooth and nail and, therefore,
stands as a symbol of untruth and falsehood in Muslim literature, opposed to
truth.)

25



Ein Mosilman zadah-e-roshan damagh; zolmat abad zamirash-e-bey
chiragh.
[Yeh roshan damagh Mosilman zadah iss kay zamir ki andhair nagari
chiraagh kay baghair hai.]
The so-called enlightened Muslim has no lamp to illumine the darkness of
his heart. (Think of contemporary enlightened moderates.)

Dar jawaney narm-o-nazok choon harir; aarzoo dar seinah-e-oo zood
meer.
[Yeh jawani mein raisham ki tarah narm-o-nazok hai; iss kay seinay mein
koeyi mostqil aarzoo naheen palti.]
Even in his youth he is soft like silk, the desires in his heart are short-lived.

Ein ghulam ibne ghulam ibne ghulam; hurriyat andaishah-e-oo ra
haraam.
[Iss ghulam ibne ghulam ibne ghulam per azadi ki soch haram hai.]
He is a slave, son of a slave, son of a slave, who dare not think of freedom;

Maktib azoey jazbah-e-Deen dar rabood; az wajoodash ein qadar daanam
keh bood.
[Jadid taalim ney iss sey Deen ka jazbah chhein liya hai; iss kay wajood
kay motaaliq mien itna janta hon keh woh kabhi thha.]
The school has drained him of love for religion; all I can say about him is
that he existed at one time;
26



Ein z-khod biganah ein must-e-Farang; naan-e-jao mi-khwahad az daste-Farang.
[Yeh naujawan apney aap sey na-ashna hai aur afkaar-e-Farang mein must
hai; yeh sirf itna chahta hai keh Farangiyuon sey issey jao ki rooti mil
jaaey.]
Forgetful of himself and enamoured of the West, he begs bread of barley
from the hands of the Franks.

Naan kharid ein faaqah-kash ba jan-e-pak; daad ma ra nala-haey
soznaak.
[Iss faaqah kash ney apni jan-e-pak dey kar rooti kharidi; iss kay iss tarz-eamal ney humein dardnaak naalon per majboor kar diya.]
This hungry man bartered away his soul for a piece of bread and caused us
great grief thereby.

Danah chein manind-e-morghan-e-sarst; az fazaey neilgon na-ashnast.
[Yeh paalto parindon ki tarah (doosaron kay haath sey) danah chogta hai
aur fazaey neigon ki pehnayon sey na-ashna hai.]
He picks up grain from the ground like domestic birds and is unaware of the
blue expanse of space.

Aatish-e-Afrangiyan
saakhtash.

bagodakhtash; yaani ein

dozakh-e-digargoon

[Farangiyuon ki aag ney issey pighhla diya hai; iss dozakh ney iss ka
holiya bigarr diya hai.]
The fire of the Franks has melted him: this hell has totally transformed him.

27



Shaikh-e-maktib kum sawaad-o-kum nazar; az moqam-e-oo nadaad oo ra
khabar.
[Sakool ka ostaad nalaiq aur kum nazar hai; oss ney issey kay moqam sey
agah naheen kiya.]
The teacher, lacking intellectual equipment and insight, did not inform him
of his real stature.

Momin-o-az ramz-e-murg aagah neist; dar dilash la ghalib illallah neist.
[Momin hai aur mout ki ramz sey agah naheen; iss ka dil la ghalib illallah
sey khali hai.]
He is a believer and yet unaware of the secret of Death. His heart does not
believe in the truth that none is supreme except Allah.

Ta dil-e-oo darmiyan-e-seinah-e-mord; mi neindishad magar az khwab-okhord.
[Choonkeh iss kay dil kay andar dil mur choka hai; iss leay issey khhaney
aur sonney kay ilawah aur kochh soojhta naheen.]
As his heart has died in his breast, He does not think of anything except food
and sleep.

Beher yakk naan nishtar la-o-naam; mannat-e-sadd kas baraey yakk
shikam.
[Eik rooti ki khatar han aur naa kay nishtar khhata hai; eik pait kay leay
sainkarron insanon ki khoshamad karta hai.]
For one piece of bread, he bears the sting of yes and no, for a days meal he
begs favours from a hundred persons.

28



Az Farangi mi khird Laat-o-Manaat; Momin-o-andaishah-e-oo Somnaat.
[Yeh Farangi sey Laat-o-Manaat kharidata hai; hai Momin magar iss ka
damagh Somnaat bana hoa hai.]
He buys false gods from the Frank, though he is a believer, his mind is an
idol-temple.

Qom ba-izni goey-o-oo ra zindah kon; dar dilash Allah-ho ra zindah
kon.
[Othh meyrey hokm sey farma kar issey zindah kar dein; iss kay dil ko
Allah-ho sey zindagi atta kar dein.]
Say: Get up at my order and quicken, revive in his heart the cry: Allah is He,

Ma hamah afsooni tehzeeb-e-Gharb; koshtah-e-Afrangiyan bey harb-ozarb.
[Hum sabb Maghrib ki tehzeeb kay sehar-zadah hein; humein Afrangiyuon
ney baghair jadaal-o-qitaal kay qatal kar diya hai.]
We are all under the spell of Western culture, and are martyrs at the altar of
the Franks.

Tou az aan quomay keh jaam-e-oo shikast; wa numa yakk bandah-e-Allah
must.
[Aap (S.A.W.) ki zir-e-qiyadat Arabon ney onn ka jaam torra thha; iss dour
mein bhi eik bandah-e-Allah must zahir kijiay.]
From that nation whose cup is now broken, produce a single man who is
God-intoxicated.
(Iqbal has repeated this idea in several of his books he advises the new
generation to do its best in seeking the right type of dervish who can help
29

people in transforming the pattern of their life and the mode of their
thought.)

Ta Mosilman baaz beinad khwaish ra; az jahaney ber gazinad khwaish ra.
[Ta-keh Mosilman pher apney aap ko pehchan ley aur saarey jahan sey
bergazidah ho jaey.]
So that the Muslim should learn to see himself again and look upon himself
as the cream of the whole world.

!

Shehsawara! Yakk nafas der-kash anaan; harf-e-mun aasan nayabad ber
zoban.
[Ay shehsawar! Eik lamahey kay leay apney ghhorrey ko rokiay; alfaaz
aasani sey meyri zoban per naheen aa rehey.]
O rider, rein in your horse for a moment; I cannot easily find words to
express my mind.

Aarzoo ayad keh nayad ta beh labb; mi-nigardad shouq mehkoom-e-adab.
[(Mien soch raha hon keh) aarzoo ko labb per laon ya nah laon; meyra
shouq hadd-e-adab sey barrhta jaa raha hai.)
Should I give expression to my desire or not? Love is not restrained by
etiquette;

Aan bagoyad labb kosha ay dardmand; ein bagoyad chashm bakosha labb
babund.
[Aarzoo kehti hai keh labb khhol; shouq kehta hai labb bund rakhh aur
ankhh khhol (aur Aap (S.A.W.) kay jamal ka nazarah kar).]
Love says: O grieved one, open your lips; etiquette says: Open your eyes
and keep your mouth shut.
30



Gird-e-tou gardad harim-e-kainat; az tou khwaham yakk nigah-e-iltifaat.
[Kainat Aap (S.A.W.) kay harim-e-naaz ka tawwaf karti hai; mien Aap
(S.A.W.) ki eik nigah-e-iltifaat ka bhikari hon.]
The whole universe revolves round you. I entreat a look of mercy from you.

Zik-o-fikr-o-ilm-o-irfanam toueyi; kashti-o-darya-o-toofanam toueyi.
[Meyra zikr-o-fikr aur ilm-o-irfan Aap (S.A.W.) he hein; meyri kashti bhi
Aap (S.A.W.) hein, darya bhi aur toofan bhi.]
You are my dhikr and fikr, my knowledge and gnosis; you are my boat, river
and storm.

Aahooey zaar-o-zaboon-o-natawaan; kas beh fitrakam mabost andar
jahan.
[Mien eik zaar-o-zabon aur natawaan aahoo hon; duniya mein mojhey
kissi ney apney fitraak mein naheen bandha.]
Not even a lean, frail and weak deer could anybody tie to my saddle-strap.

Ay panah mun harim-e-kooey tou; mun beh ummeidey ramidam sooey
tou.
[Mien iss ummeid per Aap (S.A.W.) ki taraf dourrta chala aa-raha hon keh
Aap (S.A.W.) kay kochay kay harim mein mojhey panah mil jaey.]
My shelter is the sanctuary of your street: I turn towards you with a hopeful
heart.

31



Aan nawa dar seinah perwardan koja; wa-dummey sadd ghonchah wa
kardan koja.
[Apney seinay kay andar nawa ki perwarish karna aur apni eik phhonk sey
sainkarron ghonchon (qaloob) ko khhila deyna, yeh baat kahan hai.]
No longer am I able to nourish song in the breast and open a hundred buds
with a single breath.

Naghmah-e-mun dar galooey mun shikast; shoalaheyi az seina-um
bairoon najast.
[Meyra naghmah meyrey galley mein toot gaya hai; shoalah meyrey seinay
sey bahar naheen lapka.]
My song has broken in my throat; the flame no longer comes out of my
breast.

Dar nafas soz-e-jigar baqi namanad; lotf-e-Quran-e-sehar baqi
namanad.
[Meyri awaz mein soz-e-jigar baqi naheen raha; sobh ki talawat ka mazah
jata raha.]
My words have lost their fervour and I have ceased to enjoy my morning
recitation of the Quran.
(These lines refer to the malady from which Iqbal was suffering during the
last days of his life. His vocal chord was badly affected as a result of which
he could not sneak and hence was unable to recite the Quran in a loud
melodious voice as he used to do.)

Nalahey ko mi-nagunjad dar zamir; ta koja dar seinah-um manad aseer.

32

[Woh nalah jo meyrey zamir kay andar naheen samata; kabb takk meyrey
seinay mein moqiyad rehey ga.]
How could songs remain confined within my breast; songs that could hardly
be contained in the mind.

Yakk fazaey bey karan mibayadash; wosaat neh aasman mibayadash.
[Issey eik fazaey bikaran chahiay; issey nou aasman ki wosaat chahiay.]
They need a limitless expanse; the whole breadth of nine heavens.

Aan z-aan dardey keh dar jan-o-tun ast; goshah-e-chashm-e-tou
daaroey mun ast.
[Haey woh dard jo meyrey jan-o-tun mein hai; iss ka ilaaj sirf Aap (S.A.W.)
ka goshah-e-chashm hai.]
Ah! The pain that afflicts my body and soul, a look from your eyes is my
remedy.

Dar nasazad ba dawa-ha jan-e-zaar; talkh-o-booaish ber mashamam
nagawar.
[Meyri jan-e-zaar inn dawaon ko pasand naheen karti onn ka zaiqah-etalakh aur boo nagawar hai.]
These medicines no longer agree with this weak soul of mine: Their bitter
taste and smell are unbearable.

Kaar-e-ein bimaar natawaan bord paish; mun cho tiflaan nalam az
daaroey khwaish.
[Iss bimaar ki bimaari kum naheen hoti; (kiyuonkeh) mein bachon ki tarah
apni dawa sey nalan rehta hon.]

33

My condition cannot be improved by these medicines: At the very sight of

them I cry like a child.

Talkhi-e-oo ra faraibam az shakar; khandah-ha dar labb badozad charahgar.
[Dawai ki karrwahat ko cheini mila kar faraib deyta hon tabeeb meyri iss
harkat per apni moskarahat ko chhopata hai.]
I deceive myself by sugar-coating them, the physicians laugh at me in their
sleeves.
(These lines refer to Iqbals utter helplessness and disgust at continued
illness and the use of bitter dozes of medicine which is Iqbal put it, are a
challenge to mans fine tastes.)

Choon basiri az tou mi-khwaham kashood; ta bamun baaz ayad aan rozay
keh bood.
[Mien bhi Busairi ki tarah Aap (S.A.W.) sey shifa ka khwahan hon; ta-keh
meyrey gozashtah (sehatmand) dinn wapas aa-jaein.]
I seek relief from you as did Busairi and pray that old days may come back
again.
(Busairi, an Arab poet whose poem in praise of the Prophet is very famous
and is known as Qasidah Burdah. It is related that the poet had an attack of
paralysis during which be wrote this poem. He is said to have recovered
miraculously.)

Mehr-e-tou ber aasiyan afzoon-ter ast; dar khata bakhshi cho mehr
maadar ast.
[Gonahgaron per Aap (S.A.W.) ki shafqat ziyadah hoti hai; aur khataein
moaf karney mein Aap (S.A.W.) ki shafqat man ki shafqat ki manind hai.]
Your kindness to sinners is great: It is forgiving like a mothers love.

34



Ba prastaraan shabb daaram sataiz; baaz roghan dar chiragh-e-mun
baraiz.
[Meyra moqablah raat kay prastaron sey hai; meyrey chiragh mein aur
roghan daal dijiay.]
I am battling against the worshippers of darkness, replenish my lamp with
oil.
(Lovers of night: (worshippers of darkness) refers to people who stand for
untruth, falsehood, kufr. To fight the worshippers of night it is necessary to
dispel darkness through light. But the light from his (i.e. Iqbals) lamp is
very dim due to lack of oil. Oil stands for material as well as spiritual
resources.)

Ay wajood-e-tou jahan ra nau-bahaar; pertav-e-khod ra draigh az mun
madaar.
[Aap (S.A.W.) ka wajood-e-mobarik jahan kay leay naubahaar hai; apney
aks-e-jamal sey mojhey mehroom nah rakkhiay.]
Your existence lends lustre to the world; do not deny my soul a reflection
from it.

Khod badaani qadar tun az jan bood; qadar-e-jan az pertav-e-janaan
bood. Rumi.
[Aap (S.A.W.) jaantey hein keh badan ki qadar jan sey hai; aur jan ki qadar
mehboob kay aks-e-jamal sey hai.]
You know that value of the body is due to soul, and the value of the soul is
due to the reflection of the Beloved!

35

Ta z-ghair Allah nadaaram haich ummeid; ya mera shamshir gardaan ya

kaleid.
[Kiyuonkeh mein ghair Allah sey koeyi ummeid naheen rakhhta; iss leay
mojhey ya shamshir bana dijiay, ya kaleid.]
I have no hope from other-than-God; make of me either a sword or a key.

Fikr-e-mun dar feham-e-Deen chalak-o-chost; tokham-e-kiradarey zkhak-e-mun narust.
[Meyra fikr Deen kay feham mein taiz aur chost hai; (laikan) meyri khak-ebadan sey amal ka beij naheen phhota.]
I am quick in understanding the significance of religion; the seed of action,
however, has never sprouted out of my dust.

Taishah-um ra taiz-ter gardaan keh mun; mehnatey daaram fazoon az
kohkon.
[Meyrey taishay ko aur taiz kar dijiay kiyuonkeh mojhey Farhad sey
ziyadah mehnat darpaish hai.]
Sharpen my axe all the more, for I have a task greater than that of Farhad.

Mominam, az khwaishtan kafir neim; ber fasanam zun keh bad-gohar
neim.
[Mien sahib-e-aiman hon kafir naheen hon; mojhey saan per lagaiay,
mien asal foulad ki shamshir hon.]
I am a believer and I do not deny myself; test me on the touchstone, you will
not find me false metal.

Garchih kisht-e-omar-e-mun bey hasil ast; cheezkay daaram keh naam-eoo dil ast.
36

[Agarchih meyri omar ki khheiti bey hasil hai; magar mien eik chhoti sei
cheez rakhhta hon jiss ka naam dil hai.]
Although the field of my life has remained barren, yet I possess a tiny thing
called heart.

Daarmash poshidah az chashm-e-jahan; kaz som shabbdaiz-e-tou daarad
nishan.
[Mien ney ossey lougon ki nazar sey penhan rakhha hoa hai; kiyuonkeh
iss per Aap (S.A.W.) kay asp-e-moshin kay som ka nishan moujood hai.]
I keep it hidden from the eye of the people, for it bears the marks of your
horses hoof.

Bandaheyi ra ko nakhwahad saaz-o-burg; zindagani bey hazoor-ekhwajah murg.
[Yeh bandah jo dunvi saaz-o-saaman ka khwahan naheen; Aaqa (S.A.W.) ki
hazoori kay baghair zindagi mout kay brabar hai.]
For a slave who does not seek material means life without you is as good as
death.

Ay keh daadi Kurd ra soz-e-Arab; bandah-e-khod ra hazoor-e-khod talab.
[Aap (S.A.W.) ney Kurdon ko Arabon ka soz atta farmaya; apney iss
(Hindi) ghulam ko bhi apney hazoor mein talab farmaiay.]
You blessed a Kurd with fluency in the Arabic tongue, call your slave into
your presence:
(It is related that a Kurd had great love for the Prophet One day be felt
grieved at being unacquainted with Arabic, the language of his beloved.
How could he claim, he thought, to love the Prophet when he could not
speak to him in his own language? Next day he was miraculously granted
know-ledge of Arabic.)

37



Bandaheyi choon lalah daghey dar jigar; dostanash az ghum-e-oo bey
khabar.
[Yeh bandah apney jigar mein gul-e-lalah saa dagh rakhhta hai; iss kay dost
iss kay ghum sey bey khabar hein.]
A slave who bears like the tulip a mark on his heart, which his friends are
unaware of.

Bandaheyi andar jahan nalan cho naey; toftah-e-jan az naghmah-haey
pey beh pey.
[Yeh bandah dunya mein naey ki manind nalan rehta hai; pey beh pey
naghmon ney iss ki jan ko jala diya hai.]
A slave who weeps like a reed, his soul almost burnt through constant songs.

Dar biyaban misl-e-chob-e-neim soz; carvaan bagozasht-o-mun sozam
hanooz.
[Mien biyaban mein parri neim jali lakarri ki manind hon; carvaan jaa
choka hai, aur mien abhi takk jal raha hon.]
I am like a half-burnt piece of wood in the desert, the caravan has passed on,
and I am still burning.
(When a caravan stays at some place for the night, people light fire. Burning
wood thus symbolises the presence of a caravan. Next day when the caravan
moves away, the burning wood reminds other people coming after-wards
that some caravan had camped there.)

Andarein dasht-o-darey pehnawarey; bo-keh ayad carvaaney digarey.
[Mien iss wasia-o-areez biyaban mein parra jal raha hon; iss ummeid per
keh shaid eik aur carvaan aa-jaey.]
38

In this vast world perhaps another caravan one day appear.

!
Jan z-mehjoori banalad dar badan; nalah-e-mun waaey mun ay waaey
mun!
[Meyrey badan mein meyri jan hijr ki wajah sey faryaad konan hai; yeh
(bey asar) nalah! Afsos, sadd afsos.]
My soul, afflicted with separation, cries within me: O my lament! Ah me!
Ah me!
(Translated by B A Dar)
11th January, 2014

39

INQILAB
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
PRAYERS II
All the poetical works in this chapter are reproduced in the same
sequence in which these appear in Zabur-e-Ajam.
INVOCATION
Dua

Ya-Rabb daroon-e-seinah ba khabar badeh; dar baadah nashah ra nigram

aan nazar badeh.
[Ay Rabb! Mojhey dil-e-ba khabar atta farma! Mojhey aisi nazar dey keh
sharab mein nashah deikhh lon.]
I pray thee, Lord; to me impart within my breast a conscious heart: Give me
the vision to divine the rapture pulsing through the wine.

Ein bandah ra keh ba nafas-e-digraan nazeist; yakk aah-e-khanah zaad
missal-e-sehar badeh.
[Teyra yeh bandah jiss ney kissi sey zindagi mostaar leyna qabool naheen
kiya; ossey sehar ki manind aah-e-khanahzaad (original) atta kar.)
It never pleased me, to receive anothers breath that I might live: Give me a
breath as light as morn, a sigh that in the home was born.

Sailam, mera bajooey tunak mayaheyi mapaich; jolangahey bawadi-okoh-o-kamar badeh.
[Mien sailab hon, mojhey kissi chhoti nadi kay hawaley nah kar; mojhey
aisi wosaat dey keh paharron, wadiyuon aur maidanon ko apney
aaghosh mein ley sakon.)
I am a torrent: do not set me dribbling in a rivulet, but give my waters space
to spill oer valley broad and spreading hill.
40



Saazi agar harif-e-yum-e-bikaran mera; ba iztiraab-e-mouj, sakoon-egohar badeh.
[Agar Aap ney mojhey bikaran samandar banaya hai; tuo pher iztiraab-emouj kay saath sakoon-e-gohar bhi atta farmaiay! (Oopar moujon ki sei
kashmaksh ho, laikan andar aisey porsakoon ho jaisey sadaf kay andar
moti.)]
Is it thy will to fashion me a rival to the boundless sea, amid the tumult of
the main grant me the pearls repose to gain.

Shaheen mun basiad-e-palangaan gozashti; himmat-e-boland-o-chongal
azein taiz-ter badeh.
[Aap ney meyrey shaheen ko cheeton kay shikar per chhorra hai; tuo ossey
boland himmat dijiay aur oss kay punjah ko aur taiz kar dijiay.]
Thou hadst the falcon that I am follow the leopard for his game: Give me
high will, a sharper claw, to win my victim to my maw.

Raftam keh taeraan-e-Haram ra konam shikar; teeray keh nafagandah
fatad kaargar badeh.
[Mien iss leay nikla hon keh taeraan-e-Haram ko shikar karon; mojhey
aisa teer atta farmaiay jo chalaey baghair he kaargar ho jaaey.]
The small fowl of the Sanctuary I marked my precious prey to be: Grant me
an arrow that, unsped, unerring flies, and strikes them dead.

Khakam beh noor naghmah-e-Daood ber faroz; ber zarrah mera per-obaal sharar badeh.
[Meyri khak ko naghmah-e-Daud (A.S.) sey chamka dijiay; meyrey badan
kay her zarrah ko sharar bana dijiay keh woh orrta phery.]
41

Illuminate my lifeless clay with anthems David used to play; let all my
atoms swiftly spring upborne upon an embers wing.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
GHAZALEIN - PART ONE
*****(3)*****

Ghazal saraey-o-nawa-haey raftah baaz aawar; beh ein fasordah dilaan
harf-e-dil nawaz aawar.
[Koeyi ghazal chhairriay aur porani nawa wapas laiay! Hum afsordah
dilon sey dilnawaz baatein kijiay.)
O bring me back the singing, the airs of long ago; bring back the sweet, sad
music to set cold hearts aglow.

Kanisht-o-Kaabah-o-bottkhanah-o-Kalisa ra; hazaar fitnah az aan
chashm-e-neim baaz aawar.
[Kanisht (Yahood ki ibadat gah), Kaabah, bottkhanah aur Kalisa mein;
Apni chashm-e-neim baaz sey hazaar-ha hungamey paida kijiay!]
Too hushed is mosque and temple, too silent church and shrine; stir up a
thousand tumults with that dark glance of Thine.

Z-baadaheyi keh bakhak-e-mun
bajawanaan-e-nau niaz aawar.

aatishey

aamaikht;

piyalaheyi

[(Aap ki mohabat ki) woh sharab, jiss ney meyri khak mein aag bhar di hai;
oss ka eik piyalah naey niazmand jawanon ko bhi atta farmaiay!]
Fill me the fiery goblet that made my dust to flame: Youth thirsts anew,
desirous, and youth shall quaff the same.

42



Neay keh dil z-nawaish baseinah mi raqsad; maey keh shishah-e-jan ra
dehad gudaaz aawar.
[Aisi naey ho, jiss ki laey sey seinay kay andar dil raqs karney lagay; aisi
sharab ho, jo shishah-e-qalb mein godaaz paida kar dey.]
The pipe that sets a dancing the heart within the breast, the wine that moves
the spirit and melts and soul oppressed:

Beh neistan-e-Ajam baad-e-sobhdum taiz ast; shararaheyi keh farou michakad z-saaz aawar.
[Ajam kay neistan mein baad-e-sobhdum bohat taiz hai; saaz sey shararey
barsaney chahiein (jo iss neistan mein aag laga dein).]
Soft amid Persias rushes the breeze of morning sings: Bring me the spark
that trickles from those melodious strings.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(4)*****

Ay keh z-mun fazoodaheyi garmi-e-aah-o-nalah ra; zindah kon az sadaey
mun khak-e-hazaar saalah ra.
[Ay woh Zaat! Jiss ney meyrey zariah aah-o-giriyah ki garmi barrha di hai;
meyri sada sey Mosilman mein, jo eik hazaar saal sey khak ka dhair bun
choka hai, zindagi ki naeyi lehar dourra dey.]
Thou who didst make more ardent my sighing and my tears, O let my
anthem quicken dust of a thousand years.

43



Ba dil ma cheha koni tou keh babaadah-e-hayat; musti-e-shouq mi-dehi
aab-o-gill piyalah ra.
[Aap meyrey dil ka kaya haal karein gay; jabb keh Aap badan ki matti ko
zindagi ki sharab sey shouq-e-musti atta farma deytey hein. (Badan mein
musti-e-shouq paida ho jaati hai, tuo dil ka kaya haal ho ga, jo khas tour
sey Allah Taala ki mohabat kay leay banaya gaya hai.)]
What wilt Thou of my heart, then, who with the wine of life excitest in the
goblet this passion and this strife?

Ghonchah-e-dil gariftah ra az nafsam girah koshaey tazah kon az nasime-mun dagh-e-daroon-e-lalah ra.
[Meyri awaz sey maghmoom kali kay dil ki girah khhol dey; Gul-e-lalah kay
andar jo dagh hai, ossey meyrey kalam ki baad-e-nasim sey pher tazah kar
dey. (Mosilman ki afsordgi door ho aur oss kay andar Allah Taala ki
mohabat ka dagh pher sey tazah ho jaaey.)]
And when my breath caressing shall softly, sweetly blow, the withered heart
will blossom, the tulip newly glow.

Mi-gozrad khiyal-e-mun az meh-o-mehr-o-moshtari; tou bakamein chih
khoftaeyi siad kon ein ghazalah ra.
[Meyra khayal boland mehr-o-meh-o-moshtari sey oopar nikaley jaa raha
hai; Aap iss ghazal ko shikar kar kay apna kiyuon naheen bana leytey.]
My fantasy is soaring beyond the stars and sun; why lurkest Thou in hiding,
when huntings to be done?

Khwajah-e-mun nigah daar aabrooey gadaey khwaish; aankeh az jooey
deigaraan por nakonad piyalah ra.

44

[Meyrey malik! Apney gada ki aabro ka khayal rakhh (ossey apney lotf sey
nawaz dey); teyra yeh gada itna khodaar hai keh iss kay saamney doosaron
ki nadiyan moujood thhein magar iss ney onn sey apna kaasah-e-gadaeyi
naheen bhara.]
O Master, guard the honour of him who begs of thee; hell let no wine of
others within his goblet be.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(5)*****

Az mosht-e-ghobar-e-ma sadd nalah ber angaizi; nazdeek-ter az jaani ba
khooey kum amaizi.
[Hamarey badan ki mosht-e-ghobar sey (Aap kay fraq mein) sadd-ha nalay
othhtey hein; kiyuonkeh Aap meyri rug-e-jan sey qarib-ter hotay hoay bhi
mojh sey door rehtey hein.]
From my handful of dust You draw out a hundred laments; you are nearer
than the soul for all Your shy reserve.

Dar mouj-e-saba penhan dozdeidah babagh aaeyi; dar booey gul aamaizi
ba ghonchah dar aawaizi.
[Kabhi Aap mouj-e-saba mein chopkay sey bagh mein aa jaatey hein; kabhi
Aap phhool ki mehak mein millay hoatey hein kabhi ghonchah ko khhila
rehey hotay hein.]
Hiding in the gentle breeze, thief-like You enter the garden; You mix with
the flowers perfume, and blend with the bud.

Maghrib z-tou biganah Mashriq hamah afsanah; waqt ast keh dar alam
naqsh-e-digar angaizi.

45

[Maghrib Aap sey na-ashana hai. Mashriq mein sirf Aap kay qissay
kaniyan hein (haqiqat sey woh bhi na-waqif hai); abb zarorat hai keh Aap
dunya mein naey naqsh sey jalwah-gar hon.]
The West is indifferent to You, the East is all legends; it is time you etched a
new design in the world.

Aankas keh basar daarad soudaey jahangiri; taskin-e-janoonash kon ba
nishtar-e-Chengaizi.
[Jiss shakhs kay sar mein jahan per hakoomat jamaney ka souda samaya
ho; oss kay janon ka ilaj nishtar-e-Changaiz sey karein (Changaiz ney
bohat sei saltanaton ko teh-o-bala kar diya thha).]
He who is heady with the ambition of world-conquest; soothe his craze with
the lancet of Genghis.

Mun bandah-e-bey qiadam shaid keh daraizam baaz; ein torrah-epaichaan ra dar gardanam aawaizi.
[Mien la-obali bandah hon, kaheen pher bhaag nah jaaon; apni zolf-epaichan ko meyri gardan mein daal kar haimaishah kay leay apna bana
lein.]
An unreined bondsman, I might slip away again suppose You hung these
curly tresses around my neck!

Joz nalah nami daanam goind ghazal khwanam; ein cheist keh choon
shabnam ber seinah-e-mun raizi.
[Mien tuo nalah-o-faryaad kay sawa aur kochh naheen janta, loug kehtey
hein mein ghazal khwan hon; yeh shabnam ki tarah ki cheez kaya hai, jo
Aap meyrey seinay per naazil farma rehey hein (sakeenat ko shabnam kaha
hai).]

46

Lament is all I know, but they say I am a singer of ghazal; what is this dewlike thing You are pouring on my heart?
(Translated by Mustansir Mir)
*****(6)*****

Mun agarchih tirah khakam dilkay ast burg-o-saazam; beh nazarah-ejamaley cho sitarah deidah baazam.
[Agarchih mein tarik matti sey bana hon; magar meyra dil meyri mataa (e-khaas) hai; iss kay sabab mien (Haq Taala kay) jamal kay nazarah kay
leay sitarah ki manind beh chashm-e-wa baithha hon (Tou zara chhair tuo
dey tishnah-e-mizrab hai saaz).]
Though dust, and dark as dust, am I, I have a little heart, whereby with
vision open as a star I gaze on beauty from afar.

Bahaqaey zakhmah-e-tou hamah nalah khamosham; tou baein gomaan
keh shaid z-nawa fatadah saazam.
[Mien iss leay nalah-e-khamosh hon keh Aap kay mizrab ka khwahan
hon; aur Aap samajhtey hein keh mien aisa saaz hon jo raag kay qabil
naheen raha.]
Praying Thy fingers may caress, unuttered is my hearts distress; and Thou
supposest that maybe my lyre has lost its minstrelsy.

Beh zamiram anchonan kon keh z-shoalah-e-nawaey; dil-e-khakiyan
frozam dil-e-nooriyan godazam.
[Meyrey andaroon ko iss tarah kar dein keh apni nawa kay shoalah sey
khakiyuon kay dilon mein moujood ishq ko garma don aur nooriyuon kay
dilon mein (ishq ka) godaz paida kar don.]

47

Do Thou so quicken my desire that, with a melody of fire, I may the earthy
heart make bright, and wholly melt the heart of light.

Tabb-o-taab-e-fitrat-e-ma z-niazmandi-e-ma; Tou Khodaey biniazi narasi
basoz-o-saazam.
[Hamari fitrat mein jo tabb-o-taab hai; oss ka sabab hamari niazmandi hai;
Aap Khodaey bey niaz hein, Aap meyrey soz-o-saaz ko naheen pa saktey.]
The burning fever of my breed is symptom of my so great need; thou, who
art God, and lackest naught, knowst not the anguish in me wrought.

Beh kassey ayaan nah kardam z-kassey nehan nakardam; ghazal
aanchonan saroodam keh baroon fataad raazam.
[Mien ney apna raaz (-e-mohabat) nah kissi per ayan kiya aur nah kissi sey
chhopaya; sirf ghazal kehi, magar iss andaz sey keh meyra raaz meyrey
seinay sey bahar aa-gaya.]
I never sought to make this plain or keep it hid from any man; my secret has
itself displayed, and so my melody was made.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(8)*****

Bersar-e-kofar-o-Deen fashaan rehmat-e-aam-e-khwaish ra; bund-eniqab ber kosha maah-e-tamam-e-khwaish ra.
[Apney chand jaisey chehray sey bund-e-niqab khhol dijiay; kofar-o-Deen
duonon per apni rehmat-e-aam ki baarish kijiay (takeh Deen mein iss
baarish sey tar-o-tazgi paida ho aur kofar oss sey khatam ho jaaey).]
On faith and infidelity O scatter wide Thy Clemency; at last the veil of
darkness raise from the full splendour of Thy Face.

48



Zamzamah-e-kohan saraaey gardish-e-baadah taiz kon; baaz beh bazme-ma nigar, aatish-e-jaam-e-khwaish ra.
[Zamzamah-e-kohan (Islam kay dour-e-awwal ka geet) chhairriay aur
bazm mein paimaney ki gardish taiz kar dijiay (bhar bhar kay palaiay aur
jaldi jaldi palaiay); jaam-e-aatishin leay pher hamari bazm ki taraf iltifaat
farmaiay.]
Play once again the ancient song, and swiftly pass the wine along; let the
flame-fever of Thy cup irradiate us as we sup.

Daam az gaisowan badosh zehmat-e-gulistan bari; siad chera nami koni
taer-e-baam-e-khwaish ra.
[Kandhey per daam-e-gaiso daaley bagh mein jaaney ki kaya zaroorat hai;
Aap kay baam per jo taer baithha hai (apni taraf asharah hai) ossey
kiyuon naheen shikar kar leytey.]
Why, with Thy ringlets for a snare, forth to the garden dost Thou fare, when
on Thy roof a bird there be, more worthy of Thy venery?

Riag-e-Iraq montazir, kisht-e-Hijaz tishnah kaam; khoon Hussain baaz
deh Kofah-o-Shaam-e-khwaish ra.
[Raig-e-Iraq montazir hai, Hijaz ki sar-zamin piyasi hai; Apney Kofah-oShaam ko pher Hussain (R.A.) sey shadab kijiay.]
Expectant waits the Iraqi sand, athirst is Hijaz desert land; to Syria and
Kufa give Husains spilled blood that they may live.

Dosh beh rahbar zanad raah-e-yaganah teay konad; mi-nadehad badaste-kas ishq zamam-e-khwaish ra.

49

[Ishq apni bag-dor kissi aur kay haath mein naheen deyta; woh rahbar ko
kandha maar kay eik taraf kar deyta hai aur akaila he rastah taey karta hai
(ishq samajhta hai keh rahbar oss ka rastah rokay khharra hai).]
Love spurneth the attendant guide, alone upon the way hell ride, nor yield
to any mans control the reining of his stubborn soul.

Nalah beh aastan-e-Deir bikhabaranah mi-zadam; ta ba Haram
shanakhtam raah-o-moqam-e-khwaish ra.
[Mien Deir mein khharra khod raftgi mein faryaad kar raha hon; keh
Haram takk pohnchney ki raah milley aur wahan mien apna moqam
pehchan lon,]
To convent foolishly I went, upon that threshold to lament, until I found my
road to be direct unto Gods sanctuary.

Qaflah-e-bahaar ra taer-e-paish rus nigar; aankeh bakhalwat-e-qafas
goft payam-e-khwaish ra.
[Mojhey deikhho mien (Islam kay) qaflah-e-bahaar ki khabar deyney wala
woh parindah hon jiss ney qafas ki tunhaeyi mein bhi apna paigham sonna
diya hai.]
Behold this lone bird on the wing, first of the caravan of spring, who in his
solitary cage carols the message of his age!
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(9)*****

Nawaey mun az aan por soz-o-bibaak-o-ghum angaiz ast; bakhashakam
sharaar aftaadah baad sobh-dum taiz ast.

50

[Meyri nawa iss leay porsoz, bey baak aur ghum angaiz hai; keh meyrey
badan ki khak mein (mohabat ka) shararh hai aur sobh ki hawa (hawaey
zamanah) taiz hai (ossey khoob bharrka rehi hai).]
A flame is in my minstrelsy, a fearlessness, a tragedy; a spark is smouldering
in my corn, and sprightly blows the breath of morn.

Nadaarad ishq samaaney wlaikan taishaheyi daarad; kharashad seinahe-kohsar-o-pak az khoon-e-Pervaiz ast.
[Ishq bey sar-o-saaman hai, magar oss kay pass taishah zaroor hai; woh
(Farhad ki tarah) oss sey paharr ka seinah cheer deyta hai magar Pervaiz
(raqib) kay khoon sey pak rehta hai.]
Love keeps no state, no manner grand and yet an axe is in Loves hand
wherewith the mountains heart is hued all innocent of Parviz blood.

Mera dar dil khaleed ein noktah az mard-e-ada daaney; z-maashooqan
nigah kaari-ter az harf-e-dilaawaiz ast.
[Eik mard-e-ada daan ka yeh noktah meyrey seinay mein chobh gaya; keh
maashooqon ki nigah onn ki piyari baaton sey ziyadah kargar hoti hai.]
It pricked my heart, this subtlety an orator once told to me: The loved ones
glance hath more to teach than all the wizardry of speech.

Beh balinam biya, yakdum nashin, kaz dard-e-mehjoori; tehi paimanah
bazm tera paimanah labraiz ast.
[Eik dum kay leay meyrey sarhaney aa-kar baithh jaa; aur deikhh keh woh
shakhs jo Teyri bazm mein tehi paimanah raha, abb oss ki zindagi ka
paimanah labraiz honay ko hai.]
Come to my pillow once again; sit for one moment; for the pain of
separation wracks my soul, my cup of loneliness is full.

51



Beh bostaan jalwah daadam aatish-e-dagh-e-jodaeyi ra; nasimash taiz-ter
mi-saazad-o-shabnam ghalat raiz ast.
[Mien ney aatish-e-dagh-e-jodaeyi kay jalwah ko bagh mein khoob
nomayan kiya; baad-e-nasim ney oss aag ko aur bharrkaya, shabnam (ney
koshish ki magar) ossey thhanda nah kar saki.]
Awhile into the mead I came, naked my anguished spirits flame; the breeze
of morning fiercer blew; my heart was sprinkled oer with dew.

Asharat-haey penhan khanmaan berham zanad laikan; mera aan
ghumzah mi-bayad keh bibaak ast-o-khoonraiz ast.
[Agarchih penhan asharon ney meyra ghhar ojaarr diya hai; magar mien
bey baak aur khoonraiz ghumzah chahta hon.]
The secret sign will overset the lovers shrine entire; and yet it is the fearless
glance I need that makes the lovers heart to bleed.

Nashiman her duo ra aab-o-gill kaikan chih raazst ein; khird ra sohbate-gill khosh-ter ayad dil kum aamaiz ast.
[Nashaiman duonon ka badan hai, magar yeh kaya raaz hai; aql ko matti ki
sohbat pasand hai aur dil matti sey parey rehta hai.]
Waters the seat of both, and clay; what is the mystery then, I pray, the mind
doth like the clay right well, but there the heart is loth to dwell?

Mera banigar keh dar Hindustan deigar namey beini; Brahman zaadeyi
ramz aashnaey Rome-o-Tabraiz ast.
[Mojhey deikhh keh Hidustan mein tojhey meyrey sawaey koeyi aur aisa
Brahman zadah naheen milley ga jo Rome-o-Tabraiz kay ramoz (tasawwuf)
sey bakhabar ho (Jalal-ud-Din Rumi thhey aur Shams Tabraizi).]
52

Behold, and see! In Inds domain Thou shalt not find the like again, that,
though a Brahmans son I be, Tabriz and Rum stand wide to me.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(10)*****

Dil-e-deidaheyi keh daaram hamah lazzat-e-nazarah; chih gonah agar
traasham sanamey z-sung-e-kharah.
[Dil aur ankhh duonon lazzat-e-nazarah kay leay bitaab hein (magar Aap
ka nazarah kar naheen saktey); Iss leay agar mien pathar sey sanam
traashta hon tuo iss mein meyra kay gonah hai (khogar paikar-e-mehsoos
hai insan ki nazar).]
The eyes and heart that I have take such delight in view what is my fault if
I should carve idols out of rough stone?

Tou beh jalwah dar niqabi keh nigah ber nataabi; meh-e-mun agar
nanaalam Tou bago digar chih charah.
[Aap ka jalwah niqab mein chhopa hoa hai, kiyuonkeh Aap (ka hosn-e-latif)
nigah ki taab naheen la sakta; ay meyrey chand! Agar mien nalah-o-faryaad
nah karon tuo kaya karon.]
For all Your manifest glory You are veiled You cannot suffer looks! Tell
me, my moon, what is my recourse other than lament?

Chih shawad agar kharami beh saraey carvaaney; keh mataa-enarawanash dilkay ast parah parah.
[Agar Aap meyrey carvaan saraey mein tashrif ley aein tuo kaya harj hai;
meyri maamooli mataa yehi chhota sa dil hai jo (Aap kay hijar mein)
parah parah ho choka hai.]

53

What harm would come if You strolled by the lodgings of a caravan, whose
only unworthy possession is a little, broken heart?

Ghazaley zadam keh shaid beh nawa qararam ayad; tabb-e-shoalah kum
nagardad z-gosastan-e-shararah.
[Mien iss leay ghazal kehta hon keh shaid ghazal sey qarar aa-jaey;
magar shoalah kay andar sey shararah nikal jaaey tuo bhi oss ki tapash
kum naheen hoti (yehi meyra haal hai).]
I sang out a ghazal, hoping that expression would bring relief the flame
does not die down with one spark breaking off.

Dil-e-zindaheyi keh daadi beh hijaab dar nasaazad; nighey badeh keh
beinad shararey basung-e-kharah.
[Aap ney mojhey jo dil-e-zindah atta farmaya hai; iss ka hijab mein rehna
monasib naheen; mojhey aisi nigah bhi atta ho, jo sung-e-kharah kay andar
chhopay hoay shararah ko deikhh sakkey. (Goya dil-e-zindah woh hai jiss ki
taseer sey nigah chhopi hoeyi cheezein deikhh ley). Jo hai pardon mein
penhan, chashm-e-beina deikhh leyti hai Iqbal.]
The living heart You gave me is ill at ease with veils give me an eye that
will see the fire in the rock.

Hamah parah-e-dillam ra z-saroor-e-oo nasibey; ghum-e-khod chasaan
nehaadi beh dilley hazaar parah.
[Aap ney meyrey dil-e-hazaar parah mein apna ghum iss tarah samo diya
hai keh dil ka her tokrra iss sey saroor hasil karta hai.]
Every piece of my heart shares in the joy it gives how did You vest Your
sorrow in a heart of a thousand pieces?

54



Nakoshad safinah-e-kas beh yammey boland moujey; khatrey keh ishq
beinad basalamat kinarah.
[Mallah toofani samandar mein woh khatrah mehsoos naheen karta, jo ishq
ko sahil per slaamati sey baithh rehney mein nazar ata hai.]
High waves never wrecked anyones boat in the sea; the danger that love
sees lies in the safety of the shore.

Beh shakoh-e-bey niazi z-khodaigaan gozashtam; sift-e-meh-e-tamamey
keh gozasht ber sitarah.
[Mien jhootey khodaon kay pass sey iss bey niazi aur bawaqar andaz sey
gozar gaya; jaisey meh-e-kamil sitaron kay pass sey gozar jata hai.]
With a stately disregard I passed by the lords of the world like a full moon
passing by the stars.
(Translated by Mustansir Mir)
*****(13)*****

Fasal-e-bahaar ein chonein bang-e-hazaar ein chonein; chehrah kosha,
ghazal sar, baadah biyaar ein chonein.
[Aisi fasal-e-bahaar! Aur bulbulon kay tranam ka shor! (Meyrey mehboob!)
Tou bhi apney chehray sey niqab othha, mousam kay motabiq (mohabat ka)
geet sonna, aur (ishq ki) sharab pala.]
It is the season of the spring and nightingales are carolling; O smile on me,
and chant a song, and freely pass the wine along.

55



Ashk chakidah-um babein hum beh nigah-e-khod nigar; raiz beh neistaan
mun barq-o-shraar ein chonein.
[Meyrey tapaktey hoay ansoo deikhh! Pher apni nigah ki taraf nazar kar!
Pher iss nigah sey meyrey neistan per barq-o-sharar gira.]
Behold the tears that I have shed, then on Thy beauty turn Thy head; O set
my heart of reeds afire with the swift lightning of desire.

Baad-e-bahaar ra bago pey beh khiyal-e-mun bord; wadi-o-dasht ra dehad
naqsh-o-nigaar ein chonein.
[Apni baad-e-bahaar sey kehein keh woh meyrey afkaar ki pairvi karey;
wadi-o-dasht mein meyri tarah kay naqsh-o-nigaar banaey.]
And bid the breeze of spring, I pray, unto my fancy take its way and paint
the valley and the plain with beauteous images again.

Zaadah-e-bagh-o-ragh ra az nafsam trawatey; dar chaman tou zeistam ba
gul-o-khar ein chonein.
[Mien ney Aap kay chaman mein gul-o-khar kay darmiyan iss tarah zindagi
gozari; keh bagh-o-ragh kay saarey paudon aur phhoolon ko meyrey nafas
sey trawat mili.]
Flower in the mead that blossometh, receive new freshness from my breath;
amid Thy bower, since I was born, I lived beside the rose and thorn.

Alam-e-aab-o-khak ra ber mehak-e-dillam basaey; roshan-o-taar-ekhwaish ra geer ayyar ein chonein.
[Iss alam-e-aab-o-khak ko meyrey dil ki kasouti per parkhhein; aur yuon iss
kay roshan aur tareek honay ka andazah karein. (Agar oss sey meyra dil

56

roshan hoa, tuo yeh dunya roshan hai, agar oss sey meyra dil tareek hoa,
tuo yeh tareek hai.)]
On my hearts touchstone then assay this world of water and of clay; my
heart shall prove a mirror bright reflecting all Thy shade and light.

Dil bakassey nabakhtah ba duo jahan nasaakhtah; mun bahazoor-e-tou
rasm-e-roz shomaar ein chonein.
[Mien qiyamat kay roz Aap kay hazoor qalb-e-saleem ley kar hazir hon ga;
nah mien ney aur ko dil diya ho ga aur nah duonon jahanon ko mehboob
rakhha ho ga.]
Thou st never gambled with Thy heart, nor of the world had any part; when
in Thy presence I would be, what day of reckoning I see!

Fakhtah-e-kohan safir nalah-e-mun shoneid-o-goft; kas nasarood dar
chaman naghmah-e-paar ein chonein.
[Poranay geet gaaney waali eik fakhtah ney meyra nalah sonna, tou kaha;
kissi aur ney chaman mein pichhlay saal ka naghmah iss tarah naheen
gaaya.]
The aged ringdove in the glade hearkened to my lament, and said, No
songbird ever carolled here so sweet an air of yesterday.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(19)*****

Ya Mosilman rah madeh farman keh jan ber kaff baneh; ya darein
farsoodah paikar tazah jaaney aafrin; ya chonan kon ya chonein.

57

[Ya tuo Mosilman ko yeh farman nah dein keh woh apni jan hathaili per
rakhh kar baahar nikal aaey; ya oss kay farsoodah paikar mein naeyi jan
paida karein; yeh karein ya woh karein.]
Either do not tell the Muslim to put his life at risk, or else breathe a new soul
into this worn-out frame. Do one thing or the other!

Ya Brahman ra bafarma nau khodawandey traash; ya Khod andar
zonnariyan khalwat gazein; ya chonan kon ya chonein.
[Ya tuo Brahman sey farmaein keh woh niya khoda traashey; ya
zonnariyuon (bott-praston) kay seinay mein khod khalwat gazein ho
jaein; yeh karein ya woh karein.]
Either tell the Brahmin to carve a new idol, or go and dwell in zunnarwearers hearts yourself. Do one thing or the other!

Ya digar Adam keh az Iblis bashad kumtrak; ya digar Iblis baher imtihane-aql-o-Deen; ya chonan kon ya chonein.
[Ya tuo aur Adam laein jo Iblis sey kum-ter ho; ya imtihan-e-aql-o-Deen
kay leay aur Iblis laein; yeh karein ya woh karein.]
Either a new Adam, a little less evil than Iblis or another Iblis to challenge
faith and reason! Do one thing or the other!

Ya jahaney tazaheyi ya imtihaney tazaheyi; mi koni ta chund ba ma
aanchih kardi paish azein; ya chonan kon ya chonein.
[Ya niya jahan ho ya niya imtihan; Aap kabb takk hamarey saath wohi slook
dohraatey rehein gay; yeh karein ya woh karein.]

58

Either a new world or a new test! For how long will you go on treating us
like this? Do one thing or the other!

Faqr bakhshi? Ba-shakoh-e-Khosro Pervaiz bakhsh; ya atta farma khird
ba fitrat-e-Rooh-ul-Amin; ya chonan kon ya chonein.
[Faqr diya hai tuo iss kay saath shikoh-e-Khosrovu atta farmaein; ya pher
aisi aql dein jo fitrat-e-Rooh-ul-Amin rakhhti ho; yeh karein ya woh karein.]
Give us poverty? Do it, but gives us Chosroes glory as well! Or give us
reason together with Gabriels disposition. Do one thing or the other!

Ya bakosh dar seinah-e-mun aarzooey inqilab; ya digargoon kon nehaad
ein zaman-o-ein zamin; ya chonan kon ya chonein.
[Ya tuo meyrey seinay mein moujood aarzooey inquilab khatam kar dein;
ya iss zaman-o-zamin ki nehaad badal dein; yeh karein ya woh karein.]
Either kill the desire for revolution that stirs in my heart, or completely
change these heavens and the earth. Do one thing or the other!
(Translated by Mustansir Mir)
*****(23)*****

Saqiya ber jigaram shoalah-e-numnaak andaz; digar aashoob-e-qiyamat
beh kaff-e-khak andaz.
[Saqi meyrey jigar per aisa shoalah daal jiss mein soz ki numi ho; eik bar
pher meyri kaff-e-khak mein aashoob-e-qiyamat barpa kar dey.]
Saki, on my heart bestow liquid flame with living glow; let the resurrection
day dawn tremendous on my clay.

59



Oo bayakk danah-e-gandam beh zaminam andaakht; tou bayakk jorraae-aab-e-ansooey aflaak andaz.
[Iss (Iblis) ney mojhey eik danah-e-gandam khhila kar bahisht sey niklwa
diya; Aap mojhey eik jorrah-e-ishq sey waaraey aflaak pohncha dein.]
He, for one small grain of corn, cast me to the earth in scorn; pour one glass,
and see me rise glorified beyond the skies.

Ishq ra baadah mard afgan-o-porzor badeh; laey ein baadah beh
paimanah-e-idraak andaz.
[Ishq ko aisi sharab atta farmaiay jo mard afgan aur por zor ho; pher oss
ki dord meyrey paimanah-e-idraak mein daal dijiay (ta-keh khird mein ishq
ki chashni aa-jaey).]
Give to love Thy liquor, then, strong to loose the thighs of men; toss the
liquors sediments in the beaker of the sense.

Hekmat-o-falsafah kard ast graan khaiz mera; Khizar mun az saram ein
baar-e-garan pak andaz.
[Hekmat-o-falsafah ney mojhey sargardani mein mobtala kar diya hai; ay
meyrey rahber! Meyrey sar ko iss bar-e-garan sey nijat dalaiay.]
Wisdom and philosophy are a grievous load on me; heavenly guide! Stretch
out Thy hand, lift my burden, let me stand.

Khird az garmi-e-sehba bagodazey naraseid; charah-e-kaar beh aan
ghumzah-e-chalak andaz.
[Sharab (ishq) ki garmi khird mein godaz paida naheen kar sakki; iss ka
ilaaj Apney naaz-o-ada (jalwah-e-jamal) sey kijiay.]

60

If hot liquor proveth vain to illuminate the brain, suffer me a second chance,
save me with Thy flashing glance.

Bazm dar kashmaksh-e-beim-o-ummeid ast hanooz; hamah ra bey khabar
az gardish-e-aflaak andaz.
[Bazm abhi takk ummeid-o-na ummeidi ki kashmaksh mein griftar hai;
onnhein gardish-e-aflaak sey bey niaz kar dein (iss dour kay Mosilmanon
ko apney tabindah mostaqbil ka taqin atta farmaiay).]
Fear and hope are yet at odds in our banquet of the gods; make us all in
ignorance be of the wheel of destiny!

Mitawaan raikht dar aaghosh-e-khazan lalah-o-gul; khaiz-o-ber shakh-ekohan khoon-e-rug-e-taak andaz.
[Khazan mein bhi bahaar-e-lalah-o-gul laeyi jaa sakti hai; hamari shakh-ekohnah per angoor ka khoon daal kar ossey sarsabz kar dijiay (Angoor ko
baraawar karney kay leay oss ki jarron mein khoon daala jata hai).]
Roses and anemones scatter at the autumn breeze; yet within our ancient
bough set the new sap rising now!
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(24)*****

Az aan aabey keh dar mun lalah kaarad saatgeinay deh; kaff-e-khak-emera Saqi babaad-e-faroudiney deh.
[Mojhey aisi sharab ka piyalah atta farma; jo meyrey gul-e-lalah khhila ko
dey; Saqi! Meyri mosht-e-khak ko baad-e-bahaar kay sapord kar dey.]
The juice that maketh tulips spring within the heart a bumper bring, Saki!
And let the April gust scatter at will my bodys dust.

61



Z-meinaey keh khordam dar Farang andaishah-e-tareekst; safar
warzidah-e-khod ra nigah raah beinay deh.
[Mien ney Europe mein ilm ki jo sharab pei oss ney meyri soch ko tareek kar
diya hai; Apni manzil kay mosafir ko aisi nigah atta farmaiay jo saheih rah
pehchaan ley.]
I drank the Wests enamelled bowl, and darkness settled oer my soul; O
give me sight to see the way and where I went so sore astray.

Cho khas az mouj-e-her baadey keh mi-ayad z-jaa raftam; dil-e-mun az
goman-ha dar kharosh aamad yaqiney deh.
[Meyri yeh halat hai keh tinkay ki manind hawa kay her jhonkay sey apni
jagah sey hill jata hon; meyra dil shakook sey faryaad konan hai, mojhey
yaqin-e-mohkam atta farmaiay!]
Upon the wave of every breeze like chaff I turned as it might please;
tumultuous beats the heart of me with vain surmise; give certainty!

Bajanam aarzoo-ha bood-o-nabood sharar daarad; shabbam ra kokabey
az aarzooey dil nashiney deh.
[Merey dil mein aarzoein sharar ki manind othhti hein aur bojhti rehti hein;
meyri raat ki tareeki ko eik aarzooey dilnashin ka sitarah atta farmaiay!
(Sitarah ki roshni mostqil hai, sharar ki manind naheen.)]
My spirits fretful small desire glows wanly as a spark of fire; give me desire
of hearts delight, a star to shine upon my night.

Badastam khamaheyi daadi keh naqsh-e-Khosrovi bundad; raqam kash
ein choninam kardaheyi lauh-e-jabeinay deh.

62

[Aap ney mojhey qalm atta farmaya hai keh mien oss sey shahkar naqoosh
raqam karon; mojhey aisa likhhney wala banaya hai tuo koeyi aisi lauh-ejabin bhi atta farmaiay (jahan mien yeh naqoosh raqam kar sakon).]
Thou gavest in my hand a pen skilful to paint a king of men; thou madest me
a scribe; then give a tablet, that my creed may live!
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(32)*****

Mera baraah-e-talab baar dar gul ast hanooz; keh dil beh qaflah-o-rakhto-manzil ast hanooz.
[Rah-e-talab mein abhi takk mien alaiq-e-dunya mein griftar hon; abhi
takk meyra dil qaflah, samaan aur manzil kay chakkar mein hai.]
Upon the road of high desire my load yet lieth in the mire, because my heart
would still engage with trappings, caravan, and stage.

Kojast barq-e-nigahey keh khanmaan sozad; mera ba moamlah ba kishto-hasil ast hanooz.
[Kahan hai woh barq-e-nigah jo meyra ghhar bar jala dey! Abhi takk mien
khheiti aur oss ki paidawar ki fikr mein griftar hon.]
Where is the lightning of the gaze that shall my dwelling burn and raze?
Fain would I yet a bargain keep with what men sow, and what men reap.

Yakkey safinah-e-ein khaam ra toofan deh; z-taras-e-mouj nigaahum
basahil ast hanooz.
[Mojh khaam ki kashti ko zara toofan mein daal dijiay; keh moujon kay
dar sey mien abhi sahil ki janab deikhh raha hon.]
O let this laymans vessel ride upon a full, tempestuous tide: The wave
affrighteth me so sore; I fix my gaze upon the shore.
63



Tapeidan-o-naraseidan chih alamey daarad; khosha kassey keh badonbale-mehmal ast hanooz.
[Tarrapna aur maqsood takk nah pohnchna, kaya lotf rakhhta hai! Khosh
nasib hai woh shakhs jo abhi mehmal kay peichhey bhaag raha hai.]
Ah, what adventure is to gain to quiver, never to attain: Thrice happy he,
who even now behind the train doth riding go.

Kassey keh az duo jahan-e-khwaish ra baroon nashinaakht; faraib
khordah-e-ein naqsh-e-baatil ast hanooz.
[Jiss shakhs ney apney aap ko duonon jahanon sey alag naheen pehchana;
woh abhi takk iss naqsh-e-baatil (dunya) ka faraib khordah hai.]
But he who never knew his heart from the two worlds to dwell apart; he still
bemused and cheated is by unsubstantial images.

Nigaah-e-shouq tasali beh jalwaheyi nashawad; koja baram khalashey ra
keh dar dil ast hanooz.
[Eik jalway sey meyri nigaah-e-shouq ki tasalli naheen hoeyi; iss khalish ka
kaya ilaaj karon jo abhi takk meyrey dil mein moujood hai.]
A single, brief epiphany consoleth not the passionate eye: Where shall I take
the wounding dart that pricketh even yet my heart?

Hazoor-e-yaar hiqayat draaz-ter girdeid; chonankeh ein hamah na goftah
dar dil ast hanooz.
[Mehboob kay hazoor baat bohat lambi ho gaeyi hai; laikan iss kay
bawajood bohat sei un-kehi baatein dil mein reh gaeyi hein.]

64

In the glad presence of the friend a history is that hath no end, as still these
sorrows yet unsaid lie in my heart deep-buried.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(36)*****

Shabb-e-mun sehar namoodi keh beh talaat aaftabi; Tou bey talaat-eaaftabi sazad ein-keh bey hijabi.
[Aap ney meyri raat ko sehar sey aashna kar diya hai; chonkeh Aap talaat
mein aaftab ki manind hein, iss leay monasib hai keh Aap bey hijab nazar
aain.]
Thou didst turn my night to dawning; O Thou sun of presence bright, like
the sun Thou art in brightness, light unveiled, most worthy light!

Tou badard-e-mun raseidi bazamiram aarmeidi; z-nigaah-e-mun rameidi
beh chonein garan rakaabi.
[Aap ney meyrey dard ko pa-liya hai aur meyrey zamir mein araam farma
hoay hein; bawajood aahistah aahistah aaney kay meyri nigaah sey graiz pa
rehey hein.]
Camest Thou to ease my sorrow, and within my thought didst rest, then didst
vanish from my vision with so swift, impetuous haste.

Tou ayyar-e-kum ayyaraan Tou qarar-e-bey qararaan; Tou dawaey dil
figaraan magar einkeh deiryabi.
[Aap ki wajah sey bey qimat loug granqadar ho jaatey hein; Aap bey
qararon ka qarar aur dil figaron ki dawa hein, magar milltay zara dir sey
hein.]
Thou assay of the assayless, ease of the reposeless mind, cure of the afflicted
spirit, save too rare Thou art to find!

65



Ghum-o-ishq-o-lazzat-e-oo asar-e-duogoonah
dardmandi gehey musti-o-kharabi.

daarad;

gehey

soz-o-

[Ishq kay ghum aur oss ki lazzat ka asar duo gonah hai; kabhi soz-odardmandi ki surat mein zahir hota hai aur kabhi must-o-kharabi ki surat
mein.]
Passions sorrow, passions pleasure, two fold is loves influence: Now an
agony and burning, now the drunkards turbulence.

Z-haqayat-e-dil-e-mun tou bago keh khoob dani; dil-e-mun koja keh oo
ra bakinar-e-mun nayabi.
[Meyrey dil ki kahani Aap sonaein kiyuonkeh Aap issey behtar jaantey
hein; mojhey bataein keh meyra dil kahan hai? Ossey apney pehlo mein tuo
naheen pata.]
Speak me then, for true Thou knowest: Of my heart the history tell where
is now my heart in hiding? In my breast it doth not dwell.

Beh jalal-e-Tou keh dar dil digar aarzoo nadaram; bajoz ein doa keh
bakhshi beh kabootaran oqabey.
[Teyrey jalal ki qasam! Meyrey dil mein koeyi aur aarzoo naheen; sawaey
iss kay keh Tou kabootron (iss dour kay Mosilmanon) ko oqabi shan atta
farmaey.]
By the majesty I swear it, no desire my spirit moves save the prayer: An
eagle spirit, Lord, bestow upon Thy doves!
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)

66

*****(37)*****

Darein maeykhanah ay saqi nadaram mehramey deigar; keh mun shaid
nakhstin Adam az alamey deigar.
[Ay Saqi! Iss maeykhaney mein mojhey koeyi mehram raaz naheen milta;
shaid mien aaney waaley niay dour ka pehla Adami hon.]
None other in this tavern is, Saki, to share my mysteries; am I the first (O
who can tell) conceived in heaven, on earth to dwell?

Dummey ein paikar-e-farsoodah ra saazi kaff-e-khakey; fashaani aab-oaz khak aatish angaizi dummey deigar.
[Kabhi Aap meyrey iss paikar-e-farsoodah ko kaff-e-khak bana deytey hein;
aur kabhi iss khak per Aap ishq chhirrak kar iss kay andar aag paida kar
deytey hein.]
Awhile this spent and weary frame Thou makest dust; and on the same
scatterest water; lo I see fire in the ashes presently.

Biyar aan doulat-e-bidaar-o-aan jaam-e-jahan bein ra; Ajam ra
daadaheyi hungamah-e-bazm-e-Jamay deigar.
[Aap ney Ajam ko eik bar pher bazm-e-Jam ka hungamah atta kiya hai; abb
iss ishq ki doulat-e-bidaar aur jaam-e-jahan bein bhi atta farmaiay.]
Bring me that fortune ever new, the cup where lies the world to view, for, in
the palace of the East, another Jamshid sits to feast.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)

67

*****(41)*****

Badeh aan dil keh musti-haey oo az baadah-e-khwaish ast; bagir aan dil
keh az khod raftah-o-biganah andaish ast.
[Mojhey aisa dil atta farmaiay jo apni sharab sey must ho; yeh dil ley
lijiay jo az khod raftah hai aur dosaron kay afkaar rakhhta hai.]
Give me the heart whose rapture fine flames from a draught of its own wine,
and take the heart that, self-effaced, by alien fancy is embraced.

Badeh aan dil, badeh aan dil keh geiti ra fra-geirad; bagir ein dil, bagir
ein dil keh dar bund-e-kum-o-baish ast.
[Mojhey aisa dil atta farmaiay jo zamaney ko apney andar samo ley; yeh
dil ley lijiay jo nafaa noqsan kay chakkar mein parra rehta hai.]
Give me the heart, give me the heart that of the world will have no part; I
yield the heart right gladly oer that is a slave to less and more.

Mera ay siad geer az tarkash-e-taqdir bairoon kash; jigar douzi chih miayad az aan teeray keh dar kaish ast.
[Ay meyrey Maalik! Mojhey taqdir kay tarkash sey bahar nikaaliay; jo teer
tarkash kay andar ho woh kaisey jaa kar jigar per lug sakta hai.]
O draw me forth, Thou huntsman bold, out of fates quiver Thou dost hold;
except the shaft be put to bow, how shall it lay the quarry low?

Nagardad zindagani khastah az kaar-e-jahan-geeri; jahaney dar girah
bostam jahaney deigarey paish ast.

68

[Jahangiri sey zindagi mein kumzori waqia naheen hoti; (deikhhiay) eik
jahan mien ney girah mein baandh rakhha hai aur doosra meyrey saamney
hai.]
This life is neer a weary thing while there be worlds for conquering: behold,
one world lies bound and tied into another world I ride.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(42)*****

Kaff-e-khak burg-o-saazam barehey fishanam oo ra; beh ummeid-e-ein
keh rozay bafalak rasanam oo ra.
[Mothhi bhar khak meyri mataa hai mien issey rah mein bakhhair raha
hon; iss ummeid per keh eik roz issey aasman takk pohncha don ga.]
A hand of dust is all I own; I scatter it upon the way, because I hope that on a
day it shall ascend to heavens throne.

Chih konam chih charah geeram keh z-shakh-e-ilm-o-daanish;
nadameidah haich kharey badil nishanam oo ra.
[Kaya karon? Iss ka kaya ilaaj hai keh ilm-o-daanish ki shakh sey koeyi eik
aisa kanta naheen nikla, jo dil mein chabho sakon.]
What stratagem have I, what art? For on the branch of wisdoms tree no
thorn has ever sprung for me that I might thrust into my heart.

Dehad aatish-e-jodaeyi sharar mera namoodey; beh haman nafas
bameeram keh frou-nishanam oo ra.
[Aatish-e-jodaeyi he sey meyrey sharar ki namood hai; agar mien issey daba
don tuo ossi lamhay meyri mout waqia ho jaey.]
The fires of separation give a brief effulgence to my flame, and when I
would damp down the same, that very breath I no more live.
69



Maey-e-ishq-o-musti oo narwad baroon z-khoonam; keh dil aan chonan
nadaadam keh digar satanam oo ra.
[Maey ishq aur musti meyrey khoon mein rachhay hoeyi hein; mien ney dil
iss tarah naheen diya keh pher ossey wapas ley lon (meyri mohabat aisi
naheen keh iss sey dastbardar ho jaon).]
Let it not vanish from my vein, the wine and drunkenness of love; I suffer
none triumph of my heart, to take it back again.

Tou beh lauh-e-sadah-e-mun hamah modaa nawishti; digar aan chonan
adab kon keh ghalat nakhwaham oo ra.
[Aap ney meyrey dil ki khali takhti per sara modaa (-e-hayat) likhh diya
hai; abb mojhey itni samajh atta farmaiay keh mien issey ghulat nah
parrhon.]
Upon the tablets Thou didst write the argument entire and whole; and now,
so discipline my soul that I may read the script aright.

Bahazoor tou agar kas ghazaley z-mun sarayad; chih shawad agar
nawazi beh hamein keh daanam oo ra.
[Agar Aap kay hazoor koeyi meyri ghazal paish karey tuo kaya he achha ho
agar Aap ossey yeh keh kar nawaz dein keh Mien issey janta hon.]
If in Thy presence one ghazal I ever made be sung to thee, what would it
cost, the courtesy to whisper, Yes, I know him well?
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)

70

*****(43)*****

Ein dil keh mera daadi labraiz-e-yaqin baada; ein jaam-e-jahan beinam
roshan-ter azein baada.
Talkhay keh farou raizad gardoon beh safal-e-mun; dar kaam-e-kohan
rinday aan-hum shakarein baada.
[Aap ney mojhey jo dil atta farmaya hai yeh yaqin sey por ho jaey; ta-keh
meyra yeh jaam jahan bein aur ziyadah roshan ho.
Gardon ney meyrey piyalay mein jo talakh sharab (masaib) daali hai;
mojh jaisey poraney rind kay leay woh bhi shirin ho jaey.]
Let this heart Thou gavest me overflow with certainty, and my worldbeholding glass all its radiance surpass.
Let the bitter potion poured by the heavens in my gourd on this topers
tongue of mine taste as sweet as honeyed wine.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(44)*****

Ramz-e-ishq-e-Tou beh arbab-e-hawus natawaan goft; sakhon az taab-otabb-e-shoalah beh khas natawaan goft.
[Ishq ki baat ehl-e-hawus sey naheen ki jaa sakti; jaisey shoaley ki taab-otabb ki baat khas sey naheen kehi jaa sakti.]
To passions slaves let no man eer the mystery of Thy love declare: It is not
meet for straws to hear talk of the blazing brazier.

71



Tou mera zouq-e-biyan daadi-o-gofti keh bagoay; hust dar seinah-e-mun
aan-chih bakas natawaan goft.
[Aap ney mojhey zouq-e-biyan atta farmaya hai aur hokam diya hai keh
shear kahon; laikan jo kochh meyrey seinay kay andar hai woh kissi sey
naheen kaha jaa sakta.]
I was to eloquence designed, and Thou hast bid me speak my mind; such
things are in the breast of me as unto none may uttered be.

Az nehan-khanah-e-dil khosh ghazaley mi-khaizad; sar-e-shakhey hamah
goeym beh qafas natawaan goft.
[Meyrey dil kay andar sey khoobsurat ghazal othhti hai; magar woh shaakh
per baithh kar he sonnaeyi ja sakti hai qafas mein naheen kehi jaa sakti
(Angraiz ki ghulami kay dour ki taraf asharah hai)]
Deep in my hearts recesses lies the sweetest song that yearns to rise; among
the leaves my notes shall ring, but in the cage I cannot sing.

Shouq agar zindah-e-javid nabashad ajab ast; keh hadis-e-Tou darein
yakk duo nafas natawaan goft.
[Taajob ki baat hai keh shouq (-e-mohabat) zindah-e-javid nah ho; iss
zindagi-e-mostaar kay duo-chaar lamhon mein Aap ki mohabat ki baat
pori tarah biyan naheen ho sakti.]
Tis passing strange, if yearning be not born to immortality; how can Thy
history be said in these few breaths, ere I am dead?
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)

72

*****(45)*****

Yaad-e-ayamey keh khordam baadah-ha ba chung-o-naey; jaam-e-maey
dar dast-e-mun minaey maey dar dastoey.
[Woh kaya dinn thhey jabb mein chung-o-naey kay saath sharab peita thha;
jaam-e-sharab meyrey haath mein hota aur minaey maey mehboob kay
haath mein.]
Ah, the wine, the lute, the piping, the dear memories of old, when I held the
brimming beaker and my friend a bowl of gold.

Dar kinar aaeyi khazan ma zanad rung-e-bahaar; warniyaeyi faroudeen
afsordah-ter gardad zadday.
[Agar Aap hamarey pehloo mein hon tuo khazan mein bhi bahaar ka rung
paida ho jata hai; agar Aap nah hon tuo bahaar kay dinn khazan sey
ziyadah afsordah ho jaatey hein.]
An Thou comest to my bosom, in my autumn spring shall glow; an Thou
come not, May lies mourning colder than Decembers snow.

Bey Tou jan-e-mun cho aan saazey keh taarish dar gosast; dar hazoor az
seinah-e-mun naghmah khaizad pey beh pey.
[Teyrey baghair meyri jan oss saaz ki manind hai jiss kay taar toot chokay
hon; aur Teyrey hazoor meyrey seinay sey mosalsil naghmay phhoot-tey
hein.]
Mute my soul, when Thou art absent, like a harp with broken strings; from
my breast, when Thou art with me, rise melodious whisperings.

Aan-chih mun dar bazm-e-shouq aawurdah-um daani keh cheist? Yakk
chaman-e-gul yakk neistan-e-nalah, yakk khomkhanah-e-maey.
73

[Jaantey ho keh mein bazm-e-shouq mein kaya laya hon; eik phholon
bhara chaman, eik naalon bhara neistan aur eik sharab bhara
khomkhanah.]
Well Thou knowest what conveying unto passions feast I went: Wine in vat,
a mead of roses, and a reed-bed of lament.

Zindah kon baaz aan mohabat ra keh az nairvi-e-oo; boriyaey reh
nashinay dar fatad ba takht-e-Kay.
[Hamarey andar pher woh mohabat zindah kijiay; jiss ki qowwat sey faqire-rah nashin takht-e-Kaikaoos kay moqabil khharra ho jata hai.]
Now renew loves old dominion, that by virtue of its sway equal shall the
vagrants mat be to the royal throne of Kay.

Dostan khoram keh ber manzil raseid aawurdaheyi; mun perishan
jaadah-haey ilm-o-daanish kardah taey.
[Dost khosh hein keh yeh aawarah manzil takk pohnch gaya; aur mien abhi
perishan haal ilm-o-daanish kay marhaley taey kar raha hon.]
Cry the friends with glad rejoicing that a wanderer is home; though I trod the
paths of knowledge, in my desert still I roam.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(46)*****

Anjam bagariban raikht ein deidah-e-ter-e-ma ra; bairoon z-sepeher
andakht ein zouq-e-nazar-e-ma ra.
[Hamari deidah-e-ter ney hamarey gariban per sitarey graey hein;
hamarey aansoon ney hamarey andar jo zouq-e-nazar paida kiya hai woh
humein aasman sey ziyadah bolandi per ley gaya.]

74

Stars on my bosom shine wept from these eyes of mine: Lo, beyond
heavens height; cast me the joy of sight;

Her chund zamin saaeym berter z-suriyaeym; daani keh nami zebad
omarey cho sharar-e-ma ra.
[Agarchih hum ehl-e-zamin hein, laikan martabah suriya sey boland-ter
hai; Aap jaantey hein keh sharar ki tarah ki chund rozah zindagi hamari
shan kay shayan naheen.]
Soared, though in dust I lay, high oer the starry way; life of the embers
glow likes me not, Thou dost know.

Shaam-o-sehar alam az gardish-e-ma khaizad; daani keh nami saazad ein
shaam-o-sehar-e-ma ra.
[Shaam-o-sehar tuo hamari gardish sey paida hotay hein; iss leay yeh
shaam-o-sehar humein kaisey mowafiq aa-saktey hein.]
All the worlds eve and morn are of my whirling born; Thou knowst this
morn and eve my soul can scarce receive.

Ein shishah-e-gardoon ra az baadah tehi kardaim; kum kasah mashau
saqi minaey digar ma ra.
[Yeh shishah-e-gardon tuo hum khali kar chokay hein; takalof sey kaam
nah lein, humein eik aur mina atta farma dein.]
Wine brimmed in heavens cup; I took and drank it up; Saki! Not sparing be
another bowl for me!

Shayan-e-janoon-e-ma pehnaey duo geiti neist; ein rahgozar-e-ma ra aan
rahgozar-e-ma ra.

75

[Duonon jahan ki wosaat bhi hamarey janoon ki shan kay shyan naheen;
yeh bhi hamara rastah hai woh bhi hamara rastah (manzil aagay hai).]
Not both the worlds suffice my follys avarice; earth is a passing day, heaven
a passage-way.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(47)*****

Khawar keh aasman bakamand-e-khayal-e-oost; az khwaishtan gosastaho-bey soz-e-aarzoost.
[Mashriq keh jiss kay takhayyal ki kamand mein aasman hai; woh apney
aap sey door aur soz-e-aarzoo (shouq) sey biganah ho choka hai.]
The East, that holds the heavens fast within the noose its fancy cast, its
spirits bonds are all united, the flames of its desire have died.

Dar tirah khak-e-oo tabb-o-taab-e-hayat neist; jolaan-e-mouj ra nigraan
az kinar-e-joost.
[Oss ki khak-e-tirah mein hayat ki tabb-o-taab naheen; woh sahil per
khharra mouj ki jolaniyan deikhh raha hai.]
The burning glow of living birth pulses no more in its dark earth; it stands
upon the river side and gazes at the surging tide.

Bottkhanah-o-Haram hamah afsordah aatishey; pir-e-moghan hawa
khordah dar saboost.
[Kaya bottkhanah aur kaya Haram, sabb ki aag bojh choki hai; pir-emoghan kay saboo mein jo sharab hai woh bey asar ho choki hai.]
Faint, faint the fires of worship be in temple and in sanctuary; the Magian
still his cup would pass, but stale the wine is in his glass.

76



Fikr-e-Farang paish-e-majaz aawordah sajood; beinay-e-kor-o- must
tamashaey rung-o-boost.
[Maghrib ka fikr, majaz kay saamney sar basajood hai; woh ankhhein
rakhhtey hoay andha hai aur yeh andha tamashaey rung-o-boo he mein
must hai (haqiqat ki jostajoo sey biganah hai).]
The vision of the West is blind, illusion fills the Western mind; drunken with
magic scent and hue, it bows before the great untrue.

Gardindah-ter z-charkh-o-rabaiindah-ter z-murg; az dast-e-oo beh
daaman-e-ma chaak bey rafoost.
[Maghrib, aasman sey bhi ziyadah taizi sey apni jagah badalta hai
(Maghrib kay nitt niay nazariyat ki taraf asharah hai) aur mout sey ziyadah
tabahi lata hai; oss kay haath ney hamara daaman iss tarah chaak kiya hai
abb woh rafoo naheen ho sakta.]
Swifter it spins than heavens sphere; death is a gentler ravisher; its fingers
have so torn my soul, never again can it be whole.

Khaki nehaad-o-khoo z-sepeher-e-kohan garift; ayyar-o-bey madaar-okalan kaar-o-tou batoust.
[Hai yeh khaki nehaad magar oss ki aadatein saari boorrhey aasman ki sei
hein; ayyar, naqabil-e-itimaad, barrey fitnay paida karney wala aur
paichidah-khoo hai.]
Of the earth earthy, it would try to emulate the ancient sky; a rogue, a cheat,
of works immense, with pivot none, and little sense.

Mashriq kharab-o-Maghrib az aan baishter kharab; alam tamam mordaho-bey zouq jostajoost.

77

[Mashriq tabah haal hai aur Maghrib oss sey ziyadah tabah haal hai; saari
duniya mordah aur Aap ki jostajoo kay zouq sey na-ashana hai.]
The East is waste and desolate, the West is more bewildered yet the ardent
quest inspires no more, death reigns supreme the whole world oer.

Saqi biyaar baadah-o-bazm-e-shabanah saaz; ma ra kharab yakk nigah
meharmanah saaz.
[Apni mohabat ki sharab palain aur pher sey bazm-e-shabanah araastah
karein; humein eik nigah-e-meharmanah sey apna must bana lein (ghhar
yeh ojrra hai keh Tou rounaq-e-mehfil na raha Iqbal)]
Bring me the wine of hearts delight, and spread the banquet of the night;
give me the bold, adventurous eye, and in loves transport let me die.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(48)*****

Forsat-e-kashmaksh madeh ein dil-e-bey qarar ra; yakk duo shikin
ziyadah kon gaisooey taabdar ra.
[Iss dil-e-bey qarar ko tarrapney ka moaqaa na dey; iss kay gird apney
paichdar gaisoon kay eik duo shikin aur barrha dey.]
Leave no quarter to resist to this restless heart of mine give Thy curls
another twist, let Thy tresses intertwine.

Az Tou daroon-e-seinah-um barq-e-tajali-e-keh mun; ba meh-o-mehr
daadah-um talkhi-e-intizar ra.
[Aap ki badoulat meyrey seinay mein woh barq-a-tajali moujood hai; jiss ki
wajah sey meh-o-mehr aamad kay intizar ki talkhi bardaasht kar rehey
hein.]

78

In my heart Thy lightning shone radiant as flashing gold, which the

expectant sun and moon marveled sorely to behold.

Zouq-e-hazoor dar jahan rasm-e-sanam gari nehaad; ishq faraib midehad jan-e-ommeidwar ra.
[Mehboob ko deikhhney kay shouq ki wajah sey dunya mein bott-gari
shoroa hoeyi; deid ki khwahish ney insan ko iss tarah faraib mein mobtila
kar diya.]
Holy joy to dwell with thee fashioned world idolatry; love with his deceitful
art ever cheats the hopeful heart.

Ta bafraagh-e-khatirey naghmah-e-tazaheyi zanam; baaz beh marghazar
deh taer-e-marghzar ra.
[Marghazar-e-azadi sey mohabat rakhhney waaley ko her wohi azadanah
faza atta farma; ta-keh woh tazah naghmah saraeyi karey.]
Come the meadow-bird again to the green and meadowed plain that with
mind devoid of care I may tune a sweet, new air.

Tabaa-e-boland daadaheyi bund z-paaey mun koshaey; ta beh palaase-Tou dehum khilaat-e-sheharyar ra.
[Aap ney mojhey tabaa-e-boland atta farmaeyi hai tuo meyrey paon ko
zinjir (ghulami) sey azad kijiay; ta-keh mein padshah kay khilaat ko Aap
kay boriya per qorban kar don.]
A high soul Thou gavest me; loose my bonds, and set me free? Kingly
raiment I would spurn if Thy sackcloth I may earn.

Taishah agar basung zadd ein chih moqam goftgoost; ishq badosh mikashad ein hamah kohsar ra.
79

[Taishah-e-Farhad ney agar paharr kaat diya tuo iss mein taajob ki kaya
baat hai? Ishq tuo sara kohsar apney kandhey per othha sakta hai.]
If the axe (as legend says) cleave the rock, shall that amaze love upon his
shoulder bears such a mountain-range of cares!
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(52)*****

Chund barooey khod koshi pardah-e-sobh-o-shaam ra; chehrah kosha
tamam kon jalwah-e-natamam ra.
[Kabb takk Aap apney chehra-e-jamal per sobh-o-shaam ka pardah daaley
rakhhein gay (kabb takk Hosn-e-Zaat per safaat kay pardey parrey rehein
gay); pardah hataiay aur apney jalwah-e-natamam ko pori tarah nomayan
kijiay. (paradah chehray sey othha anjuman araeyi kar Iqbal)]
How long the veil of eve and dawn about Thy beauty shall be drawn? Thy
cheek display: make whole to me this incomplete epiphany.

Soz-o-godaz halitay ast baadah z-mun talab koni; paish-e-Tou gar biyan
konam musti-e-ein moqam ra;
[Soz-o-godaz aisi halat hai keh agar Aap kay saamney iss moqam ki musti
ka haal biyan karon; tuo Aap bhi mojh sey iss baadah kay talabgar hon.]
O glad consuming! Rapture fine! Thyself wouldst beg of me for wine if unto
thee I did relate the intoxication of my state.

Mun basarood-e-zindagi aatish-e-oo fazoodah-um;
shabnamey badeh lalah-e-tishnah-e-kaam ra.

tou

nummey

[Mien ney zindagi ka geet ga kar aatish-e-lalah bharrka di hai; abb Aap
issey num-e-shabnam sey porsakoon kar dein.]

80

I added to the song of life the counterpoint of fiery strife; scatter the dew that
quenches drowth into the tulips thirsty mouth.

Aql warq warq bagasht ishq beh noktaheyi raseid; taer-e-zirakey bord
danah-e-zir-e-daam ra.
[Aql kitab-e-zindagi kay auraaq olat-ti rehi magar ossey kochh nah mila,
ishq fouran zindagi kay maani pa gaya; iss aqlmand parindey ney bichhay
hoay daam (alaiq-e-dunya) kay neichey sey danah-e-haqiqat othha liya.]
Mind searched the volume thro and thro Love found at once the subtle
clue; the clever bird will ever gain beneath the snare the hidden grain.

Naghmah koja-o-mun koja saaz-e-sakhon bahanah eist; sooey qataar mi
kasham naqah-e-bey zamam ra.
[Shear kahan aur mien kahan yeh tuo mehaz bahanah hai; meyra asal
maqsad bhatkay hoay naqah ko duobarah qataar mien lana hai.]
Where is the song, and he that sung? Words are a lyre pretence has strung; I
draw towards the camel-train the erring beast without a rein.

Waqt brahnah goftan ast mun beh kanayah goftah-um; khod Tou bago
koja baram hum nafasan khaam ra.
[Waqt tuo khhol kar baat kehney ka hai magar mien ney asharon mein baat
ki hai; Aap he kehein keh inn napokhtah saathiyuon ka kaya karon.]
In riddles yet I spake, forsooth; now is the time for naked truth; do Thou
declare, where I shall lead my fellow-travelers in their need.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)

81

****(53)*****

Nafas shomar beh paichaak-e-rozgar-e-khoaim;
kharoshaim O darkinar-e-khodaim.

missal-e-behar

[Hum apney zamaney kay phhandey mein phhansey hoay sans gin rehey
hein; samandar ki tarah josh-o-kharosh deikhhatey hein, magar kinaron
sey bahar naheen jaa saktey.]
One by one we count our breath on the narrow road to death; like a raging
sea we roar as we walk along the shore.

Agarchih sitwat-e-darya amaan ba-kas nadehad; bakhalwat-e-sadaf-e-oo
nigahdar-e-khodaim.
[Agarchih samandar ki sitwat sey kissi ko amaan naheen; magar hum sadaf
kay andar parrey hoay moti ki tarah apni zaat ka tahaffaz kiay hoay hein.]
Though the terror of the sea gives to none security, in the secret of the shell
self-preserving we may dwell.

Z-johari keh nehan ast dar tabiyyat-e-ma; mapors sairafiyan ra keh ma
ayyar-e-khodaim.
[Hamari tabiyyat kay andar jo johar nehan hai oss kay baarey mein
sarrafon sey nah pochh. hum khod he iss ki qimat jaantey hein.]
Ask them not to price the heart, money-changers of the mart; we can
estimate alone the true merit of our stone.

Nah az kharabah-e-ma kas khiraj mi khwahid; faqir-e-rah nashinam-osheharyar khodaim.
[Hamari kharabah zamin sey koeyi kharaj talab naheen karta; hum faqir-erah nashin hein aur aap apney badshah hein.]
82

Tribute none is asked of us for our fiefdom ruinous; beggars sitting by the
road, we are princes of our- blood.

Daroon-e-seinah-e-ma drigarey chih Bu-al-Ajabi ast; kara khabar keh
Toueyi ya keh ma duo-char khodaim.
[Hamarey seinay kay andar koeyi aur! Hairani ki baat hai; kaya khabar keh
yeh Aap hein ya hum khod apney aap sey duo-char hein.]
There is one (O wonderful!) dwells beside me in my soul; who shall say, if it
be thee or myself, I meet in me?

Kashaey pardah z-taqdir-e-Adam-e-khaki; keh ma beh rehgozar Tou dar
intizar-e-khodaim.
[Adam-e-khaki ki taqdir sey pardah hutaiay keh hum Aap kay rahgozar
mein baithhey hoay apna intizar kar rehey hein. (Khoda shanasi he sey
insan taamir-e-shakhsiyat kay boland tarin moqamat takk pohnchnta hai.]
Draw aside fates veil, I pray, from this Adam shaped of clay; on Thy path
precipitate for our coming we await.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(55)*****

Ma keh aftandah-ter az pertav-e-mah aamadah-aim; kas chih daanad keh
chasaan ein hamah rah aamadah-aim.
[Hum jo chandni sey ziyadah khak aftadah hein; kissi ko kaya maaloom keh
hum ney yeh saari rah kiss tarah taey ki hai.]
Tremulous as the moon-light to our far abode we came; and no man knoweth
how we trod this road.

83



Ba raqibaan sakhon az dard-e-dil-e-ma gofti; sharamsar az asar-e-nalaho-aah aamadah-aim.
[Humarey raqibon sey Aap ney hamarey dard-e-dil ki baat kaeh di; hum
apney aah-o-nalah kay asar sey sharamsar hein. (Shaid raqibon sey
Farishtey morad hon, kiyuonkeh woh bhi khilafat-e-arzi kay khwahan
thhey)]
Of our hearts grief Thou speakest to the watchful spies; we came with
lamentation shameful of our sighs.

Pardah az chehrah ber afgan keh cho khurshid-e-sehar; baher didaar-eTou labraiz nigah aamadah-aim.
[Chehray sey pardah othhaiay keh hum aaftab-e-sobh ki manind; Aap kay
didaar kay leay hamah-tun nigah khharrey hein. (Aaftab ko labraiz nigah
kaha hai)]
Unveil Thy hidden beauty! As the dawning sun all eyes to gaze upon thee
early we run.

Azm-e-ma ra beh yaqin-e-pokhtah terak saaz keh ma; andarein maarkahe-bey khail-o-sipah aamadah-aim.
[Hamarey azm ko aiman sey aur ziyadah pokhtah kijiay; kiyuonkeh hum
iss maarkah (-e-haq-o-baatil) mein baghair lashkar ya fouj kay hein.]
Confirm our resolution with a stronger faith: We come unhorsed, narmoured
to this field of death.

Tou nadaani keh nigahey sar-e-rahey chih konad; dar hazoor-e-Tou dua
goftah barah aamadah-aim.

84

[Aap naheen jaantey keh nigah-e-sar-e-rah kaya karti hai; hum Aap kay
hazoor hadiyah-o-niaz paish karkey baahar aa-gaey hein (aur rastah mein
khharrey ho gaey hein).]
What a far gaze may fashion art Thou not aware? So fared we in Thy
presence, on our lips a prayer.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
*****(56)*****

Ay Khodaey mehr-o-meh khak-e-perishaney nigar; zarraheyi dar khod
farou paichad biyabaney nigar.
[Ay mehr-o-meh kay malik! (Hum insanon ki) khak-e-perishan ki taraf bhi
deikhhiay; zarah iss biyaban per nazar daaliay, iss ka eik eik zarrah apney
andar paich-o-taab khha raha hai.]
Lord, who didst bring the stars to birth, look down upon my scattered earth;
the atom doth itself enfold; this boundless wilderness behold.

Hosn-e-bey payan daroon-e-seinah-e-khalwat garift; aftaab-e-Khwaish ra
zir-e-garibaney nigar.
[Aap ka hosn-e-bey payan hamarey seinay mein khalwat gazein hai; Apney
aaftab-e-jamal ko hamarey gariban kay andar malahzah farmaiay.]
In solitude within my breast immortal beauty lies at rest; beneath this
envelope of clay regard the suns effulgent ray.

Her dil Adam zadi ishq-e-bala angaiz ra; aatish-e-khod ra beh aaghosh-eneistaney nigar.
[Aap ney dil-e-Adam ko ishq bala angaiz atta kiya; abb iss aag ko aaghoshe-neistan mein deikhhiay.]

85

Tumultuous love Thou didst impart to this my frail and mortal heart; see
now Thy conflagration roll among the rushes of my soul.

Shaweid az damaan-e-husti dagh-haey kohnah ra; sakht koshi-haey ein
aaloodah damaaney nigar.
[Adam apney daaman-e-husti sey poraney gonahon kay dagh dho raha hai;
zara iss aaloodah daaman ki mehnat-e-sakht ko nigah mein rakhhiay.]
Clothed in the robes of old disgrace note how I labour to efface by hard
endeavour every stain, and wash lifes garment white again.

Khak-e-ma khaizad keh saazad aasmaney deigarey, zarrah-e-nacheez-otaamir-e-biyabaney nigar.
[Hamari khak othhti hai keh niya aasman taamir karey; deikhhiay yeh
zarrah-e-nacheez taamir-e-biyaban ka hoslah rakhhta hai.]
My dust ascending in the air seeks a new heaven to prepare; this atom, That
is naught, and less, would populate a wilderness!
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
GHAZAL - PART TWO
*****(67)*****

Bahaar aamad nigah mi-ghultad andar aatish-e-lalah; hazaran nalah
khaizad dil perkalah perkalah.
[Bahaar aa-choki hai aur nigah aatish-e-lalah mein ghultan ho rehi hai;
(meyrey) dil-e-lakht lakht sey hazaron naaley othhtey hein.]
Spring is come; bright glances dart in the tulips bowl of fire; thousand
thousand sighs upspire from each several embers heart.

86



Fashan yakk jorrah ber khak-e-chaman az baadah-e-laaley; keh az beime-khazaan biganah rooid nargis-o-lalah.
[Khak-e-chaman per badah-e-arghwan kay chand qatrey daal; ta-keh
nargis-o-lalah khazan sey bey khouf ho kar ogein.]
Pour a stoup of ruby glow oer the gardens dusty bed; strange and shy, in
autumns dread, tulip and narcissus grow.

Jahan-e-rung-o-boo daani walley dil cheist mi-daani; mehey kaz halqahe-aafaq saazad gird-e-khod haalah.
[Tou jahan-e-rung-o-boo ko tuo janta hai, laikan kaya tou yeh bhi janta hai
keh dil kaya hai, dil who chand hai jo halqah-e-aafaq sey apna hala banata
hai.]
Hue-and-scent world fills thine eyes; what the heart is, knowest thou? Tis a
moon, that round its brow casts a halo of the skies.
(Translated by A.J. Arberry)
16th January, 2014

87

INQILAB
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
PRAYERS III
In prayers written by Allamah Iqbal he frequently shared grief and
sorrow over the plight of Muslims and sought an end to their miseries
resulting from their compromise with servitude to the European powers.
He could sense that his dreams might not materialize in his life-time;
but he never gave up the hope. It was in such state of mind that he wished to
be taerik-e-bahaar (spring bird) to have a glance at what he had strived for
through out his life.
This chapter and the next consist of quatrains, which are four-line
prayers, from Allamah Iqbals last book Armoghan-e-Hijaz. In these prayers,
the poet is in conversation with Allah, just as when a Momin stands for
prayer he finds himself in audience of Allah.
These prayers written in his last days Allamah has made simple
statements. In some prayers only the nature of pain and grief is described
having full faith that the appropriate remedy would follow. At times the
prayers comprise of praise to Allah invoking His particular Sifaat with the
intention of receiving the required help.
In introductory lines of the first part of Armoghan-e-Hijaz Qazi Ahdul
Kabir wrote: This work, published a few months after the poet's death, is a
fairly small volume containing verses in both Persian and Urdu. It is
incomplete, although this is not readily apparent to the reader; for Iqbal left
some gaps in the book which he intended to fill when he made the
pilgrimage to Mecca. The title means Gift from the Hijaz. He had long
wished to undertake the journey to the Arabian Peninsula to perform the Hajj
and to visit the tomb of the Prophet, but was prevented from doing so by
continuous illness during the last years of his life. Iqbal began composing
the Armoghan as a gift to take to the Hijaz, intending to publish it on his
return to India as a Gift from the Hijaz to his countrymen.
In this, his last work, we find the poet more withdrawn and
introspective than previously. The poems are shorter and more personal. The
impression left is that the author is taking a last look at the world around him
before leaving it behind. The themes are largely the familiar ones, but the
treatment is as fresh, forceful and delicate as ever. Iqbal's outspokenness,
even when addressing God, in criticizing human evils and in his hatred of
injustice and oppression and his devotion to the Prophet and his companions,
88

all remain undiminished. As a summing-up of the ideas and feelings of a

great thinker, the Armoghan merits a special place among the literary
classics of the twentieth century.
It is divided into two parts, the first containing Persian, the second
Urdu poems. The Persian verses, all in ruba'i form, are divided into five
groups and presents God the Truth, the Prophet, the Muslim nation, Mankind
and the Companions on the Path to God
In this work, Iqbal touches on practically every question with which
he had been preoccupied during his life of intellectual striving and literary
achievement. The poems which comprise this final work give the impression
that the writer has at last found the tranquility he had for so long sought:
The song that has gone may come again or may not. A fresh breeze may
come from Hijaz or may not. The days of this poor humble man are
ended; another knower of secrets may come or may not.
HAZOOR-E-HAQ: SET 1
*****(1)*****

Dil-e-ma
raftand.

bidilan

bordand-o-raftand;

misal-e-shoala

afsordand-o-

Biya yakk lehzah ba aamaan dar amaiz; keh khasaan badah-ha

khordand-o-raftand.
[(Ay Allah! Teyrey (bargazidah) bandey hum bidilon kay dil chhein kar
rokhsat ho gaey, woh shoaley ki tarah bojhey aur chaley gaey.
Aa, abb lamah bhar kay leay hum amiyuon ki sohbat ikhtiar kar, khwas tuo
(teyri mohabat ki) sharab sey lotf-andoz ho kar chaley gaey.]
They held the loveless hearts and went away; like flame they faded in a
doleful way.
Prithee come to Commons for a short while; Thy chosen took the wines
and left this soil.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
89

*****(2)*****

Sakhon-ha raft az bood-o-naboodam; mun az khajlat labb-e-khod kamm
kashodam.
Sajood-e-zindah
sajoodam.

mardaan

mi-shanasi;

ayyar-e-kaar-e-mun

gir

az

[Meyri husti-o-neisti kay baarey mein baatein ho rehi thhein; laikan mien
sharmindagi kay bais (khamosh raha).
Tou zindah mardon kay sajdon ko pehchanta hai; meyrey kaam kay
maayar ka andazah meyrey sajdon sey kar ley (yaani meyrey sajday bey
zouq aur kum qimat hein).]
My being and non-existence were topics on tips; under feelings of shame I
sealed my lips.
Thy great mens kowtows are in thy know: Please rub off the dross from my
kowtows.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Dil-e-mun dar koshaad chon-o-chund ast; nigahash az meh-o-parveen
boland ast.
Badeh viranahey dar dozakh oora; keh ein kafir basey khalwat pasand
ast.
[Meyra dil dunya kay masaeyl hul karney mein masroof ha; (halankeh) iss
ki nigah chand aur suriya sey bhi boland hai.
Issey Dozakh mein koeyi viranah atta kar; kiyuonkeh yeh kafir (dil) bohat
tanhaeyi pasand waqia hoa hai.]
90

My heart rakes often knots of how and why; his glance getting higher
than stars and sky.
So hurl this heart in a hellish heat; this heathen is mad for a lone retreat.
[Rake: To search through minutely.]
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

Chih shor ast ein keh dar aab-o-gill aftaad; z-yakk dil ishq ra sadd
moshkal aftaad.
Qarar yakk nafas bar mann haraam ast; bamun rehamey keh kaaram badil aftaad.
[Yeh kaya shor hai jo meyrey badan mein barpa hoa; eik dil kay haathon
ishq sainkaron mosibaton mein mobtala ho gaya.
Mojh per reham kar kiyuonkeh meyra wastah dil sey aa-parra hai.]
What a noisy display of mud and clay, hundred trials on love one heart
would lay.
For me is banned a moments repose; have mercy Im dealing with heart so
close.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Jahan az khod baroon aawordah-e-kiest? Jamalash jalwah-e-bey pardahe-kiest?
Mera goeyi keh az Shaitan hazr kon; bago ba mun keh oo parwardah-ekiest?

91

[Kiss ney jahan ko apney andar sey paida kar diya hai? Oss ka jamal kiss ka
jalwah-e-bipardah hai?
Aap mojhey kehtey hein keh Shaitan sey buch kar reh; yeh tuo batain keh
Shaitan kis ka parwardah hai?]
Who brought the wide world on the cosmos scene? Who flashed the sheen of
the Beauty unseen?
You bid me beware of the Satans teens: Who reared him to teem on the
gardens green?
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 2
*****(1)*****

Dil bey qiad-e-mun dar paich-o-taabiest; nasib-e-mun ataabet ya
khatabiest.
Dil-e-Iblis hum natawanam aazard; gonah gah-gah mun swabiest.
[Meyra azad dil iss paich-o-taab mein hai keh meyri qismat mein ataab hai
ya aizaz.
Mien tuo Shaitan ka dil bhi naheen dokhha sakta; kabhi kabhi meyrey gonah
bhi naikiyan hein.]
My heart not prisoned is writhing with pain. Is he destined for a prize or a
sheer disdain.
I wished not to hurt the Satans heart too, so often my sins God bless
were true.
(Here true means correct, or in accordance with fact.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

92

*****(2)*****

Sabanat-el-kaas anna omm-e-Amro; wakaan-al kaaso majraha al-yamina.
Agar ein ast rasm-e-dostdaari; badiwar-e-Haram zann jam-o-meina.
[Ay omm-e-Umro! Tou ney hum sey sharab ka piyalah rouk liya, halankeh
piyaley ka dour daain janab sey chalna thha.
Agar dostdaari ka yehi andaz hai, tuo jam-o-meina ko Haram ki diwar sey
dey maar.]
O Amrine, thou hast turnd the cup of wine, which ought to have moved
from the right hand line: If this is the fashion of friendship lore, by the
sacred wall bang the flask and bowl.
(Umm o Amrine was the beloved of the Arab poet Amra ul Qais.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Bakhod paichidgaan dar dil aseerand; hamah dardand-o-darmaan
napazirand.
Sajood az ma chih mi-khwahi keh shahaan; khrajey az deh-o-veraan
nagirand.
[Apney aap mein gom loug dil kay haathon qiad hein; woh sarapa dard
hein magar ilaaj kay khwahan naheen.
Hamm sey sajdey ka motalbah kiyuon? Badshah, veraan gaon sey tuo
lagan wasool naheen kartey.]
The self writhing hearts are captives of lures, all writhing in pains and
wriggling for cures. Thou seekest my kowtows but see that kings, are prone
not to tax the desolated wings.
93

(Self writhing: For want of contentment. Desolated wings (barren lands): His
heart, as much his forehead are barren, as the light of God is not filled there
in.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

Rawamm rah keh oo-ra manzaley neist; az aan tokhmey keh raizum
hasiley neist.
Mun az ghumha nami tarsam wlaikan; madeh aan ghum keh shiyan-ediley neist.
[Mien aisi rah per ja raha hon jiss ki koeyi manzil naheen (bey maqsad);
mien jo beij bo raha hon oss ka kochh hasil naheen.
Mien ghumon sey naheen darta, laikan mojhey aisa ghum nah deyna jo
meyrey dil kay shiyan-e-shan nah ho.]
I tread a path there which leads no where, from seeds I sow now no fruits
would bear.
I fear not the griefs but a point please see, I wish not the griefs not worthy of
me.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Maey-e-mun az tunak jaaman nigah-e-daar; sharab-e-pokhtah az
khaaman nigah-e-daar.
Sharar az neistaney door-tar beh; beh khasaan bakhsh-o az aaman nigah
daar.

94

[Meyri sharab ko kum-zaraf lougon sey bacha; yeh taiz-o-tund sharab hai
issey khamon sey door rakhh.
Chingari neistan sey door he behtar hai; meyri ilteja hai keh tou issey
khaas lougon ko atta kar aur aamiyon sey bachaey rakhh.]
Keep off my wine from shallow hearted meeks; hold off the ripe rum from
the raws and weaks.
Let a spark be away from reeds and hay, hold for the known and let the mob
away.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(6)*****

Tera ein kashmakash andar talab neist; Tera ein dard-o-dagh-o-taab-otabb neist.
Az aan az la-makan bagraikhtam mun; keh aanja nalah-haey neim shab
neist.
[Tojhey jostajoo mein (meyri tarah) tug-o-duo hasil naheen; Tou ishq kay
dard-o-soz aur oss kay paich-o-taab sey ashna naheen hai.
Mien la-makan sey iss leay garaizan rehta hon keh wahan nalah-haey
neim shabb naheen.]
Thou hast no quest in thy efforts and zeals, no wounds and scars and
writhing reels.
From His sideless* House I preferred a flight, it was void of wails of the mid
of night.
(*Sideless viz, the empyrean (Spencer) or perhaps higher than it; Emprian
abode of angels in the Heavens.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

95

*****(7)*****

Z-mun hungamheyi deh ein jahan ra; digargoon kon zamin-o-asman ra.
Z-khak-e-ma digar Adam ber-angaiz; bakosh ein bandah-e-sood-o-ziyan
ra.
[Iss jahan ko meyrey klaam ki badoulat aisa hungamah atta kar, jiss sey
zamin-o-asman mein inqilab barpa ho jaey.
Hamari khak sey niya Adam paida kar, iss nafaa-o-noqsan kay ghulam
(talib-e-dunya) ko khatam kar dey.]
Bid me shake the world with a cry and hue; get change on the globe with a
complex new.
From dust of mine make an Adam again, kill the bonds and slaves of loss
and gain.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(8)*****

Jahaney teerah-ter ba aftabey; swab-oo sarapa na-awabey.
Nadanam ta koja veranahey ra; dehi az khoon-e-Adam rung-o-aabey.
[Yeh jahan sooraj sey roshan honay ki bajaey aur tarik ho gaya hai, iss ki
khoobiyan bhi sar ta pa boraiyan hein.
Mien naheen janta keh tou kabb takk iss veranah (-e-dunya) ko khoon-eAdam sey aab-o-taab deyta rehey ga.]
A gloom still lurking in broad day light; his right is neer right but the
might is right.

96

I know not how far he stoops to his gloom, from the Adams blood get a
glow and bloom.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(9)*****

Ghulamam joz razaey tou na-joeym; joz aan rahey keh farmoodi napoeym.
Wlaikan gar beh ein nadaan bagoeyi; kharey ra asb-e-Tazi go nogoeym.
[Mien teyra ghulam hon aur teyri khoshnoodi kay sawaey meyra koeyi
maqsood naheen hai (razi ba-raza hon).
Laikan agar aap iss nadaan sey kaheen keh gaddhey ko Arabi ghhorra keh
tuo mein yeh naheen keh sakta.]
Thy slave Im and seek thy pleasure alone, I tread not a path not guided and
shown.
If thou eer bids this silly slave to say, an ass a Berber horse I would not say.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 3
*****(1)*****

Dilley dar seinah daaram bi-saroorey; nah sozey dar kaff-e-khakam nah
noorey.
Bagir az mun keh ber mun bar-e-dosh ast; swab-e-ein namaz bihazoorey.
[Meyrey seiney mein eik bikaif dil hai, nah meyri kaff-e-khak mein soz hai
nah noor.
97

Mojh sey namaz-e-bihazoor ka swab wapas ley ley, yeh meyrey kandhon
per bojh hai.]
My heart knows not the bliss of His flame, no pangs nor light in my earthen
frame.
So take off this burden as oft I brood, a prize for prayers in absence of mood.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Chih goeym qissah-e-Din-o-Watan ra; keh natwaan faash goftan ein
sakhon ra.
Marunj az mun keh az bi-mehri-e-tou, bana kardam haman deir-e-kohan
ra.
[Mien Din-o-Watan (ki kashmakash) ka qissah kaya biyan karon, yeh baat
ilaniyah naheen kehi ja sakti.
Mojh sey naraz nah hona, kiyuonkeh teyri adum tawajehi kay bais mien
ney pher wohi porana bottkadah taamir kar leya hai (kiyuonkeh aap ehl-eDin ki diljoeyi naheen farmatey, iss leay onnhon ney watan kay bott ki
prastash shoroa kar dee hai).]
How to tell tale of Deen and father land? No words I have on a difficult
stand.
So do not take ill if due to thy ways, I cherish to revive the good old days.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Musilmaney keh dar bund-e-Farang ast; dillash dar dast-e-oo aasan
nayayad.
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Z-seimaey keh soodam bar dar-e-ghair, sajoodey Boozer-o-Salman

nayayad.
[Jo Musilman Farangi (tasawwarat) kay bandhan mein griftar hai, woh
asani sey dil ki doulat naheen pa sakta.
Jo paishani ghair Allah kay darwazey per ghhessi jati hai, woh Abu Zar
Ghaffari aur Salman Farsi jaisey sajdey karney sey qaasir hai.]
A Muslim tied up with a foreign land, his heart cannot he with ease in his
hand.
The forehead I place on an aliens place, to Boozer and Salman it cant
replace.
(Abu zar Ghaffari and Salman Farsi of Persia were the companions of the
Prophet Muhammad S.A.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

Nakhwaham ein jahan-o-aan jahan ra, mera ein bus keh daeym ramz-ejan ra.
Sajoodey deh keh az soz-o-saroosh, ba-wajd aaram zamin-o-aasman ra.
[Nah mien iss jahan (dunya) ki khwahish rkhhta hon, nah oss jahan
(oqba) ki.
Mojhey aisa sajdah atta farma, jiss kay soz-o-saroor sey, mien zamin-oaasman ko wajd mein ley aaon.]
I wish not this world, nor cosmos whole, save that I know the essence of
soul.
So kindle my kowtows with melting glee,* move the world and heavens in
trance with me.
(*The highest bliss (melting glee) of direct link with God, when heart starts
saying ALLAH, ALLAH while the lips are tight. An initial state in which the
man feels as if his heart is one foot long due to its quick movements a phase
of highest bliss which cannot be compared with any mundane joy. This
99

experience is quite common with hundreds of men in each city. Then the
heart also visualises the light of a Prophet of Allah with whom his
temperament is analogous (similar.) Sometimes in this phase a Moslem sees
the wonderful light of the Jesus (Isa alaihis salam), the Moses, Abraham,
Adam, Muhammad (Gods blessings be upon them). It happens in a natural
way, sometimes without any meditation. This experience may be for few
hours a few days or months or more.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Chih mi-khwahi azein mard-e-tun asaaey, beh her baadey keh aamad
raftam az jaaey.
Sehar-e-Javed ra dar sajdah deidum, beh sohbash chehra shamam
bayaraaey.
[Aap iss aram talab bandey (Iqbal) sey kaya tawaqo rakhhtey hein, jissey
hawa ka her jhonka apni jagah sey hata deyta hai.
Sobh mien ney Javed ko sajdey mein deikhha, oss ki sobh sey meyri sham ko
aarastah kar dein (oss ki jawani meyrey bhorrapey kay leay bais-e-fakhhar
ho.]
What ye hopes from an easy going bloke, whither the wind blows he
changes his cloak.
I espied Javed in Sajdah this dawn, deck my even face by his shining
dawn.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

100

SET 4
*****(1)*****

""
Beh aan quom az tou mi-khwaham koshadey, faqihash bey yaqiney kum
swaadey.
Bussey na-deidney ra deidahum mun, mera ay kashkey maadar
nazaadey.
[Mien aap sey oss quom kay halaat ki behtari chahta hon, jiss kay foqha
yaqin sey bey behrah aur kum ilm hein.
Mien ney bohat see aisi baatein deikhhi hein, jo deikhhi naheen ja saktein,
kaash meyri maan ney mojhey nah jana hota.]
I seek for that nation a rising field, with jurists confused, too rigid to yield.
The woes I have seen I wish not to spot. Alas my mother had mothered me
not. (Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Nigah-e-tou ataab alood ta chund, bottan-e-hazaar-o-moujood ta chund.
Darein bottkhanah-e-aulaad-e-Brahim, namak perwardah-e-Nimrod ta
chund.
[Kabb takk Aap ki nigah ghazab alood rehey-gi, yeh hazir-o-moujood bott
kabb takk rehein-gay.
(Dunya kay) iss bottkadey mein Ibrahim ki aulaad (Musilman), kabb takk
Nimrod (ghair Allah) ki namak khwaar (ghulam) rehey-gi.]
How long shall you gaze with a wrathful stare? Omnipresent gods, how long
every where?

101

The sons of the Abe how long in this fane, like fosters of Nimrod shall hold
their reign?
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Sarood-e-raftah baz ayad keh nayad? Nasimey az Hijaz ayad keh nayad?
Saramad rozgar ein faqirey, digar danaey raaz ayad keh nayad.
[Abb gozashtah sarood wapas aaey ya nah aaey? Hijaz ki taraf sey
thhandi hawa chaley ya nah chaley?
Iss faqir (Iqbal) ki zindagi tuo khatam hoeyi, abb koeyi aur raaz ashna
aaey ya nah aaey!]
That bliss of the past may come or not; that breeze of Hijaz may come or
not? This beggars last time has come so near, may come or not secrets
seer.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

Agar mi-ayad aan danaey raazey, badeh oo-ra nawaey dil godaazey.
Zamir-e-ummataan ra mi-konad pak, Kalimey ya hakimey nay nawazey.
[Agar woh danaey raaz aaey, tuo ossey nawaey dilgodaaz atta farmaein.
Ummaton kay dillon ko ya tuo Kalim pak karta hai, ya aisa hakim jo nay
nawaz (shaer) ho.]
If so eer comes that gifted mystic sage, to him then convey a burning
message:

102

To purify conscience of nations soon, with sceptre of Moses and Davids

tune.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Mataa-e-mun dill-e-dard ashnaey ast, nasib-e-mun foghan-e-narasaey
ast.
Bakhak-e-marqad-e-mun lalah-e-khoshtar, keh hum khamosh-o-hum
khoonein nawaey ast.
[Meyri mataa bus eik dill-e-dard ashna hai, meyra maqsoom bi-asar
faryaad hai.
Meyri qabar ki matti per lalay ka phhool he achha laggay ga, kiyuonkeh
yeh meyri tarah khamosh bhi hai aur khoonein nawa bhi.]
My heart is wealth mine who knows pangs pine, yet not reaching Him are
wailings mine.
By the grave of mine a poppy looks fine, like me calm and gory are laments
thine.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 5
*****(1)*****

Dil az dast-e-kassey bordan nadanad, ghum andar seinah perwardan
nadanad.
Dum-e-khod ra dameidi andar aan khak, keh ghair az khordan-o-mordan
nadanad.
103

[(Yeh insan) kissi ka dil leyna janta he naheen, nah apney seiney mein ghum
ki perwarish karna janta hai.
Aap ney iss khak mein apni rooh phoonki hai, jo khhaney aur murney kay
allawah aur kochh naheen janti.]
To lose heart to some one he did not know, how 1 grief is held dear he knew
not so.
He just fanned breath in his dusty frame, save eat and die he had no aim.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Dil-e-ma az kanar-e-ma ramidah, beh surat maandah-o-maani nadeidah.
Z-ma aan randa-e-dargah khoshtar, Haq oo-ra deidah O ma ra
shoneidah.
[Hamara dil hamarey pehloo sey ja choka hai, woh zahar mein phhans kar
reh gaya hai aur haqiqat ko naheen deikhhta.
Hum sey woh murdood-e-bargah (Shaitan) he achha hai, oss kay leay Haq
Taala deikhha hoa hai aur hum ney sirf oss kay baarey mein sona hai.]
My heart so restive is fleeing from me, so wan and puzzled though, is yet at
sea.
That Heavens outcast is better of me, we hear about Haq whom he did
see.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Nadanad Jibril ein haaey-o-hoo ra, keh nashanasad moqam-e-jostajoo
ra.
104

Bapors az bandah-e-bicharah-e-khwaish, keh danad naish-o-nosh arzoo

ra.
[Jibril iss haaey-o-hoo sey agah naheen, kiyuonkeh woh moqam-e-jostajoo
kay fraq sey nawaqaf hai.
Aap apney iss bandah-e-nacheez ki khabar giri karein, jo arzoo kay zehar-otariyaq sey agah hai.]
I donned big circles on a likewise night, like moons own rounds I have
lessened my light.
Thy negligence tales ensued when, in midst therefore, I get up then.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

Shabb-e-ein anjuman arastam mun, cho meh az gardish-e-khod kastam
mun.
Haqayat az taghafol-haey tou raft, wlaikan az miyan barkhwastam mun.
[Iss mehfil (dunya) ki raat mien ney arastah ki, mien ney chand ki tarah apni
gardish sey apney aap ko kum kar leya.
Aap ki bey iltifaati ki baatein ho rehi thein, laikan mein darmiyan sey othh
kar chala gaya.]
Knows not the Gabriel this hue and cry, he knows not the status of quest and
pry.
Then ask the poor man, who is hapless still, who knows the sting and
nectar1 of will.
(The central thought is that Mans status is higher than Angels as angels are
not gifted with man intrinsic faculties.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

105

*****(5)*****

Chonein dour asman kum deidah bashad, keh Jibril Amin ra dil
khrashad.
Chih khosh diray bana kardand aanja, prastad momin-o-kafir traashad.
[Asman ney aisa dour kum he deikhha ho-ga, keh jiss ney Jibril Amin ka dil
bhi zakhami kar deya.
Yeh kaisa achha bottkadah taamir kiya gaya hai, jahan kafir bott traashta
hai aur Musilman oss ki pooja karta hai (Musilman kaafron kay nazriyat ki
pairvi kar rehey hein).]
The sky seldom sees alike this age which hurts the heart of Jibreel, the sage.
What a good temple there he makes, whom momin adores and Kafir
fakes. (Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 6
*****(1)*****

Atta kon shor-e-Rumi, soz-e-Khisro, atta kon sidq-o-akhlas-e-Seenaeyi.
Chonan ba bandgi dar saakhtam mun, nagirum gar mera bakhshey
khudaeyi.
[(Elahi) humein Rumi ka jazb aur Khisro ka soz atta kar, Elahi! Humein
Seenaeyi ka sidq-o-akhlas dey.
Mien bandagi ka aisa aadi ho choka hon, keh Aap mojhey khodaeyi bhi atta
farmaein tuo mien qabool nah karon.]
Get me Seenays truth, and love of his name, get me Rumis fame and
Khisros flame.
106

In obeisance mould I have cast my frame, I shun any offer of godships

game.
(Seenay: Hakim Sinai-ee, known for his philosophy and poetry, full name
Abut Majd Mujaddad Ghaznavi, was a court poet of Sultan Behram Shah
Ghazni, was living there like slaves. He became a disciple of Kh: Abu Yusuf
Hamdani who made a true paragon of virtue and knowledge, that the King
himself became his devoted adorer. Rumi eulogizes him in a verse.)
(Khisro Khwaja Abul Hasan of Delhi, one of the nobles of the King, was
titled as Bulbul-i-Hind (A nightingale of India), was a disciple of Kh:
Nizam-ud-Din.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 7
*****(1)*****

Musilman faaqah must-o-zindah posh ast, Z-kaarash Jibril andar
kharosh ast.
Biya naqsh-e-digar millat baraizam, keh ein millat jahan ra bar-e-dosh
ast.
[Moujoodah Musilman faaqah must aur godrri posh hai, oss ki halat deikhh
kar Jibril Amin bhi faryaad konan hein.
Akeh hum naeyi millat ki bunyaad rakhhein, kiyuonkeh yeh millat tuo
dunya kay leay bar-e-dosh hai.]
A Muslim gloats in hunger and patches; to Gabriel his deeds are sheer
scratches.
Come, fashion and form a new nations norm, this nation is a burden on
worlds arm.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

107

*****(2)*****

Digar millat keh kaarey paish girad, digar millat keh nosh az naish girad.
Nagardad ba-yakkey alam razamand, duo alam ra badosh-e-khwaish
girad.
[Aisi millat jo kochh kar kay dikhhaey, aisi millat jo zehar sey tariyaaq
hasil karey (moshkilat sey naeyi zindagi paaey).
Jo eik jahan per iktifa nah karey, balkeh duonon jahanon ko apney
kandhon per othhaey.]
A nation again whom duty is dear, who makes a clean honey from venom
clear.
He agreed not on one world norm, and held the two worlds on his arm.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Digar quomey keh zikr-e-la illahash, bar-aarad az dil shabb-esobhgahash.
Shanasad manzalash ra aaftabey, keh reig kehkashan roobad z-rahash.
[Woh quom jiss ka wird la illah, raat kay andar sey apni sobh paida kar ley.
Aftab bhi oss ki manzil ko pehchaney, aur oss ki rah sey kehkashan ki rait
saaf kar dey.]
A nation again whose hearts would adorn, La Ilahs jewels from midnight to
morn.
Her place the sun knows on skies and lands, and sweeps for her the Milky
Way sands. (Translated by Q A Kabir)

108

SET 8
*****(1)*****

Jahan-e-tost dar dast khasey chund, kissan-e-oo beh bund nakassey
chund.
Honar-war miyan-e-kargahaan, kashad khod ra beh aish kargassey
chund.
[Aap ka jahan chund khaseeson kay haath mein hai, yahan kay ehl loug
chund na-ehlon kay punjon mein griftaar hein.
Honar mand karkhanon mein apney aap ko, chund gidhon
(sarmayadaron) kay aish-o-ishrat kay leay halak kar rehey hein.]
Thy world is ruled by misers few, whose men still serve the worthless few.
The workers skilled in workshops queue, have killed themselves for vultures
few.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Moridey faaqah mustey goft ba-sheikh, keh Yazdan ra z-haal-e-ma
khabar neist.
Hama nazdeek-ter az sheh rug-e-mast, wlaikan az shikam nazdeek-ter
neist.
[Eik faaqah must morid ney apney morshid sey kaha, Allah Taala ko
hamarey haal ki kochh khabar naheen.
Yuon tuo woh hamari shah rug sey bhi qarib-ter hai, magar hamarey pait
sey qarib-ter naheen.]

109

A hungry seeker begged his Sheikh to plead, does God has no knowledge of
peoples need.
To me he is closer than jugular vein, but not closer than my abdomens pain.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 9
*****(1)*****

Digargoon kishwar-e-Hindustan ast, digargoon aan zamin-o-asman ast.
Ma-joo az ma namaz-e-punjganah, ghulamaan ra saff-araeyi graan ast.
[Hindustan ki walayat badal rehi hai, yahan kay zamin-o-asman badal
rehey hein.
Hum sey paanch waqt ki namaz ki ummeid nah rakhh, mehkoomon kay leay
saff araeyi graan hai.]
Looking in a mess is Indian State, in the same messy form is worlds own
state.
So solicit not five times to pray, a burden on slaves are these arrays.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Z-mehkoomi Musilman khod farosh ast, griftar-e-talism chashm-o-gosh
ast.
Z-mehkoomi rugaan dar tun chonaan sast, keh ma ra sharaa-o-aein
bar-e-dosh ast.

110

[Ghulami ney Musilman ko khod framosh bana diya hai, woh aankh aur
kaan (maadi dunya) kay fraib mein griftar hai.
Ghulami kay bais hamarey badan ki ruggein aisi sust ho choki hein, keh
Shariat aur Din (jo safar-e-hayat ko asaan banatey hein) hamarey leay bare-dosh banney hoay hein.]
From bondage a Moslem is a self sold guy, a captive of charms of ear and
eye.
How weak and sluggish in bondage are veins, to God made Laws, we are
seeing with pains. (Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 10
*****(1)*****

Yakkey andazah kon sood-o-ziyan ra, cho jannat-e-javidani kon jahan ra.
Na-mi beini keh ma khaki nehadan, chih khosh arastaim ein khakdan ra.
[(Bar-e-Elaha) zara nafaa-o-noqsan ka andazah kar, iss dunya ko bhi
bahisht ki tarah ghair faani bana dey.
Kaya Tou naheen deikhhta keh hum khaki sarisht walon ney, iss zamin ko
kis khosh asloobi sey sajaya hai.]
So calculate once all the losses and gains, to give to this world a heavenly
reign.
How far I know not that dusty being we, can decorate worlds dusty entity.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

111

*****(2)*****

Tou mi-daani hayat-e-javidaan cheist? Na-mi daani keh murg-e-naaghan
cheist?
Z-auqaat-e-Tou yakkdum kum nagardad, agar mun javidaan basham
ziyan-e-cheist?
[Aap jantey hein keh hayat-e-javidan kaya hai, magar Aap yeh naheen
jantey keh murg-e-naghan kaya hai.
Aap kay auqaat (hayat) mein sey eik ghharri bhi kum nah ho-gi, agar mien
ghair faani ho jaon tuo oss mein (Aap ka) kaya noqsan hai?]
What is the lasting life is known to thee, a sudden death but is not known to
thee.
Thy status at all it can not decrease, what could be the loss of my deathless
lease.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 11
*****(1)*****

Bapayan choon rasad ein alam-e-pir, shwad bipardah her poshidah taqdir.
Ma-kon roswa Hazoor-e-Khwaja ma ra, hasaab-e-mun z-chashm-e-oo
nehan gir.
[Khodaya! (Qiyamat kay roz) jabb yeh jahan-e-pir anjam ko ponhchey, aur
her poshidah taqdir zahar ho jaaey.
Oss dinn mojhey meyrey aqa kay saamney roswa nah karna, meyra hasaab
leyna, magar aap (S.A.W.) ki nigah sey poshidah.]
112

When the old world gets its apex of height,* then the fate unsheaths every
secret might.
Disgrace me not before my master hence: My! Counts book! Be hidden
from Prophet (S.A.W.) thence.
(*It means that his doom is getting near. Line 2 also conveys the same
thought.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Badan wamaandah-o-janam dar tug-o-post, sooey sheharey keh Battha
dar reh-e-oost.
Tou bash einja-o-ba khasaan biamaiz keh mun daaram hawaey manzil-edost.
[Badan thhak choka hai, magar jan abhi takk iss shehar (Madinah
Munawwarrah) ki jaanib rawan dawan hai, Battha (Makkah Mokaramah)
jiss ki rah mein hai.
Aap yahan (Haram Sharif mein) apney khas bandon sey sohbat rakhhein,
mien tuo apney Mehboob (S.A.W.) kay shehar ki khwahish rakhhta hon.
(Hazoor-e-Akram (S.A.W.) ka arshaad hai keh khwas Allah Taala kay leay
hein aur aami meyrey leay hein). ]
My body is tired but soul still flies, to that city on way Batha lies.
You live here now and meet the fine; my object great is friend of mine.
22nd January, 2014

113

INQILAB
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
PRAYERS - IV
In Part Two of Armoghan-e-Hijaz, Allamah Iqbal expresses his grief
and concerns about the Ummah before the Rasool-e-Pak (S.A.W.), the most
caring of all. These submissions may not qualify as prayers because these
are not addressed directly to Allah.
Nevertheless, Allamah has been fully mindful of the reality fact that
Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) is the person whose recommendations will be
honoured even on the Day of Judgment. It is in the profound belief that
acceptability of his requests will be enhanced when submitted through
proper channel.
These poetical works could have been included in the last volume
tiled inspiration, but these are placed here because the poet has the sole
aim of seeking favours.
HAZOOR-I-RISALAT
Dedicated to His Holy Prophet and Apostle
Iqbal begins with quoting a verse of Izzat Bukhari, a poet of Iran
(Persia).

Adab gaheist zir-e-aasman az arsh nazok-ter; nafas-e-gom kardah mi
ayad Junaid-o-Ba-Yazid einja.
[Aasman kay neichay eik he aisi adab-gah (Gonbad-e-Khizra) hai jo arsh
sey bhi nazok-ter hai; jahan Junaid Baghdadi aur Ba-Yazid Bistami (R.A.)
jaisey loug bhi sans rouk kar aatey hein (Adab sey ooncha sans naheen
leytey).]
A sanctified place with supermost grace, under skies and heavens most suble
place; mystics like Junaed and Bayazid fame, with entity lost the true
wooers came.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

114

SET 1
*****(1)*****

"
"


Illya khaimgi khaimah frouhal, keh paish ahang-e-bairoon shoud zmanzil.
Khird az raandan mehmal frou-mand, zamam-e-khaish daadam dar kaffe-dil.
[Ay khaimah nashin! (Iqbal) khaimah sey bahar aa, qafley ka paishro
manzil sey nikal choka hai.
Aqal mehmal ko haankney sey aajiz achoki hai, (iss leay) abb mein ney
apni mohaar dil kay haath mein dey-di hai.]
O, tent chamberlain! Leave the tent hark; the guide has gone beyond the
base park.
To drive the litters now flops the-wan-brain, I let the heart hence to take up
the reins.
(Iqbal takes the first line from a verse of Manuchehree, whose full name
was Najam-ud-Din Ahmed s/o Yaqub Manuchehr. He was a courtier of
Mehmud Ghaznavi.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Nigahey daashtam bar johar-e-dil, tapeidam, aarmeidam dar ber dil.
Rameidam az hawaey qariyah-o-shehar, beh baad dasht wa kardam
dardil.
[Mien apney dil kay johar per nigah rakhhta thha, mien tarrpa tuo dil kay
pehloo mein, aur mein ney aaram paya tuo dil kay pehloo mein.
115

Mien ney basti aur shehar ki faza sey bhaag kar, apney dil ka darwazah
baad-e-sehra kay leay khhol deya hai.]
I keep my eyes penchant on hearts essence, though writhing I am resting on
hearts fence.
From cities and bergs I liked to flee, to the deserts breeze I look up with
glee.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Nadanam dil shaheed-e-jalwah keist, nasib-e-oo qarar yakk nafas neist.
Beh sehra ber dumash afsordah-ter gasht, kanaar-e-aab jooey zaar
bagreist.
[Maaloom naheen dil kis ka jalwah deikhh kar mur-mita hai, keh oss kay
nasib mein lamah bhar ka chain naheen hai.
Mien ossey sehra mein ley gaya, magar wahan woh aur ziyadah afsordah
ho gaya, nadi kanarey woh zaar-o-qatar ro-deya (Sehra ki afsordgi ney
ossey aur afsordah kar diya aur pani ki rawani deikhh kar oss kay ansoo
rawan ho gaey).]
I know not who dazzled and killed this heart, no rest since then is destined to
this part.
I took him to desert which pained him more. On a brook side too he be wept
to the core.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

116

*****(4)*****

Mapors az carvaan jalwah-e-mustaan, z-asbaab-e-jahan ber kandah
dastaan.
Ba-jan shaan z-awaaz-e-jaras shor, cho az nasimey dar neistaan.
[Jalwah muston kay qafley ki baat nah pooch, yeh woh loug hein jo asbabe-dunya sey haath othha chokkey hein (inhein dunya ki hawas naheen).
Inn ki jan mein awaaz-e-jaras sey aisa shor barpa hai, jaisey neistaan mein
mouj-e-nasim sey (woh her lamah shehar-e-Mehboob (S.A.W.) ki taraf
jaaney waaley qaflah ki awaaz-e-jaras sonntey hein).]
Ask not of lustre drunks caravan scene, they have left the world whole and
all its means.
By God my feelings rouse from peals of bell, as if the wind booms through
canes wood deli.
(Jalwa mastan: Lost in the sheen of God by submerging in Him, drowned in
Him, in a daze. From peals of bells; the pilgrims feel as if they would teach
their destination soon. Thus the hells rouse their fervour and frenzy.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Ba-ein peeri reh-e-Yasrib griftam, nawa khwaan az sarood-e-ashiqana.
Cho aan morghey keh dar sehra sar-e-shaam, kashaiyd per beh fikr-eashiyanah.
[Mien ney saroor-e-mohabat mein naghmey alaaptey hoay, iss borrapey
mein Madinah Manawwarah ka rastah ikhtiyar kiya.

117

Oss parindey ki tarah jo sehra mein shaam kay waqt ashianah ki fikr mein
apney per khholta hai (bhhorrapey ko shaam sey tashbih di hai).]
I cherish for Yasrib though I am old, I am moved to singing in loves sweet
hold.
As the birds at dusk would fly back to nest, I cherish to fly for the deserts
quest (quest in loneliness there).
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 2
*****(1)*****

""
Gunah-e-ishq-o-musti aam kardand, dileel-e-pokhtgaan ra khaam
kardand.
Beh aahung-e-Hijazi mi saraeym, nakhastein baadah kandar jaam
kardand.
[Ishq-o-musti ka gonah aam kar deya hai, pokhtah kaaron ki daleel khaam
saabit hoeyi.
Mien Hijazi lay mein (oss sharab kay) geet ga raha hon jo sabb sey
pehley jaam mein daali gaeyi (yaani sharab-e-Alast).]
To lovean rapture* sins gave a common sense, and made ripes** wisdom a
raws logic hence.
I sing songs hey! To Makkan tunes gay, since wine in cup was poured on the
first day.
(*Some people tauntingly say that the mystics Ishq and Masti (Love and
raptures) is a sin a; they flee from responsibilities of life, which are also a
must for every body. **Ripes: Philosophers. The 4th line of this quatrain has
been taken by Iqbal from Iraqi, whose full name is Fakhr-ud-Din Ibrahim
Iraqi. He died at Damascus in 688 Hijra, where he had finally settled.

118

He also visited Multan with a hand of Qalandars (ascetics) and accepted the
initiation of Khawaja Baha-ud-Din Zakriya.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Chih porsi az moqamat-e-nawaeym, nadimaan kum shanasand az
kojaeym.
Koshadam rakht-e-khod ra andarein dasht, keh andar khalwatash tunha
saraeym.
[Tum meyri nawa kay moqamat (Raag ki istilah) kay motaalaq kaya
poochhtey ho, meyrey doston ko bhi khabar naheen keh mein kahan sey
hon.
Mien ney apna samaan iss veraney mein khhol deya hai, ta-keh iss ki
tunhaeyi mein akaila gaaon.]
You ask the spots where I played my jazz there; my friends know little I
came up from where.
I opened my baggage in deserts heat, where I am singing in his lone retreat.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 3
*****(1)*****

Sehar ba naaqah goftam naram-ter rou, keh raakib khastah-o-bimaar-opir ast.

119

Qadam mastanah zadd chandaan keh goeyi, bapaish raig-ein sehra harir
ast.
[Mien ney sobh kay waqt ontni sey kaha keh zara ahistah chal, tera swar
thhaka mandah, baimar aur bhhorra hai.
Oss ney aisey mastanah-war qadam bhhrraya keh tou kehey, iss sehra ki rait
oss kay paaon kay neichey raisham hai.]
That dawn I asked naqah not to run quick, its rider is feeble, too old and
sick.
In a dancing prance move but she runs more, that sand to her feet is a silky
floor.
(To her desert sand is a silky way. This is why she likes to run fast. That soil
of Yasrib and Mecca is also dear to her!)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Mohar ay sarbaan oo-ra nashaiyd, keh jan-e-oo cho jan-ma baseer ast.
Mun az mouj-e-khramash mi shinasam, cho andar talism dil aseer ast.
[Ay shotarbaan! Iss (ontni kay leay mohaar ki zaroorat naheen, kiyuonkeh
iss ki rooh bhi hamari rooh ki tarah noor-e-baseerat sey roshan hai.
Mien iss kay naaz sey chalney kay andaz sey pehchaan raha hon, keh yeh
bhi meyri tarah dil kay talism (Mohabat-e-Rasool Pak S.A.W.) mein griftar
hai.]
She needs no reins O I teamster hence! Like my own wits she has the same
sense.
From its wavelike trot a plea I would form, like me she is captive of hearts
own charm (she likes to reach quick to the Prophets place).
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

120

*****(3)*****

Num-e-ashk ast dar chashm-e-siahash, dilam sozad z-aah-e-sobhgahash.
Haman maey ko zamiram ra ber-afrokht, piyapey raizad az mouj-enigahash.
[Oss ki siyah aankhhon mein ansoo jhhalak rehey hein, meyra dil oss ki
aah-e-sobhgahi sey porsoz hai.
Oss ki mouj-e-nigah sey wohi sharab mosalsal tapak rehi hai, jiss ney
meyrey dil ko roshan kar deya hai.]
Yet tears moist vivid in jet black eyes, my heart thus burns from his morning
sighs.
That burnt my conscience was the sole wine, flowing with his gaze like
wavelets fine.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 4
*****(1)*****

Chih khosh sehra keh daroeyi karwanha, daroodi khwanad-o-mehmal
beranad.
Beh raig-e-garam oo aawar sajoodey, jabin ra soz ta daghey bamanad.
[Kaya khoob hai woh sehra jiss mein qaafley, Darood Sharif parrhtey hoay
swariyan aagay barrha rehey hein.
Tou oss ki garam rait per sajdah konan ho kar, apni paishani jala dey takeh iss per (sajdey ka) nishan baqi reh jaey.]

121

How lucky are deserts caravan lines, they bless the Prophet driving litters
fine.
Cast thy kowtows on hot sand grains, burn thy forehead to form a stain.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Chih khosh sehra keh shaamash sobh khund ast, shabash kotah-o-roz-eoo boland ast.
Qadam ay rahro aahistah-ter neh, cho ma her zarrah-e-oo dardmand ast.
[Kaya khoob hai yeh sehra (Sehra-e-Hijaz) jiss ki shaam mein sobh ka
tabassam hai, iss ki raatein chhoti aur dinn barrey hein.
Ay Mosafir! Zara aaram sey qadam rakhh, kiyuonkeh iss sehra ka her
zarrah hamari tarah dardmand hai.]
Hail the desert whose eve is morning gay, whose nights are shorter and
longer the day.
Place thy steps with a gentle gait, that sands like me has a ruthful trait.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 5
*****(1)*****

Amir-e-carvaan aan Ajmi keist? Sarood-e-oo beh aahung-e-Arab neist.
Zanad aan naghmah kaz sairabi-e-oo khonak dil biyabani tawaan zeist.
[Ay qaaflah salar! Yeh Ajmi kon hai, (Iqbal apni taraf asharah kartey hein),
keh jiss kay naghmon ki lay Arabi ahang sey motabqat naheen rakhhti.
122

Oss ney aisa nghmah gaya hai jiss ki sairabi sey sehra mein bhi dil ki
thhandak sey zindagi basar ki ja sakti hai.]
Whos that Ajmi as head of caravan his tone varies from tune of deserts
man.
His tone up a charming, lilting song, that a cold heart feels more young and
strong.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Moqam-e-ishq-o-masti manzil-e-oost, chih aatish-ha keh dar aab-o-gill-eoost.
Nawa-e-oo beh her dil saazgar ast; keh dar her seinah qaashey az dil-eoost.
[Iss kay badan mein kaisi aag poshidah hai, keh ishq-o-musti ka moqam he
oss ki manzil hai
Oss ka naghmah her dil sey mowafqat rakhhta hai, kiyuonkeh her seiney
mein ossi kay dil ka tokrra hai (Manzil mostaqil cheez hai, oss kay rastah
mein kaeyi moqam aatey hein).]
A place in love and raptures was his aim; such fires were lit up in his muddy
frame.
His cries chime in with every ones heart, that every one shares his hearts
good part.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

123

SET 6
*****(1)*****

Ghum-e-penhan keh bey goftan ayaan ast, cho ayad ber zoban yakk
daastan ast.
Rehey por-paich-o-raahi khastah-o-zaar, chiraghash morda-o-shabb
darmiyan ast.
[Meyra poshidah ghum jo baghair kehey zahir hai; ossey jabb zoban per
laya jata hai tuo woh eik (taweel) daastan bun jata hai.
Rastah paichdar hai aur mosafir thhaka mandah aur bimaar; iss ka chiragh
bojha hoa hai aur issey raat ki tareeki ka saamna hai.]
A hidden grief untold is clear, to lips when brought, a tale-we hear:
The ways are like a maze, seeker is weak, the lamp blown out, night amidst,
also bleak. (Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Beh raaghan lalah rast az nau bahaaran, beh sehra khaimah gastardand
yaraan.
Mera tunha nashistan khoshtar ayad, kinaar-e-aab jooey kohsaraan.
[Bahaar ki aamad sey sabzah zaaron mein lalah kay phhool khhil othhey;
doston ney sehra mein khaimey gaarr diay (baraey siar-o-tafrih).
(Magar) mojhey paharr kay daaman mein nadi kay kinarey; akailey
baithhna he pasamd hai.]
In pits grow poppies from vernal tide, then the friends pitch tents on deserts
side.

124

It looks me nice to sit all alone, when fountains flow in a mountain zone.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 7
*****(1)*****

Gehey shear-e-Iraqi ra bakhwanam, gehey Jami zanad aatish bajanam.
Nadanam garchih
saarbanam.

aahung-e-Arab

ra,

sharik-e-naghmah-haey

[Kabhi mien Araqi kay shear parrhta hon; aur kabhi Jami (ka kalaam)
meyri jan mein aag lagata deyta hai.
Agarchih mien Arab ki lay sey na-ashna hon; laikan saarban kay
naghmon mein sharik hon (tasawar mein apney safar-e-Madinah
Manawwarah ka naqshah khhaincha hai).]
A page of Iraqi* sometimes I turn, from Jamis** fire so often I burn.
I know not though the Arabs tune, I share with joy the teamasters tune.
(*Imam Fakhr-ud-Din known as Iraqi (of Iraq), a mystic poet. **Jami
Maulana Abdul Rehman Of Kharjrohmin, a town in Jam province of Persia.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Ghum-e-raahi nishaat amaiz-ter kon, foghanash ra janoon angaiz-ter
kon.
Bagir ay saarban rah-e-draazey, mera soz-e-jodaeyi taiz-ter kon.

125

[Ay saarban! Tou mosafir kay ghum (-e-ishq) ko aur ziyadah nishaat amaiz
bana; iss ki aah-o-foghan ko aur ziyadah janoon angaiz kar dey.
Koeyi lamba raastah ikhtiyar kar; aur (iss tarah) meyrey jodaeyi kay soz ko
ziyadah taiz kar.]
Let the hikers grief take a blissful turn; let wails be blessed with rapturous
burn.
O teamaster be ready for longer course, let separation pangs had sharper
force.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 8
Now the poet in his imagination has reached Rozah Mobarik.
*****(1)*****

Biya ay hum nafas baham nalaim, mun-o-tou koshtah-e-shan-e-jamalaim.
Duo harfey ber moraad-e-dil bagoeym, bapaey Khwaja chashmaan ra
bamalaim.
[Ay dost! Aa hum mil kar ansoo bahaein; kiyuonkeh mien aur tou Hazoore-Akram (S.A.W.) ki shan-e-jamali kay shaheed hein.
Apney dil ki moraad kay motabiq duo harf arz karein; Aaqa (S.A.W.) kay
paey mobarik per apni ankhhein malein.]
Come O! chum for a tie to weep and cry. A victim of Beauty are you and I.
Two words I would say in hearts parlance, by Masters feet let eyes go to
trance.
(Beauty: The Gracious Beauty; the God or Prophet. Parlance: The way of
speaking.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

126

*****(2)*****

Hakimaan ra baha kum-ter nehadand, beh nadaan jalwah-e-mustanah
dadand.
Chih khosh bakhti, chih khurram rozgarey, dar sultan beh dervaishey
koshadand.
[Yahan danaon ki koeyi qadar-o-qimat naheen; (albatah) nadaan ko
(apney) jalwah-e-mustanah sey behrah-yaab farmatey hein.
Woh dervaish kitna khosh-nasib aur kitna khosh-bakht hai; jiss kay leay
Bargeh-e-Sultani (S.A.W.) mein baaryaabi ka darwazah khhol diya gaya.]
To wise he gave less wealth and affluence, the duffer got lustres of raptures
hence.
How lucky they were and lucky that age, when kings door were open to a
saint or page.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Jahan-e-char soo andar ber mun, hawaey lamakaan andar sar-e-mun.
Cho bagozashtam azin baam-e-bolandi, cho gard aftaad az per-e-mun.
[(Abb) saari kainat meyrey pehloo mein sama choki hai; aur lamakan
(Alam-e-Quds) takk rasaeyi ki khwahish meyrey sar mein hai.
Jabb mien iss baam-e-boland (la-makan) sey aagay gozar gaya; tuo
perwaaz meyrey peron sey dhool ki tarah jharr gaeyi (taqat-e-perwaaz

127

salab ho gaeyi). (Asharah iss taraf hai keh Hazoor-e-Akram la-makan sey
bhi oopar tashrif ley gaey thhey.)]
The world with four sides I have in arm-pit, I have wrapped in this head the
heavens wit.
Then I had to leave that topmost height, like dust my wings lost that higher
flight.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

" "
Darein wadi zamaney javedaaney, z-khakash bey soor roweid maani.
Hakimaan ba kalimaan dosh bardosh, keh einja kass nagoeyd lun
traani.
[Iss wadi mein jo ghair faani zamanah sey ibarat hai; iss ki matti kay
baghair surat kay maani paida hotay hein.
Yahan hakim-o-kalim duonon kandhey sey kandha milaey faiz-yaab ho
rehey hein; yahan koeyi lun-traani (tou mojhey naheeh deikhh sakta)
naheen kehta (Aap (S.A.W.) kissi ko mehroom naheen farmatey)]
In this valley lies a lasting life new, this dust solves meanings* with an
arcane clue.
The Sages and Moses are side by side, there none would ever look a Cant
see** slide.
(*In Persian Maani (or meanings) also mean talents, higher faculties,
intrinsic qualities etc. **Cant see: When God said to Moses, You cannot see
me. This dust grows meanings in shapeless form (is the literal version) in
that case 1st lines last word would be norm.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

128

SET 9
*****(1)*****

Mosilman aan faqir-e-kaj hullahey; rameid az seinah-e-oo soz-e-aahey
Dilash nalad chira nalad nadanad; nigahey Ya Rasool-al-Allah (S.A.W.)
nigahey.
[Woh Mosilman jiss ki faqiri mein shan-e-kaj kullahi thhi; oss ka seinah soze-aah-o-foghan sey khali ho choka hai.
Oss ka dil rou raha hai, kiyuon rou raha hai? Naheen janta; nigahey YaRasool-al-Allah (S.A.W.)! Nighhey!]
A Muslim was a king and saint so high, flows from his bosom a flame of
sigh;
His heart often weeps why weeps in trance, a glance upon me O Prophet, a
glance.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Tabb-o-taab-e-dil az soz-e-ghum-e-tost; nawaey mun z-taseer-e-dum-etost.
Banalam z-aankeh andar Kishwar-e-Hind; nadeidam bandaheyi ko
mehram-e-tost.
[Meyrey dil ka iztirab Aap (S.A.W.) ki mohabat kay soz sey hai; meyri nawa
(shaeri) Aap (S.A.W.) kay dum ki taseer sey hai.

129

Mien iss leay rou raha hon keh molk-e-Hindustan mein; mien ney koeyi
aisa bandah naheen deikhha jo Aap (S.A.W.) (ki azmat) ka raazdan ho.]
The heart takes heat from thy love pangs flame, my tones large impact is
due to thy name.
I weep, because, in the Indian state, I found not a man with thee intimate.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Shabb-e-Hindi ghulaman ra sehar neist; beh ein khak aaftabey ra gozar
neist,
Ba-ma kon goshah-e-chashmey keh dar Sharq; Mosilmaney z-ma
bicharah-ter neist.
[Hindustani ghulamon ki raat sobh sey mehroom hai; iss sar-zamin mein
sooraj ka gozar naheen.
Hamari taraf nazar-e-iltifaat farmaiay, keh Mashriq mein koeyi Mosilman
hum sey ziyadah budhaal naheen.]
No morn yet to slaves O Indian night, the sun passes not along this lands
site.
No cosy nook yet for us in the East, so broke like a Muslim there is no beast.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

Chih goeym z-aan faqirey dardmandey; Mosilmani beh gohar
arjumanadey.
Khoda ein sakht jan ra yaar baada; keh aftaad ast az baam-e-bolandey.

130

[Mien oss dardmand faqir kay motaaliq kaya arz karon; Mosilman, jo asal
kay eitibar sey boland martabat hai;
Khoda iss sakht jan ki dastgiri farmaey; yeh bohat bolandi sey gira hai.]
As such I say to a. soft hearted soul*, a Muslim is honoured on virtues role.
O God, help the man who leads a life hard; who fell from a summit, God be
his ward.
(*A Faqir is not actually poor but a voluntary-poor, leads a life like a poor
fellow, who actually likes to help the poor to remove their poverty. Where
Iqbal says A poor man he means the same. There is no equivalent word to
convey this sense in English language as I understand. His Faqir is not a
beggar nor a mendicant, but a man who hikes to distribute every penny to
the poor.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Chasaan ahwaal-e-oo ra ber labb aaram; tou mi-beini nehaan-oaashkaram.
Z-roedaad duo sadd saalash humin bus; keh dil choon kandah-e-qassab
daram.
[Mien oss ki halat kaisey biyan karon; nehaan-o-ayan Aap (S.A.W.) kay
saamney hein.
Oss ki duo sadd salah sargozasht kay barah mein itna kaeh deyna kafi hai;
keh meyra dil (zakham khha khha kar) kandah-e-qassab ki manind ho choka
hai.]
A friends hidden life how can I reveal, You know what we talk and what we
conceal.
Two hundred years tale is enough to weep, like a butchers wood a heart I
keep.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

131

*****(6)*****

Hanooz ein charkh-e-neili kaj-kharaam ast; hanooz ein carvaan door az
moqam ast.
Z-kaar-e-bey nizam-e-oo chih goeym? Tou mi-daani keh millat bey imam
ast.
[Abhi yeh neilgoon aasman hamarey mowafiq naheen; abhi yeh qaaflah
apni manzil sey door hai.
Mien oss kay moamlaat ki budnazmi kay motaaliq kaya kahon; Aap
(S.A.W.) jaantey hein keh (iss waqt) oss ka koeyi rahnuma naheen.]
The sky* still going on a perverse course, the caravan is far off from its
place.
His wild goose chases I cannot endorse, no leader they have to direct this
race.
(*The Persian poets, (so the Indo-Pakistani), always symbolise sky going
on a perverse policy against the inhabitants of earth. As such literal
translation was a necessity to enjoy the true sense.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(7)*****

Namanad aan taab-o-tabb dar khoon-e-nabash; naroeyd lalah az kisht-ekharabash.
Niyam-e-oo tehi choon keisah-e-oo; beh taaq-e-khanah veraan-ekitabash.
132

[Oss kay pakeezah khoon mein pehli sei hararat baqi naheen; oss kay
veraan khheit sey lalah kay phhool naheen ogtay.
Oss kay miyan oss ki jaib ki tarah khali hai; oss ki kitab (Quran Pak) oss
kay veraan ghhar kay taaq mein rakhhi hai.]
In his pure blood shines not that vigour and heat, in his ruined land grows no
poppies sweet.
He emptied his pocket and sheath likewise, in a ruined arch thus his Book
still lies.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(8)*****

Dil-e-khod ra aseer-e-rung-o-boo kard; tehi az zouq-o-shouq-o-aarzoo
kard.
Safir-e-shahbazaan kum shinasad; keh goshash baatinin pushah khoo
kard.
[(Hindi Mosilman ney) apney dil ko (dunya-e-) rung-o-boo ka aseer bana
kar; ossey (mohabat kay) zouq-o-shouq aur aarzoo (kay soz) sey khali kar
liya hai,
Woh shahbazon ki awaz ko naheen pehchanta; kiyuonkeh oss kay kaan
machhar ki awaz (sonnaney) kay aadi ho chokay hein.]
He made his heart captive of pomp and show, bereft of loves pleasures his
longings go.
The whistling of eagles he knew a few, as nature of gnats his latent ears
knew.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(9)*****

133



Barooey oo dar dil nakoshadah; khudi andar kaff-e-khakash nazadah.
Zamir-e-oo tehi az baang-e-takbir; harim-e-zikr-e-oo az pa-fatadah.
[Oss per oss kay dil ka darwazah bund hai; oss ki mosht-e-khak mein khudi
paida he naheen hoeyi.
Oss ka andaroon takbir ki awaz sey khali hai; oss kay zikr ki pak amarat
giri parri hai.]
To him the hearts door is not open yet, no ego in his palm1 has born as yet.
His conscience is empty from Great God calls, to ground have fallen his
prayers four walls.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
SET 10
*****(1)*****

Gariban chaak-o-bey fikr-e-rafoo zeist; nami daanam chasaan bey aarzoo
zeist.
Nasib-e-oost murg-e-natamamey; Mosilmaney keh bey Allah-Hoo zeist.
[Oss ka gariban phhata hoa hai, magar ossey oss kay chaak seinay ki fikr
naheen; mien naheen janta keh woh aarzzo kay baghair kaisey zindagi
basar kar raha hai.
Woh Mosilman jo Allah-Hoo kay baghair zindagi basar karta hai; oss ki
qismat mein namokamil mout hai (nah woh zindon mein hai, nah mordon
mein).]
His collar is torn, he cares no darn, I know not a life, so bore, forlorn.
To him is destined, a death so dry, fie a Muslims life, sans Allah Hoo cry.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

134

*****(2)*****

Haq aan deh keh maskin-o-aseer ast; faqir-o-ghairat-e-oo dir meer ast.
Barooey oo dar maeykhanah bostand; darein kishwar Mosilman tishnah
meer ast.
[Aap (S.A.W.) oss ki haq-rasi karein. woh maskin-o-aseer hai; faqir hai, aur
oss ki ghairat kabhi ki mur choki hai,
Oss per maeykhaney (rohaniyat) ka darwazah bund kar diya gaya; iss molk
mein Mosilman piyasa mur raha hai.]
Give him his dues, of a captive and meek, a beggar whose honour is since
long dead.
The doors of a tavern are closed on weak, the Muslims are dying from thirst
on bed.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Digar pakeezah kon aab-o-gill-e-oo; jahaney aafrin andar dil-e-oo.
Hawa taiz-o-badaamnash duo sadd chaak; beinadaish az chiragh-ebismal-e-oo.
[Aap (S.A.W.) oss ki fitrat ko duobarah pakeezah kar dein; oss kay dil mein
niya jahan paida farma dein.

135

Hawa taiz hai aur oss kay daaman mein duo suo chaak hein; Aap (S.A.W.)
oss kay bojhtey hoay chiragh ki fikr karein.]
Refine his morals and life once more, infuse a world new in his hearts core.
From violent storms, his clothes are torn, fear from his lamp, though wavers
and worn.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

Aroos zindagi dar khalwatash-e-ghair; keh daarad dar moqam neist siar.
Gonahgareist paish az murg dar qabar; nakirash az Kalisa, monkar az
Deir.
[Zindagi ki dulhan oss ki khalwat-gah mein ajnabi hai (woh zindagi sey lotf
naheen othha raha); kiyuonkeh woh neisti kay moqam ki siar mein masroof
hai.
Woh aisa gonahgar hai jo mout sey pehley he qabar mein pohnch choka
hai; oss kay Nakir Kalisa sey hein aur Monkar Mandar sey (Monkar Nakir
qabar mein aa-kar sawal kartey hein).]
The bride of life, in him is not his own, she comes out then from limbes
lover line.
Entombed before death like sinner in chain, torn among the angels of church
and fane.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

136

Beh chashm-e-oo neh noor-o-ney saroor ast; nah dil dar seinah-e-oo
nasaboor ast.
Khoda aan ummatey ra yaar baada; keh murg-e-oo z-jan-e-bey hazoor
ast.
[Oss ki ankhh mein nah noor hai nah saroor; nah oss kay seinay mein dil-ebey qarar.
Khoda iss ummat ka madadgar ho; keh iss ki mout jan-e-bey hazoor (ishq-eElahi) sey khali honay kay bais hai.]
His eyes are void of a glamour and glee, no restive heart in his bosom I see.
God be a friend of the unlucky race, who vanished from scene being out of
His grace.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(6)*****

Mosilman zaadah-o-na mehram-e-murg; z-beim-e-murg larzaan ta dume-murg.
Dilley dar seinah chaakash nadeidam; dum bagosastaheyi bood-o-ghume-murg.
[Yeh Mosilman zadah ho kar mout sey nawaqif hai; ta dum-e-murg mout kay
khouf sey kanpta rehta hai.
Mojhey iss ka seinah-e-chaak mein dil nazar naheen aya; albatah wahan
okhhrra hoa sans aur mout ka khouf zaroor deikhha.]
Though born as Muslim yet knows not the death, from fear of death shivers
to his last breath;
I didnt peep though through his bosoms slit; the fear of death has weakend
his grit.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

137

SET 11
*****(1)*****

Malookiyat sarapa shishah baazi ast; azo aiman nah Rumi ney Hijazi ast.
Hazoor-e-tou ghum-e-yaraan bagoeym; beh ummeidey keh waqt-e-dil
nawazi ast.
[Badshahat sarasar shoabdah-bazi hai; nah Rumi oss sey mehfooz hein nah
Hijazi.
Mien Aap (S.A.W.) kay hazoor doston ka ghum biyan karta hon; iss
ummeid per keh yeh dilnawazi ka waqt hai (Aap (S.A.W.) zaroor dilnawazi
farmaein gay).]
The kingship as whole is trick and skill, in Rome or Jeddah none safe from
his kill.
The sufferings of friends I say not to thee, in hope thy solace would make
me happy.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Tun-e-mard-e-Mosilman paidar ast; banaey paikar-e-oo ostawar ast.
Tabeeb-e-noktah-rus deid az nigahash; khudi andar wajoodash raashah
daar ast.
138

[Mard-e-Mosilman ka badan tawana hai; oss kay jism ki buniyad bohat

mazboot hai.
Bareek bein aur taiz feham tabeeb ney oss ki nigahon sey bhanp liya; keh
oss kay wajood mein khudi raashah ki taklief mein mobtila hai (nakarah ho
choki hai).]
A Muslims stuff has a life long stay, his lay out stands on a powerful clay.
O wise critique see him from his view, the Ego in him now shakes all
through.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Mosilman sharmsaar az bey kullahi ast; keh deenash-o-faqrash khanqehi
ast.
Tou daani dar jahan miraas-e-ma cheist? Galimay az qomash-e-padshahi
ast.
[Mosilman apni bey kullahi sey sharmsar hai; kiyuonkeh oss ka Deen
mordah aur faqr khanqahi ho choka hai.
Aap (S.A.W.) ko maaloom hai keh dunya mein hamari miraas kaya hai; eik
godrri ja badshahi kaprrey sey banni hoeyi ho (woh faqr jiss kay andaz
shahanah hon).]
Ashamed is Muslim for losing his State, his dead faith is haunting some
hermits great.
You know their bequest and forefathers line, he holds his blanket as a
kingship sign.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

139



Mapors az mun keh ahwalash chasaan ast; zaminash budgohar choon
aasman ast.
Ber aan morghay keh pervardi beh anjeer; talash-e-danah dar sehra
graan ast.
[Mojh sey nah poochiay keh Mosilman ka haal kaya hai; aasman ki tarah
zamin bhi oss ki doshman ho choki hai.
Aap (S.A.W.) ney jiss parindey ki pervarish anjeer sey ki thhi; oss per abb
sehra kay daaney ki talash kartey pherna bohat gran gozarta hai.]
Ask me not of his present day lot, as if, earth and sky have made a plot;
To bird who was reared on fruits of fig, the grains search in deserts a
problem big.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Beh chashmash wa-namoodam zindagi ra; kasoodam noktah-e-farda-o-di
ra.
Tawaan asrar-e-jan ra faash-ter goft; badeh notq-e-Arab ein Aajami ra.
[Mien ney oss ki nazaron kay saamney zindagi (ka raaz) zahir kar diya; aur
maazi-o-mostaqbil kay nokaat hal kar diay.
Jan kay asrar aur ziyadah khhol kar biyan kiay ja sakktey hein; (agar) Aap
(S.A.W.) iss Ajami (Iqbal) ko ehl-e-Arab jaisi qowwat-e-goyai atta farma
dein.]
I have scanned the whole world through his eye, so past and future tips I
would untie.
Thus ope more and more lifes secret tips; dive the Arabs tone on this
Ajmis lips.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
140

*****(6)*****

Mosilman garchih bey khail-o-sipahey ast; zamir-e-oo zamir-e-padshahey
ast.
Agar oo ra moqamash baaz bakhshad; jamal-o-jalalash bey panahey ast.
[Agarchih Mosilman kay pass koeyi lashkar aur fouj naheen; magar iss ki
fitrat shahanah hai.
Agar ossey oss ka moqam dobarah atta kar diya jaaey; tuo oss ka jamal bhi
shahanah bey panah jalal ho jaaey.]
The Muslims have raised no armament wings; his conscience is yet like
conscience of kings.
If he gets back his status again; through his beauty his grandeur would reign.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(7)*****

Mataa-e-shaikh asaatir-e-kohan bood; hadis-e-oo hamah takhmin-o-zun
bood.
Hanooz Islam-e-oo zonnar daar ast; Haram choon Deir bood oo Brahman
bood.
141

[Shaikh ki saari poonji poraney qissay kahaniyuon per moshtamil hai; oss
ki saari baatein zann-o-takhmin per mabni hein.
Abhi oss ka Islam zonnar-daar hai; Haram oss ka Deir hai, aur woh
Brahmin.]
The assets of Sheikh were the fables old; on guess and thinking his Hadith
was mould.
He holds faith yet like a Hindus thread; his mosque thus sways in a temples
stead.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(8)*****

Digargoon kard la-deeni jahan ra; z-asaar badan goftand jan ra.
Az aan faqirey keh ba Siddiq daadi; bashorey aawar ein aasoodah jan ra.
[Bey deeni ney jahan ko teh-o-bala kar diya hai; bey Deen loug rooh ko bhi
badan sey paida honay waali cheez kehtey hein.
Jo faqr Aap (S.A.W.) ney Abubakar Siddiq ko atta farmaya thha; oss sey
mojh araam talab ko bhi garma dein (ta-keh mien onnhein sehih baat
samjha sakon).]
He brought a total change in faithless world, they* say, body is a track for
lifes bird**.
With faqr*** thou destined to the Siddiqs part; may fill a new thrill to this
ease loving heart.
(*Scientists. **Soul. ***Ascetic nature (not poverty); a love of simple life.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(9)*****

142

Haram az Deir geerad rung-o-booey; bott-e-ma pirak zzolidah mooey.

Nayabi dar ber ma tirah bakhtaan; dilley roshan z-noor-e-aarzooey.
[(Aaj-kal) Haram, Deir kay tor tariqay apnaey hoay hai; perishan baalon
wala bott hamara bott hai.
Aap (S.A.W.) hum siyah-bakhton kay pehloo mein aisa dil naheen paain
gay; jo aarzoo kay noor sey roshan ho (jiss kay andar aagay barrhney ka
shouq ho).]
From fane gets Harem its grandeur and glare; my idol is a pir* with curly
hair.
None ill-starred came in my bosoms frame; being lit up with light of his
hopeful flame.**
(*guide is a pir. **Of the Prophet (Salam)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(10)*****

Faqiraan ta beh Masjid saff kashidand; gariban-e-shehanshahan
daridand.
Cho aan aatish daroon-e-seinah afsoord; Mosilmanan beh dargahan
khazidand.
[Jabb takk foqra Masajid mein saff ara rehey; onn kay haath shenshahon
kay garibanon takk pohnchtey rehey.
Magar jabb dilon kay andar ki aag bojh gaeyi; tuo Mosilman khanqahon
mein jaa kar baithh gaaey.]
As long in mosque the poor kept a row; they tore the emperors collars he;
That fire when cooled in his heart and soul; they crawled to tombs of saints
to roll.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

143

*****(11)*****

Mosilmanan beh khwaishan dar staizand; bajoz naqsh dooey ber dil
naraizand.
Banaland az kassey khishtey bagirad; az aan Masjid keh khod azooey
garaizand.
[Mosilman apnon he kay saath jung-azmaeyi kar rehey hein; aur sawaey
naqsh-e-doeyi kay apney dil per aur koeyi naqsh naheen banatey.
Agar kissi Masjid sey koeyi shakhs eik eint bhi othha ley tuo cheikh othhtay
hein; agarchih khod oss sey (Masjid sey) bhaagtey hein.]
The Moslems are fighting with brothers own; save seeds of rupture nothing
they have sown.
If you take a brick they raise cry and hue; a mosque from which they are
fleeing all through.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(12)*****

Jabein ra paish ghair Allah soodaim; cho gabaran dar hazoor-e-oo
sroodaim.
Nanalam az kassey mi-nalam az khwaish; keh ma shayan-e-shan-e-Tou
naboodaim.

144

[Hum ney ghair Allah kay saamney jabein-saeyi ki; aur aatish praston ki
tarah oss kay hazoor gaatey rehey.
Mien aur kissi sey nalan naheen balkeh apney aap sey nalan hon;
kiyuonkeh hum Teyri shan kay laiq nah thhey.]
To others than God we touch our brows; and sing like Guibers* in round
about rows.
I weep not on else, I weep on me; we are not fit for honours of thee.
(*Guibers; a fire worshipper, followers of Zoroaster, who was also a
Prophet, most probably.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(13)*****

Badast mi-kashan khali ayagh ast; keh saqi ra beh bazm-e-mun fraagh
ast.
Nigah daaram daroon seinah aahey; keh asal-e-oo z-dood-e-aan chiragh
ast.
[Maey khwaron kay haath mein khali piyalah hai; kiyuonkeh saqi ko meyri
mehfil sey faraghat hasil hai.
Mien apney seinay mein oss aah ki hifazat karta hon; jiss ki asal oss
chiragh kay dhonay sey hai.]
In the hands of drinkers the empty glass; my partys bearer1 is jobless alas.
I keep an eye on sighs inner seat; whose source are the fumes of that lamps
heat.2
(*The lamp of the Prophet from which they seek light.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(14)*****

145



Sabooey khanqahaan khali az maey; konad maktib reh-e-taey kardah ra
taey.
Z-bazm-e-shaeraan afsordah raftam; nawa-ha mordah bairoon aftad az
naey.
[Khanqahon mein saboo sharab (maarfat) sey khali parrey hein;
madrason mein porani baatein rutti jaa rehi hein.
Shaeron ki bazm sey bhi mien afsordah (khatar) othha; onn ki naey sey
bhi mordah naghmay nikal rehey hein.]
The synagogues bottles are void of wine; where teachers are the pupils of
that line.
The poets group I left with tears; their fifes and flutes are dead on ears.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(15)*****

Mosilmanam gharib-e-her diyaram; keh ba ein khakdan kaarey
nadaaram.
Beh ein bey taqati dar paich-o-taabam; keh mun deigar beh ghair Allah
duo-charam.
[Mosilman hon her shehar mein ajnabi hon; kiyuonkeh mien iss dunya sey
koeyi waastah naheen rakhhta.
Apni bey taqiti kay sabab, sakht paich-o-taab mein hon; kiyuonkeh eik
baar pher ghair Allah sey meyra moqabilah hai.]
The Muslims are foreigns on every land; are looked on this earth like a
useless band.
Though powerless still I twist and twine; I face the godless in every line.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(16)*****
146





Beh aan baaley keh bakhshadi, peridam; beh soz-e-naghmah-haey khod
tapidam.
Mosilmaney keh murg azooey balarzad; jahan gardeidam-o-oo ra
nadeidam.
[Aap (S.A.W.) ney mojhey jo baal-o-per atta farmaey hein, onn ki madad
sey orra hon; apney naghmon kay soz mein bohat tarrpa hon.
Saari dunya mein phera hon, magar mojhey woh Mosilman kaheen nazar
naheen aya; jissey deikhh kar mout sehum jaaey.]
With wings you gave I judge and fly; in heat of songs I burn and cry.
A Muslim from whom shivers the death; I found him not on whole earths
breadth.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(17)*****

Shabbey paish-e-Khoda bagareistam zaar; Mosilmaney chira zaarand-okhwarand.
Nida aamad, namidaani keh ein quom; dilley daarand-o-mehboobey
nadaarand.
[Raat mien Allah ki janab mein bohat roya; keh Mosilman kiyuon zaar-okhwar hein.
Awaz aaeyi: kaya tou naheen janta keh yeh quom, dil rakhhti hai magar
mehboob naheen rakhhti (Hazoor (S.A.W.) ko apna ideal naheen banati).]
At night before Lord I often cry; why Moslems are aimed for curse of sky.
A voice came then, You know not this race; hold a heart yet know not
lovers face.
147

(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(18)*****

Nagoeym az farou faaley keh bagozasht; chih sood az sharah-e-ahwaaley
keh bagozasht.
Chiraghey daashtam dar seinah-e-khwaish; fasord andar duo sadd saaley
bagozasht.
[Mien apni azmat-e-raftah ki baat naheen karta; jo halaat gozar chokay,
onnhein biyan karney sey kaya hasil.
(Magar dokhh iss baat ka hai keh) mien apney seinay kay andar jo (ishq-eRasool Pak (S.A.W.) ka (chiragh rakhhta thha; gozashtah duo saddiyuon
mein woh bhi bojh gaya hai.]
I speak not now of the grandeur past. No use to count now what did not last.
I keep a lamp lit in chest of mine; in two hundred years we sapped its shine.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(19)*****

Nigahban-e-Haram maamar-e-Deir ast; yaqinash mordah-o-chashmash
beh ghair ast.
Z-andaz nigah-e-oo tawaan deid; keh noumeid az hamah asbaab-e-khair
ast.

148

[(Hadd yeh hai keh) Mosilman jiss kay zomah Haram ki nigahbani thhi, woh
bottkadey taamir karney laga hai; oss ka aiman khatam ho choka hai aur
woh ghairon sey ummeidin baandhey hoay hai.
Oss ki nigah kay andaz he sey deikhha jaa sakta hai; (keh woh apney
mostaqbil ki) bhalaeyi kay tamam asbaab sey na-ummeid ho choka hai.]
The guard of Harem is the mason of fane; his faith is dead, eyes set on
others lane.
From his winking eyes it can be seen; he is despaired of all godsend means.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(20)*****

Z-soz-e-ein faqir-e-reh nashiney; badeh oo ra zamir-e-aatishiney.
Dilash ra roshan-o-paindah gardaan; z-ummeidey keh zaid az yaqiney.
[Iss faqir-e-rah nashin kay soz sey; Mosilman ko pher zamir-e-aatishin atta
farmaiay.
Oss kay dil ko oss ummeid sey roshan aur paindah bana dijiay; jo aiman (e-mohkam) sey paida hoti hai.]
From this poor mans flame, sitting on his way; bid him fiery conscience, the
least I say.
Kindle his heart for a-long-lasting light; from mans hopes his hopes be
more bright.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(21)*****

Gehey aftam gehey mustanah khaizam; cho khoon-e-bey taigh-oshamshirey baraizam.
149

Nigah-e-iltafatey ber sar-e-baam; keh mun ba asr-e-khwaish andar

sataizam.
[Kabhi mien girta hon aur kabhi pher mustanahwar othh khharra hota
hon; shamshir-o-taigh kay baghair mien kaya khoob larraeyi larr raha
hon.
(Apney kashanah-e-athar kay) baam sey mojhey nigahey iltifaat sey
nawaziay; kiyuonkeh mien dour-e-hazir sey nabard aazma hon.]
Like gallants I fall and rise again; what a blood I shed sans sword-and cane.
On every ones terrace now leans thy look; for which a constant war I have to
brook.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(22)*****

Mera tunhaeyi-o-aah-o-foghan beh; sooey Yasrib safar-e-bey carvaan
beh.
Koja maktib, koja maeykhanah-e-shouq; tou khod farma mera ein beh
keh aan beh.
[Mojhey tunhaeyi aur aah-o-foghan he raas aati hai; mojhey Madina
Taiyabah ki janib baghair carvan kay safar karna pasand hai.
Kahan maktib (dars-e-aloom) aur kahan ishq (-e-Rasool Pak) ka
maeykhanah; Aap (S.A.W.) he farmaein: Meyrey leay yeh behtar hai ya
woh?]
Let me sob and sigh in a lone retreat; how fine the Yasrib lines with no joint
seat.
How odd a college looks to pub of thrill; tell me is this better or that one
still.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(23)*****

150





Paridam dar fazaey dilpazirash; peram-ter gasht az abr-e-matirash.
Haram ta dar zamir-e-mun farou raft; saroodam aanchih bood andar
zamirash.
[Mien Haram Sharif ki fazaey dil pazir mein orra; wahan barstey hoay
anwaar sey meyrey per tar ho gaaey.
Chonkeh Haram meyrey qalb mein otar gaya; iss leay mien ney apney
ashaar mein wohi kaha jo oss kay zamir mein thha.]
I fly in the airy lovelier space; my wings are getting wet from clouds I face.
I found in my conscience the Harems mould; since on my conscience that
song had a hold.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(24)*****

Ba-aan raazey keh goftam pey nabordand; z-shakh-e-nakhal-e-mun
khorma nakhordand.
Mun ay mir-e-ummam daad az tou khwaham; mera yaraan-e-ghazal
khwaney shamordand.
[Mien ney (apney kalam mein) jo raaz biyan kiya, lougon ney oss takk
rasaeyi nah paeyi; onnhon ney meyrey nakhal (-e-kalam) ki shaakh sey
phhal nah khhaey.
Ay Shah-e-umam (S.A.W.)! Mien Aap (S.A.W.) sey insaaf talab hon; keh
doston ney mojhey faqat ghazal khwan jana.]
Of secret Itold, they paid no heed; they ate no fruits of vintage they need.
O nations chief do a justice to me; as a writer of odes my friends call me.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
151

*****(25)*****

Nah shear ast einkeh barooey dil nehaadam; girah az rishtah-e-maani
koshadam.
Beh ummeidey keh ikseerey zanad ishq; muss-e-ein moflisaan ra taab
daadam.
[Yeh shear naheen, jiss per mien ney tawajoh di hai; mien ney tuo asrar-emaani ki girhein khhol di hein.
Mien ney (dour-e-hazir kay) inn (Mosilman) moflison (kay dilon) ko iss
ummeid per garmaya hai keh ishq inn per apni ikseer daal (kar innhein sona
bana) dey.]
To stick it to bosom this verse aims not; with gems of meanings I open the
knot.
With hope my passion would make it gold; I temper their cuprum* with
heats manifold.
(*Cuprum; copper, here it means personality and thinking.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(26)*****

152

Tou gofti az hayat-e-javidaan goey; bagosh mordaheyi paigham-e-jan

goey.
Walley goeyind ein na-haq shinasaan; keh taarikh-e-wafaat ein-o-aan
goey.
[Aap (S.A.W.) ka irshaad hai keh mien hayat-e-javidan ki baat karon; inn
mordah dilon kay kaan mein zindagi ka paigham phhonkon.
Magar yeh Haq na-shinaas mojh sey kehtey hein; keh aisey waisey lougon
ki taarikh-e-wafaat kahon.]
You bid me for a theme on bliss life long; on a dead ear sound a cheerful
song.
Those uncouth put me in a poets hat; to write a death date of this man or
that.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(27)*****

Rokham az dard-e-penhan zaafarani; tarawad khoon z-chash-earghwani.
Sakhon andar goloey mun girah bost; tou ahwaal-e-mera nagoftah
daani.
[Dard-e-penhan sey meyra chehrah zard hai; aur meyri sorkh aankhhon
sey khoon tappak raha hai.
Baat meyrey galley mein attak kay reh gaeyi hai; meyrey kehey baghair bhi,
Aap (S.A.W.) meyra haal jaantey hein.]
My face looks saffron from arcane* pain; the blood looks oozing from red
eyes veins.
The speech chokes throat and forms a knot; I cant speak though you know
my lot.**
(*Arcane; hidden, known to chosen only; sec esoterics; hidden signs known
by the few chosen (in mysticism). **Here Iqbal is picturising a phase of
direct link of ones heart with God, while talking in esoterics.)
153

(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(28)*****

Zoban-e-ma ghariban az nigaheist; hadis-e-dardmandan ashk-o-aaheist.
Koshadam chashm-o-ber bostam labb-e-khwaish; sakhon andar tariq-ema gonaheist.
[Nigah he hum gharibon ki zoban hai; ashk-o-aah he dardmandon ki
daastan hai.
Mien ney ankhh khholi aur hont bund rakhhey; hamarey mazhab mein
baat (shikayat) karna gonah hai.]
The meek utter hence of yonder glance; thus the ruthful dwell on sobs
parlance.
We keep eyes ope and seal the lips; in mystics code speech is a slip.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(29)*****

Khudi daadam z-khod na-mehramey ra; koshadam dar gul-e-oo
Zamzamey ra.
Badeh aan nalah-e-garmey keh azooey; basozam joz ghum-e-Deen her
ghumey ra.
[Mien ney oss (Mosilman) ko jo apney aap ko bhool choka thha khudi ka
dars diya; aur iss tarah oss ki khak kay andar chashmah-e-Zamzam khhoda.
Abb Aap (S.A.W.) mojhey aisa nalah-e-karam atta farmaein; keh mien (oss
kay dil sey) ghum-e-Deen kay allawah her ghum jala don.]
Those who knew not I preached them ego; for them I eer caused my fonts to
flow.
154

Bid me burning voice with whose sole flame; all griefs are burnt save thy
loves sole aim.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(30)*****

Daroon-e-ma bajoz dood-e-nafas neist; bajoz dast-e-Tou ma ra dastrus
neist.
Digar afsanah-e-ghum ba keh goeym? Keh andar seinah-ha ghair az Tou
kas neist.
[Hamarey andar sirf sans baqi hai, jo (aahon kay sabab) dhona bun choki
hai; Aap (S.A.W.) kay dast (-e-moshkil kosha) kay allawah aur kaheen
hamari rasaeyi naheen.
Hum apni daastan-e-ghum kissey sonaein; hamarey seinon (dilon) mein
Aap (S.A.W.) kay sawaey aur koeyi hai he naheen.]
What I hold in heart is grief and remorse. Save thee I have no access and
source.
My griefs inner tale to whom I can tell, You know in my bosom you only
dwell.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(31)*****

Gharibey dardmandey ney nawazey; z-soz-e-naghmah-e-khod dar
godazey.
155

Tou midaani chih mi-joyad, chih khwahad, dilley az her duo alam bey
niazey.
[Mien eik gharib, dardmand, naey nawaz (shaer) hon; apney naghmay
kay soz he mein pighhla jaa raha hon.
Aap (S.A.W.) khoob jantey hein keh aisa dil jo duonon jahanon sey bey
niaz ho; kis cheez ka joya hai, aur kaya chahta hai.]
A poor, ruthfull flutist1who taught loves tone; is melting himself in heat of
songs own.
You know what he seeks and what he wants; yet he needs not both the
worlds in grant.
(*Flutist; in Iqbals own terminology it means poet.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(32)*****

Num-o-rung az dum-e-baadey najoeym; z-faiz-e-aaftab-e-Tou beh roeym.
Nigaham az meh-o-pervin boland ast; sakhon ra ber mizaaj-e-kas
nagoeym.
[Mien (paudon ki manind dunya ki) hawa kay jhonkon sey numi aur rung
hasil karney ka khwahan naheen; mien tuo sirf Aap (S.A.W.) kay aaftab
(Siraajun Munira) kay faiz sey nashv-o-numa paana chahta hon.
Meyri nigah meh-o-pervin sey boland hai (mien kissi barrey sey barrey
dunyadar ko khatar mein naheen laata); iss leay kissi ka mazaaj deikhh kar
baat naheen karta (jo sehih samajhta hon kaeh deyta hon).]
I seek not my vigour* from morning air; from thy Suns boon I seek my
growth and care.
My glance goes higher than stars and moon; I write not verses for some
ones boon.
(*Nam-o-rang; moist and colour, lustre, beauty, freshness and form, as such
vigour covers this sense.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
156

*****(33)*****

Dar aan darya keh oo ra sahilay neist; dalil-e-ashiqaan ghair az dillay
neist.
Tou farmoodi reh-e-Batha gariftaim; wagarnah joz Tou ma ra manziley
neist.
[Ishq ka darya woh hai jiss ka koeyi kinarah naheen; wahan dil kay
sawaey ashiq; onn ka koeyi rahnuma naheen.
Aap (S.A.W.) ney farmaya tuo mien Makkah Makarmah chala gaya; vernah
Aap (S.A.W.) kay sawaey hamari aur koeyi manzil naheen.]
Iam in a sea which has no coast side; this heart is the lovers path and guide.
For thy sake at Mecca a halt I make; if not my journey was for thy sake.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(34)*****

Meran az dar keh moshtaq-e-hazooraim; az aan dardey keh daadi
nasabooraim.
Bafarma her chih mi-khwahi bajoz sabar; keh ma azoey duo sadd
farsung dooraim.

157

[Humein apney darwazey sey nah dhotkariay, hum Aap (S.A.W.) ki hazoori
kay moshtaq hein; apni mohabat ka dard jo Aap (S.A.W.) ney atta kaya hai,
iss kay sabab hum nasaboor hein.
Sabr ki baat nah karein, iss kay allawah jo chahein kaheen; kiyuonkeh hum
sabr sey suo farsung door hein.]
Drive not from door who are longing for thee; we are getting restive from
thy flames glee.*
So bid what ye wish, for patience ask, not; two hundred miles from it, the
heart has brought.
(*Iqbal has taken the idea from a couplet of Sheikh Saadi and formed his
own ellipsis on it.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(35)*****

Beh Afrangi bottaan
bagodakhtam mun.

dil

baakhtam

mun;

z-taab-e-Deiriyaan

Chonan az khwaishtan biganah boodam; cho deidam khwaish ra

nashanakhtam mun.
[Mien ney Farangi botton ko dil haar diya; aur ehl-e-bottkadah ki garmi
sey pighhal gaya.
Mien apney aap sey iss qadar biganah ho gaya; keh jabb mien ney apney
aap ko deikhha, tuo pehchan nah saka.]
On idols white my heart is sweet; it melts in Tinas* glamours heat.
So alien to self I made of me; I sought of my self but did not see.
(*Tina is a diminutive of Christina, a common name for a Christian girl,
whose masculine gender is Christie, also a common name for a Christian. It
was dim-cult to convey a true sense for Daeree of fane in English, being a
dichtomy of masita means one who belongs to mosque but he is not a
maulvi. Similarly daeree means who belongs to fane, not necessarily a
priest.)

158

(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(36)*****

Maey az maeykhanah-e-Maghrib chashidam; bajan-e-mun keh dard-e-sar
kharidam.
Nashistam ba nikoayan-e-Farangay; az aan bey soz-ter rozay nadeidam.
[Mien ney Europe kay maeykadah sey sharab chakhhi; apni jan ki qasam!
Sirf dard-e-sar he kharida.
Europe kay achhey lougon ki sohbat mein baithha; magar bey sood waqt
ganwaya.]
From Western taverns the wines* I take; I buy for my head a great headache.
With the nobles of West I sat for days; for me the worst days of my
flameless** stays.
(*The wines in Iqbals own terminology it means the culture and civilization
of a nation. **Without flame of love and taste.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(37)*****

Faqiram az Tou khwaham her chih khwaham; dil-e-kohey, kharash az
burg-e-kaaham.
159

Mera dars-e-hakimaan dard-e-sar daad; keh mun pervardah-e-faiz-enigaham.

[(Aap (S.A.W.) kay darwazey ka) faqir hon, jo maangta hon Aap (S.A.W.)
sey maangta hon; (meyri iltija hai keh) meyrey burg-e-kah sey paharr ka dil
kaat diya jaaey.
Falasfiyuon kay lecture meyrey leay dard-e-sar saabat hoay; kiyuonkeh
mien faiz-e-nigah ka pervardah hon.]
I seek from thy door, whatever I seek; bid a grass leaf* to peel a
Mountains** peak.
To me logic gave a headache great; but a glance changed all over my fate.
(*A poor man. **A big power.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(38)*****

Nah ba Mulla nah ba Sufi nashinam; Tou (S.A.W.) midaani keh mun
aanam, nah einam.
Nawis Allah ber lauh-e-dil-e-mun; keh hum khod ra hum oo ra faash
beinam.
[Nah mien Mulla kay pass baithha, nah Sufi kay pass; Aap (S.A.W.) jaantey
hein keh nah mien onn sey hon nah inn sey.
Meyrey dil ki takhti per lafz Allah raqam farma dein; ta-keh mien apney aap
ko bhi bey hijab deikhh lon aur Allah Taala ko bhi.]
With mullah or Sufi I do not sit; with this or that, you know I dont fit.
Thus write the word Allah on my hearts slate, to see Him and Self in a
lucent state.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(39)*****

160



Dil-e-ma gariftar-e-ghumey neist; nigahey hust, dar chashmash numey
neist.
Az aan bagraikhtam az maktab-e-oo; keh dar raig-e-Hijazash Zamzamey
neist.
[Mulla ka dil kissi ghum mein griftaar naheeh; oss ki ankhh mein beinaeyi
tuo hai magar numi naheen.
Mien oss kay maktab sey iss leay chala aya; kiyuonkeh oss ki raig-e-Hijaz
(mazhabi aloom) mein (roohaniyat ka chashmah) Zamzam naheen.]
The mullah never knows the pangs of grief; no tears ever flow in his eyes
and belief;
From his School of quacks I took to my heels; the sounds of desert
chants* his dust cant feel.
(*Here it means the sound of a chant of the caravans going to Holy land.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(40)*****

Sar-e-menber kalamash naishdaar ast; keh oo ra sadd kitab andar kinaar
ast.
Hazoor-e-Tou mun az khajlat nagoftam; z-khod penhaan-o-ber ma
aashkar ast.
[Woh menber per khharra ho kar chobhta hoa waaz kehta hai; kiyuonkeh
oss ki baghal mein sainkarron kotab hein.
Aap (S.A.W.) kay saamney mien ney sharam kay maarey baat naheen ki; keh
woh apney aap sey poshidah, magar hum per zahir hai.]
On pulpit his address a venom of bile; in arms, hundred books to cover his
wile.

161

In thy own House I talk not in shame; by himself though hid I feel His
flame.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(41)*****

Dil-e-sahib dilaan oo bord ya mun? Payam-e-shouq oo aawurd ya mun?
Mun-o-Mulla z-kaish-e-Deen duo teeraim; bafarma ber hadaf oo khord
ya mun?
[Sahib-e-dil hazraat ko oss ney matasir kiya hai, ya mien ney? payam-eshouq woh laya hai ya mein?
Mien aur Mulla tarkash-e-Deen kay duo teer hein; Aap (S.A.W.) he farmaein
ken nishanah per woh laga hai ya mien?]
The heart of lucent hearts he took or I? Thy message of love did he brought
or I?
Two shafts of Deens quiver are mullah and I; who took the right aim: did
mullah or I.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(42)*****

Gharibam darmiyan-e-mehfil-e-khwaish; Tou khod go ba keh goeym
moshkil-e-khwaish.
162

Az aan tarsam keh penhanam shawad faash; ghum-e-khod ra nagoeym ba

dil-e-khwaish.
[Mien apni mehfil mein ajnabi hon; Aap (S.A.W.) he farmaein keh mien
apni moshkil kis sey biyan karon
Mien darta hon keh kaheen meyra (raaz-e-) penhan faash nah ho jaaey;
iss leay mien apney dil ko bhi apna ghum naheen batata.]
An alien I am within my own race to whom I should take the Issues I face.
Those hidden pricks I fear to disclose; I tell not my griefs to heart, though
close.*
(*Iqbal feels that none is the friend of a man in this world save Allah
alone.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(43)*****

Dil-e-khod ra badast-e-kas nadaadam; girah az rooey kaar-e-khod
koshadam.
Beh ghair Allah kardam takiyah yakk baar; duo sadd baar az moqam-ekhod fatadam.
[Mien net apna dil kissi kay haath mein naheen diya; apney kaamon ki
girah khod he khholi hai.
Jabb kabhi mien ney eik baar ghair Allah per takiyah kiya; tuo duo sadd
baar apney moqam sey neichay gira.]
For any ones boon this heart owes not; with my own hand I opened each
tough knot.
I banked on else once save Allahs grace; I fell hundred times from selfs
high place.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(44)*****

163





Haman soz-e-janoon andar sar-e-mun; hamaan hungamah-ha andar ber
mun.
Hanooz az josh-e-toofaney keh bagozasht; niya-sood ast mouj-e-gohar-emun.
[Meyrey sar kay andar wohi (porana) soz-e-janon hai; (aur) meyrey pehloo
mein wohi poraney hungamey hein.
(Islam ka) woh josh-e-toofan, jo gozar choka hai; abhi takk oss sey meyrey
gohar (tabiyat) ki mouj por sakoon naheen hoeyi (abhi takk mien oss kay
intizaar mein hon).]
My craze still feels the same burning phase; all the old passions are still
ablaze. From impact of old storms which I feel still; the waves of my
pearls* get a new storms thrill.
(*Pearls (gauhar) in Persian also means intrinsic qualities (of a man) in
figurative sense.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(45)*****

Hanooz ein khak daraey sharar hust; hanooz ein seinah ra aah-e-sehar
hust.
Tajali raiz ber chashmam keh beini; baein piri mera taab-e-nazar hust.
[Abhi takk meyri khaak mein woh sharar baqi hai; abhi takk meyrey seinay
mein aah-e-sehar moujood hai.
Meyri chashm per apni tajali daliay; iss piri mein bhi meyrey andar
deikhhney ki sakat moujood hai.]
This dust still feels His living flame; to midnight sighs, the heart still claims.
164

Cast Thy visions light so that I may see; though old I have courage to bear
this glee.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(46)*****

Nigaham z-aanchih beinam bey niaz ast; dil az soz-e-daroonam dar
godaz ast.
Mun-o-ein asr bey akhlaas-o-bey soz; bago ba mun keh aakhar ein chih
raaz ast?
[Jo kochh mien deikhh raha hon (yaani dunya) oss sey meyri nigah bey
niaz hai; meyra dil soz-e-daron sey pighhlay jaa raha hai.
Mien aur yeh bey akhlkaas-o-bey soz dour! Farmaiay; keh aakhar yeh kaya
raaz hai.]
My glance looks not the worlds hollow game; the heart is melting from
inner flame.
I am in this world which lacks any flame; tell me after all what the secret
game is?
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(47)*****

Mera dar asr-e-bey soz aafridand; bakhakam jan-e-por shorey dameidand.
Cho nakh dar gardan-e-mun zindagani; Tou goeyi ber sar daaram
kashidand.
[Mojhey iss bey sood dour mein paida kiya; pher meyri khak (badan) mein
porshor jan phhonk di.

165

Meyri gardan mein zindagi phhandey ki manind phhansi hoeyi hai; goya
mojhey takhtah-e-daar per charrha diya gaya hai.]
I have been born in a flameless* age; in me nature kept a fire ablaze.
The life in my neck is like a thread; say they are tighting this thread in my
head.**
(*It means faithless. **Iqbal says Say they are dragging me on cross, (is the
literal translation) viz, to kill me. Here he is asking the Prophet to tell this
state to God as a passionate appeal of a lover.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(48)*****

Nagirad lalah-o-gul
aarzoeym.

rung-o-booeym;

daroon-e-seinah-um

mord

Ghum-e-penhan baharf andar nagunjad; agar gunjad chih goeym ba keh

goeym.
[Lalah-o-gul (awaam-un-naas) meyra rung-o-boo ikhtiyar naheen kartey;
meyri aarzoo meyrey seinay he mein khatam ho kay reh gaeyi hai.
Meyra ghum-e-penhan alfaaz mein naheen samata; agar samaa bhi sakkey
tuo kaya kahon aur kis sey kahon.]
The rose and poppy* lack my scent and shade.** All yearnings have died
in a bosom fade.
In words, the grief hidden cannot contain; if so, what to say, to whom to
explain?
(*An allusion, to members of his race. **It means my message. In his last
days this thought was always pinching his heart that his nation treats him
only as a poet. As such she is paying no attention to his message. As a last
resort this lover of the Prophet is making this appeal to the Holy Prophet,
which no doubt is the Qibla and Kaaba of each Muslim, against a
background of the Political affairs between 1927-37.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

166

*****(49)*****

Mun andar Mashriq-o-Maghrib gharibam; keh az yaraan-e-mehram bey
nasibam.
Ghum-e-khod ra bagoeym ba dil khwaish; chih maasoomanah ghorbat ra
fraibam.
[Mien Mashriq-o-Maghrib mein ajnabi hon; kiyuonkeh yaraan-e-raazdan
sey mehroom hon.
Apna ghum bus apney he dil sey kehta hon; kis maasoomanah andaz mein
apni tunhaeyi ko faraib deyta hon.]
So alien I am in West and East; no confidants true I have the least.
To heart Im telling my sorrowful mood; to cheat my solitude, like child I
brood.*
(*This is Iqbals soliloquy to himself, when he is feeling himself alone
without alter egos (friends) to have a tete-a-tete talk. Here alien means
lonely.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(50)*****

Talism-e-ilm-e-hazir
gosastam.

ra

shikastam;

raboodam

danah-o-daamash

Khoda danad keh manind-e-Brahim (A.S.); beh naar-e-oo chih bey perva
nashistam.
[Mien ney dour-e-hazir kay ilm ka talism torr diya; iss kay jaal kay neichay
sey danah othha liya.
167

Khoda janta hai keh Ibrahim (A.S.) ki manind; mien iss ki aag mein kis bey
pervaeyi sey baithha hon.]
I broke the magic of the modern age; I pounced on the grains and broke the
trap cage.
The God knows that in the Abrams wake; how fearless I sat in that fires
stake.*
(*A post to which a person was tied in olden days before being burned to
death as a punishment for heresy.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(51)*****

Beh chashm-e-mun nigah aawordah-e-tost; frogh-e-la ilah aawordah-etost.
Duo-charam kon beh sobh-e-mun raani; shabam ra taab-e-meh
aawordah-e-tost.
[Meyri ankhh mein nigah Aap (S.A.W.) ki badoulat hai; (meyrey qalb mein)
la ilah ka noor Aap ki anayat sey hai.
Aap (S.A.W.) he ney meyri raat ko chandni atta farmaeyi hai; (abb) mojhey
apney deidar ki sobh sey (bhi) mosharraf farnaiay!]
You have lit up my eyes with an insight; to thee owes hence, the Lailahs
light.
Bring a Dawn for me, with Thy Visions Scene; my night gets thy light, like
moonlight sheen.*
(*The origin of the Prophets being owes to the light (noor) of God. Noor
means Shine and Sheen, fire in the distance bloom, blossom, light, Gods
enlightenment. Thus every Prophet has a peculiar floor of Allah which can
he seen from earth to heaven when God wishes so. There is a Hadith of
Allahs Prophet whosoever saw me he saw the Almighty.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(52)*****
168





Cho khod ra dar kinaar-e-khod kashibam; beh noor-e-Tou moqam-ekhwaish deidam.
Darein deir az nawaey sobh-gahi; jahan-e-ishq-o-musti aafridam.
[Jabb mien ney apney aap ko apney aaghosh mein ley liya; tuo Aap (S.A.W.)
kay noor ki badoulat apna moqam deikhh liya.
Pher apni nawaey sobh-gahi sey; iss bottkadah (-e-jahan) kay andar sey
ishq-o-musti ki naeyi dunya paida ki.]
When I pressed myself in my own embrace; then I saw my place with thy
lights grace.
In this fane old with the morning tears mere; a world of love and daze lo I
cause here.*
(*At initiation stage some times a hug of the seeker with his guide becomes
a turning point of ones own life.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(53)*****

Darein alam bahisht-e-kharmey hust; bashaakh-e-oo z-ashk-e-mun
numey hust.
Nasib-e-oo hanooz aan haa-o-hoo neist; keh oo dar intizar-e-Adamey
hust.
[Issi dunya mein eik sarsabz-o-shadaab bahisht moujood hai; jiss ki
shaakhon per meyrey aansoon ki numi hai.
Magar iss mein abhi who ha-o-hoo ka hungamah paida naheen hoa; abhi
woh Adam kay intizar mein hai.]

169

The world has charms like paradise true; my tears give a moist to the shoots
too.
She lacks to her part that cry and hue; shes looking for a man for guidance
true.*
(*The nation is not in a position to cause a revolution in this world. She is
too weak for any important activity (for a cataclysmic change).
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(54)*****

Badeh oo ra jawan pakbaazey; saroorash az sharab-e-khanah saazey.
Qawi bazooey oo manind-e-Haider (R.A.); dil-e-oo az duo geeti bey
niazey.
[Issey aisa pakbaaz jawan atta farmaiay; jiss mein sharab-e-khanah saaz
ka saroor ho.
Jiss kay baazoo Haider-e-Karrar (R.A.) ki manind qawi hon; aur jiss ka dil
duonon jahanon sey bey niaz ho.]
Bid him O lord! A holy mans lead; who is proud of his home made wines
need.*
Like Hyder, the Lion whose arms are strong; for both worlds wealth he
would never long.
(*Home made wine In Iqbals own terminology this term applies to Islamic
traditions, culture and civilization.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(55)*****

170

Biya saqi bagardaan jaam-e-maey ra; z-maey sozindah-ter kon soz-enaey ra.
Digar aan dil baneh dar seinah-e-mun; keh paicham punjah-e-Kaoos-oKay ra.
[Saqi! Othh aur jaam-e-maey ko gardish mein la; aur maey sey meyrey
naghmah kay soz ko aur porsoz bana.
Eik baar pher meyrey seinah mein woh dil rakhh dey; keh mien Kaykaoos
aur Khosro ka punjah marorr don.]
Move around O bearer! The wine cups course; from wine give the flute
further burning force.
Bid me a heart in the bosom of mine; who can take tussels with the Kaisers
line.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(56)*****

Jahan az ishq-o-ishq az seinah-e-tost; saroorash az maey deirinah-e-tost.
Joz ein cheezay namidaanam z-Jibril; keh oo yakk johar az aeinah-etost.
[Jahan ki buniyad ishq per hai aur ishq Aap (S.A.W.) kay seinah-e-mobarik
sey milta hai; ishq ka saroor Aap (S.A.W.) ki sharab-e-kohnah per mouqood
hai.
Mien tuo Jibril kay baarey mein iss kay allawah aur kochh naheen janta;
keh woh Aap (S.A.W.) he kay aeinah ka eik johar hai.]
For the world of love the fount is thee; Thy old wine gives a constant glee.
The Gabe but told only one thing to me; that he is a drop while you are a
sea.*
(*In line 4 Iqbal used mirror against which I have written moon since
function of both is the same viz, reflection of light.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

171

*****(57)*****

Mera ein soz az faiz dum-e-Tost; beh taakam mouj maey az Zamzam-eTost.
Khajal molk-e-Jam az dervaishi-e-mun; keh dil dar seinah-e-mun
mehram-e-Tost.
[Mojhey yeh soz Aap (S.A.W.) kay faiz sey mila hai; meyrey angoor mein
maey (ishq) ki jo mouj hai, woh Aap kay Zamzam ki badoulat hai.
Meyri dervaishi sey Sultanat-e-Jam sharmindah hai; kiyuonkeh meyrey
seinah mein jo dil hai, woh Aap (S.A.W.) ka mehram hai (Aap (S.A.W.) kay
moqam ko pechanta hai).]
To me this burning a boon of thy glow; Thy fonts wine is waving in my
vine so.
In shame the Joins realm to my content bows; with thee as my heart had
tete-a-tete close.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(58)*****

Darein bottkhanah-e-dil ba kas na bostam; walaikan az moqam-e-khod
gosastam.
Z-mun imroz mikhwahad sajoodey; khodawandey keh di oo ra shikastam.
[Mien ney iss bottkhanah (dunya) mein kissi sey dil naheen lagaya; pher bhi
apney moqam sey hut gaya hon.
(Kiyuonkeh) woh (jhoota) khoda jissey mien kal torr choka hon; aaj pher
mojh sey sajdey ki tawaqo rakhhta hai.]

172

This heart, I tied not with aught in this fane; I lost selfs place in my own
eyes pane.
Now he is looking for my bows today; on whom I was ruling just the last
day.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(59)*****

Dameid aan lalah az mosht-e-ghobaram; keh khoonash mi-trawad az
kinaram.
Qaboolash kon z-rah-e-dilnawazi; keh mun ghair az dilley, cheezey
nadaaram.
[Meyri mosht-e-ghobar sey woh gul-e-lalah (dil) paida hoa; keh iss ka
khoon meyrey pehloo sey tapak raha hai.
Az rah-e-dilnawazi issey qabool farmaiay; kiyuonkeh meyrey pass iss dil
kay allawah aur kochh naheen (jo paish kar sakon).]
Grow that poppy* from the dust of mine; whose blood is dripping from my
hearts line.
This heart be received as a favour great; I have no fine offer than heart in
plate.
(*Here poppy mean a lovers heart in Iqbals own terminology which he
wants to present to his beloved in a plate.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(60)*****

173





Hazoor-e-Millat-e-Baiza tapeidam; nawaey dil godaazey aafridam.
Adab goeyd sakhon ra mokhtasir goey; tapeidam, aafridam, aarmidam.
[Mien Millat-e-Baiza kay hazoor tarrpa; mien ney eik nawaey dil godaaz
paida ki.
Adab ney kaha: Mokhtasir baat kar; (chonanchih) mien tarrpa. mien ney
(niya jahan) takhliq kiya, aur pher (aaghosh-e-lehad mein) araam sey lait
gaya.]
To my shining race I would love to groan; with new melting thought full of
moaning tone.
The etiquette calls for a brief parlance; I groan, making tones and wish a rest
hence. (Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(61)*****

Basidq-e-fitrat-e-rindanah-e-mun; basoz-e-aah-e-bitaabanah-e-mun.
Badeh aan khak ra abr-e-baharey; keh dar aaghosh girad danah-e-mun.
[Meyri fitrat-e-ridanah kay sadqah mein; meyri aah-e-bey taab kay soz ko
malhooz rakhhtey hoay.
Iss khak ko jo apney andar meyrey afkaar ki rooh samo ley; abr-e-bahaar
atta farmaiay.]
For the sake of truth of my free lance tone; for the sake of my sighs
impatient groan.
For them I pray for clouds of vernal rain; who made a best use of my fruits
and grains.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(62)*****
174





Dilley ber kaff nehadam, dilbarey neist; mataey daashtam, gharatgarey
neist.
Daroon-e-seinah-e-mun manzilay geer; Modilmaney z-mun tunha-terey
neist.
[Mien hathhaili per dil leay pherta hon, koeyi dilbar naheen; samaan
rakhhta hon, koeyi lootney wala naheen.
Meyrey seinah ko apna ghhar bana lijiay; aaj mojh sey ziyadah tunha
Mosilman aur koeyi naheen.]
I hold a heart in hand find not a beau; a treasure I have but no robbers Lo;
I pray thee to make in my heart a place; how much lonely I am there is no
case.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(63)*****

Cho Rumi dar Haram daadam azan-e-mun; azo aamokhtam asrar-e-jane-mun.
Beh dour-e-fitnah-e-asr-e-koham, oo; beh dour-e-fitnah-e-asr-e-rawaane-mun.
[Mien ney Rumi ki manind Haram mein azan di hai; issi sey mien ney
rouhani asrar seikhhay hein.
Pichhlay dour kay fitnah ka moqablah oss ney kiya; dour-e-hazir kay fitnah
sey mien nabard aazma hoa hon.]
Like Rumi I raised His call in Harem whole; from whom I learnt secret
knowledge of soul.

175

He passed through the crises of his time; I am going too through crisis and
crime.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(64)*****

Gulistaney z-khak-e-mun ber angaiz; num-e-chashmam bakhoon-e-lalah
aamaiz.
Agar shayan neim taigh-e-Ali ra; nigahey duo cho shamshir-e-Ali taiz.
[Meyri khak sey gulistan paida farmaiay! Khoon-e-lalah mein meyri ankhh
ki nami bhi mila dijiay.
Agar mien taigh-e-Ali (R.A. ki shan) kay shayan naheen; tuo mojhey aisi
nigah atta farma dijiay, jo taigh-e-Ali (R.A.) ki manind taiz ho.]
Raise a garden new from dust of mine; mix a poppys blood to my tears
shine.
If Im not fit for Hyders sword and lance; as sharp as his lance give me a
glance.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(65)*****

176

Mosilman ta basahil aarmeid ast; khajal az behar-o-az khod na-ummeid

ast.
Joz ein mard-e-faqiray dardmandey; jirahat-haey penhanash keh deid
ast.
[Yeh Mosilman jo behar (-e-hayat) sey sharmindah aur apney aap sey naummeid ho kar sahil per baithh gaya hai;
Mojh faqir-e-dardmand kay sawaey aur kis ney iss kay poshidah zakham
deikhhay hein.]
A Muslim is resting from coast to coast; on self he lost hopes, is shy of sea
most.
Save this poor soul a pathos who keeps; who sees hidden wounds* when his
heart weeps.
(*Here it means who has seen (the wounds of a Muslim?)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(66)*****

Keh goft oo ra keh ayad booey yaarey? Keh daad oo ra ummeid-enaubahaarey?
Choon aan soz-e-kohan raft az dum-e-oo; keh zadd ber neistaan-e-oo
shararey?
[Kis ney issey kaha keh (na-ummeid nah ho) dost ki khoshboo aa-rehi hai;
kis ney issey niay dour-e-bahaar ki khoshkhabri di.
Jabb iss kay dum sey porana soz jata raha; tuo kis ney iss kay neistan per
(niya) sharar phhainka.]
Who told him I smell thee under the rose; to give him good news of a
spring tide close.
When I saw not in him thy old flames blaze; with a new spark I set his
caneswood ablaze.*
(*Here Iqbal is addressing the Holy Prophet, I have given them (my nation)
a new hope to receive the Prophets flame of love inspite of the fact that She
177

is passing though a process of decline, I have told them not to be

disappointed.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(67)*****

Z-behar khod bajooey mun gohar deh; mataa-e-mun bakoh-o-dasht-odar deh.
Dilam nakashood az aan toofan keh daadey; mera shorey z-toofaney
digar deh.
[Apney samandar sey meyri nadi mein moti daal dijiay; pher meyri iss
mataa ko paharron, daryaon aur abadiyuon mein bakhhair dijiay.
Aap (S.A.W.) ney mojhey jo toofan atta farmaya hai, iss sey meyra dil pori
tarah motmain naheen; mojhey eik aur toofan ka shor (-o-hungamah) atta
farmaiay.]
From thy own main give pearls to my rill; my gems to each door, each land
and hill.
That gale did not ope my hearts shut door; bid a verve anew and a gale
more.*
(*Basic thought (A lover is never satisfied with one glance of the beloved.
As such the poet the lover is craving for more and more, a new glimpse
ever.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(68)*****
178





Bajalwat-e-ney nawazi-haey mun bein; bakhalwat-e-khod godaazi-haey
mun bein.
Gariftam noktah-e-faqr az niyagaan; z-sultan bey niazi-haey mun bein.
[Jalwat mein meyri naghmah saraeyi malahezah farmaiay! Khalwat mein
meyra apney aap ko ghum mein ghhola deyna deikhhiay.
Mien ney bazorgon sey faqr ka noktah paya hai; sultan sey meyri bey niazi
deikhhiay. (Qumon ki taqdir woh mard-e-dervaish; jiss ney nah dhondi
sultan ki dargah Iqbal.)]
In a gathering see my flutes tones sweet; and self-melting phase1 in a lone
retreat.
I learnt the Faqrs path from fore-fathers trait; to care not ever for any king
great.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(69)*****

Beher haaley keh boodam khwaish saroodam; niqaab az rooey her
maani kashoodam.
Mapors az iztirab-e-mun keh ba dost; dummey boodam dummey digar
naboodam.
[Mien jiss haal mein bhi thha, khoob naghmah saraeyi ki; mien ney her raaz
(-e-hayat) kay chehray sey pardah hata diya.
Meyri bey qarari nah poochhiay eik lamah mien dost kay saath hota; aur
doosarey lamah oss sey joda hota.]
I kept beaming face in this or that case; I raised the old veils from the
meaning face.
179

At such a high pitch to craves I brought; that one breath I had the other had
not.*
(*Here craves means verve; excitement.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(70*****

Sharik-e-dard-o-soz-e-lalah boodam; zamir-e-zindagi ra wa-namoodam.
Nadaanam ba keh goftam noktah-e-shouq; keh tunha boodam-o-tunha
saroodam.
[Mien gul-e-lalah kay dard-o-soz mein shrik raha hon; mien ney zindagi ka
zamir ayan kar diya hai.
Naheen janta mien ney kissi sey mohabat ka noktah biyan kiya ho;
kiyuonkeh mien tunha he raha aur tunha he naghmah saraeyi ki (koeyi
mehram raaz naheen mila).]
I have shared the poppys* flame and pain; to conscience of life I woke up
again.
I know not whom I taught a zealous tone**, as I was alone, and harping
alone.
(*Poppy; each man of the nation. **A lamentation on the apathy of young
race.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(71)*****

180




Banoor-e-Tou ber afrozam nigah ra; keh beinam andaroon-e-mehr-o-meh
ra.
Cho mi-goeym Mosilmanam balarzam; keh daanam moshkilaat-e-la ilah
ra.
[Aap (S.A.W.) kay noor sey apni nigah kay leay roshni hasil kar raha hon;
ta-keh mehr-o-meh ka andaroon deikhh sakon.
Jabb kehta hon: Mien Mosilman hon, tuo larz jata hon; kiyuonkeh mien
la ilah ki moshkilaat ko jaanta hon. (Yeh shahadat-geh-e-olfat mein qadam
rakhhna hai; loug aasan samajhtey hein Mosilman hona Iqbal.)]
With thy light alone I lit up my glance; I make a peep through the sun and
moon hence.
Saying Im Muslim I shudder with shame; I know the hard task of Lailahs
name.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(72)*****

Bakooey Tou godaz yakk nawa bus; mera ein ibtida ein intiha bus.
Kharab juraat-e-aan rind-e-paakam; Khoda ra goft ma ra Mustafa
(S.A.W.) bus.
[Aap (S.A.W.) kay koochey mein eik nawaey dil-godaaz meyrey leay kafi hai;
yehi meyrey shouq ki ibtida hai aur yehi intiha.
Mien iss pak teinat rind ki joraat ka shaidaeyi hon; jiss ney Allah Taala
sey kaha thha, mojhey Rasool-e-Pak (S.A.W.) bus hein.]
I need in thy land just a melting sigh; to me this is first and last aim to die.

181

Ho! The daring sot who said to Gods Grace; I need from Thee only
Mustafas face.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

SET 12
*****(1)*****

Z-shouq aamokhtam aan ha-o-hooey; keh az sungay kashaid aabjooey.
Humein yakk aarzoo daaram keh Javid; z-ishq-e-Tou bagirad rung-obooey.
[Mojhey shouq (mohabat) ney woh ha-o-hoo sikhha di; jo pathar sey
chashmah jaari kar deyti hai.
Abb meyri sirf yehi eik aarzoo hai; keh Javid ko Aap (S.A.W.) kay ishq ki
chaashni nasib ho.]
I hold very dear that roaring roar; which cuts a spring from mountain core.
For Javed I cherish and crave the same; from Thy love he gets his grandeur
and fame.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

182



Yakkey banigrad Farangi kaj kullahan; tou goeyi aaftabanand-o-mahaan.
Jawan-e-saadah-e-mun garam khoon ast; nigah daarash azein kafir
nigahaan.
[Zara kaj kullah Farangi haseinon ko deikhhein; goya chunday aaftab
chunday mehtaab hein.
Meyra sadah dil naujawan garm khoon hai, inn kafir nigahon sey iss ki
hifazat farmaiay.]
Look to these saucy anglican maids; as if suns and moons have come for
raids.
My simple young nation keeps a blood warm, Beware! The heathen eyes
sensual storm1
(The above quatrain (twin couplet) is addressed to his son Javed, when he
saw a few English girls in almost nude dress.) (Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(3)*****

Badeh dastey z-pa aftaadgan ra; beh ghair Allah dil nadaadgan ra.
Az aan aatish keh jan-e-mun ber afrokht; nasibey deh Mosilman zaadgan
ra.
[Inn giray hoay Mosilmanon ki dastgiri farmaiay! Jinnhon ney Allah kay
sawaey aur kissi ko dil naheen diya.
Jiss aatish (-e-ishq) ney meyra andaroon chamka diya hai; woh onn
Mosilman zaadon ko bhi atta farnaiay!]
Give a helping hand to those who are weak; they look not to aught, but Allah
they seek.
From that fires flame which kindled my heart; bid the Muslim boys a wee
bit part.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
183

SET 13
Prayers for Saudi rulers with some words of advice.
*****(1)*****

Tou hum aan maey bagir az saaghar-e-dost; keh baashi ta abad andar ber
dost.
Sajoodey neist ay Abdul Aziz ein; baroobam az mozzah-e-khak dar dost.
[Ay Abdul Aziz (Ibn-e-Saud) tou bhi saaghar-e-dost sey woh sharab-e-ishq
pei; ta-keh tou hamaishah Mehboob kay pehloo mein rehey.
Mien yahan sajdah naheen kar raha; balkeh dar-e-Dost (S.A.W.) ki khak
apni palkon sey saaf kar raha hon.]
You too take the wine from friends cup warm; to be for ever in the friends
arm.
No bows are these O, Aziz of Arab land; from eyelash Im dusting my
friends door sand.*
(*In Arabic and Persian Arab is pronounced as A-rb; Arab and urb means
Arabs living in towns who keep a good breed of horses.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(2)*****

Tou Sultan-e-Hijazi mun faqiram; walley dar kishwar-e-maani amiram.
Jahaney ko z-tokham-e-la ilah rust; biya banigar beh aaghosh-ezamiram

184

[(Ay Ibn-e-Saud!) Tou Hijaz ka sultan hai aur mien eik faqir hon; (hon
faqir) magar walayat-e-maani ka amir hon.
Aa, meyrey aaghosh-e-zamir mein woh jahan deikhh; jo la ilah kay beij sey
paida hoa hai.]
A poor man Im, you hold the Arabs reign; I hold a kings place in
meanings domain.
A world which grew up from Lailahs seed; its root are quite deep in my
faith and creed.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(3)*****

Sarapa dard-e-darmaan napaziram; nah pindaari zaboon-o-zaar-o-piram.
Hanoozam dar kamaney mitawaan ranad; z-kaish-e-millatey aftaadah
teeram.
[Agarchih mien sarapa dard hon aur dard bhi aisa jo la-ilaaj hai (dard-emohabat ki taraf asharah hai); magar tou yeh gomaan nah kar keh mien
zaar-o-zaboon-o-zaeef hon.
Abhi mojhey kamaan mein rakhh kar chalaya sakta hai; mien Millat (he)
kay tarkash sey gira hoa teer hon.]
A look of pain Im and see no cure quick; I boast not but weep being old,
weak and sick. Im lost arrow though, put in nations bow; use me again if
the nation thinks so.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(4)*****

185





Biya ba-hum dar aawaizam-o-raqsaim; z-geeti dil ber angaizam-oraqsaim.
Yakkey andar harim-e-koochah-e-dost;
raizam-o-raqsaim.

z-chashman

ashk-e-khoon

[Aa, hum bahum mil kar raqs karein; dunya sey dil othha lein aur raqs
karein.
Kooey Mehboob (S.A.W.) kay harim mein; aankhhon sey khoon kay aansoo
bahain aur raqs karein.]
Let us join hands to dance in his flame; leave the world whole and dance for
his name.
For a short while in the sweet beaus lane; we dance* till the tears make the
bloods rain.
(*It is a well known term used by all the past mystics and as well as by
Iqbal. In mystics esoterics or arcane signs it means frenzy in their beloved
Prophets love. As such raqs-i-tan (dance of booy) means dedication of
ones body for the cause of the Prophet and Allah). Raqs-i.-jan means dance
of soul.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
*****(5)*****

Tera andar biyabaney moqam ast; keh shaamash choon sehar-e-aeinah
faam ast.
Beher jaaney keh khwahi khaimah gostar; tanaab az deigraan jostan
haraam ast.
[Teyra moqam aisey sehra mein hai; jiss ki shaam bhi sobh ki manind
roshan-o-shaffaf hai.
186

Jahan chahey apna khaimah laga; (magar itna khayal rakhh keh)
doosaron sey tanaab maangana (yaani Farangiyuon ka sahara dhondna)
haraam hai.]
You hold a high place in the deserts land; whose eyes are bright like a
mirror house grand.
Where eer you wish you may pitch up the tents; but ban a feast there if the
tent chords are lent.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

*****(6)*****

Mosilmanaim-o-azad az makanaim; baroon az halqah-e-neh aasmanaim.
Bama aamokhtand aan sajdah kazooey; bahaey her khodawandey
badanaim.
[Hum Mosilman qiad-e-makan sey azad hein; hum nou aasmanon kay
halqah sey bahar hein.
Humein aisa sajdah sikhhaya gaya hai; jiss sey hum her khodawand
(maabood-e-baatil) ki qimat pehchan jaatey hein.]
Being Muslims we make no home and false ties; from a circle aloof, we are
nine skies.
He taught us a kowtow from which we know; the price of each god to whom
the men how.
(In East it is a sort of humble way to address oneself as a poor dervesh, as a
poor Soov, a sinner. It does not mean actually drunk. It is just an etiquette to
address ones self in an humble way.)
(Translated by Q A Kabir)

187

*****(7)*****

Z-Afrangi sanam biganah-e-tou shau; keh paimanash nami aarzad
bayakk jao.
Nigahey waam kon az chashm-e-Farooq; qadam bibaak neh dar alam-enau.
[Farangi bott sey la taaloq ho jaa; oss kay ehad-o-paiman ki qimat eik jao
kay brabar bhi naheen.
Farooq-e-Azam (R.A.) sey nigah qarz ley; aur eik niay jahan mein bey
baaki sey qadam rakhh (ehal-e-Maghrib per eitibar nah kar, balkeh apna
niya jahan paida kar).]
To Anglian idols pay not a heed; the worth of her bonds is not a malts seed.
From the Farooqs bold eyes borrow a glance; make a fearless jump in the
new age hence.
(Translated by Q A Kabir)
27th January, 2014

188

189