Monday 30 June 2014

Ramazaan

The holy month of Ramazaan started yesterday here in UK. As Ramazaan is in summer now, the days here are very long. The duration of the fast in UK is nearly 19 hours.



The good thing about Ramazaan in UK is that even though it is summer and the duration of the fast is quite long, one doesn't feel very thirsty compared to India. To fast in summer months in India is really a test.

Insha Allah, I pray to Allah that I am able to keep all the roza this year.
Hopefully, I maybe able to work from home most of the days and hence that will make things easier.

As the duration of the Roza this year in UK has become very long, there is some talk if there can be some Fatwa to follow Saudi to reduce the duration. This is being followed in Scandinavian countries which are closer to the North Pole.One of my cousins Faiz Bhaiya lives in Norway and they follow this Fatwa there. The days in the summer there can become as long as 21 or 22 hours !!








Thursday 26 June 2014

Moeen Ali - Breaking Stereotypes

Moeen Ali, in his second test for England scored a 'back to the wall' unbeaten 108 against Sri Lanka and almost saved England from inevitable defeat. England came agonizingly close to a draw and lost with only 1 ball to spare. This was no doubt a wonderful Test Series with nail-biting finishes and showcased all that is great about Test Cricket.


What stood out in the second test was Moeen's defiant hundred and the story inside the story. Moeen is a British Muslim and very visibly so. His long flowing beard has become his trademark. He is not the first and certainly will not be the last British Muslim to play for England. But he is different from the others in the way he has decided to so visibly demonstrate his British Muslim identity. One can see examples of this in other countries like Hashim Amla and many in Pakistan like Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam, Saeed Anwar, Mushtaq Ahmad etc.

In these times when prejudices against Muslims is on the rise, a very long flowing beard does make some people uncomfortable. This is unfortunate but it is the reality. Even in Moeen's case, a spectator made a ridiculous comment that he should be blowing up buildings rather than playing cricket for England.

Moeen being born and brought up in England, knows fully well that his appearance might cause some discomfort among certain people. But he is a mature young man, who believes that his British identity can co-exist well with his Muslim identity.

He is now changing perceptions by his performances on the field. Some people who made these regrettable comments about him had to eat humble pie when he stood tall on the final day of the second test amid the ruins and fought the hardest to save England from defeat. With his fighting knock he made a statement. He deservedly got a standing ovation from the crowd.

Moeen's story reminds me of C. L. R. James cricket classic 'Beyond a Boundary'. The theme of this book is that sport is a vehicle for social change. Perceptions and prejudices can be changed through sport. It describes how Sir Frank Worrell became the first black to captain the West Indies. He was respected by everyone, black or white, due to his sublime character and great cricketing ability and leadership.

The social significance of Moeen's knock apart, he has emerged as an exciting prospect for England. He is a exciting left-handed strokemaker, who can be solid too. He is a right hand offbreak bowler too. He has learnt the 'doosra' from Saeed Ajmal. He is a mature and intelligent man who has captained at junior levels.

After the departure of Kevin Peitersen, Moeen just might provide the excitement which English cricket desperately needs.

I will be closely following the progress of Moeen.




Monday 23 June 2014

Making a 'Goonj' at Goonj-90

My friend and Guest Blogger Pradipto Chakraborty takes us down memory lane to Goonj-90......the cultural fest which happened in Ranchi in 1990. We not only enjoyed it to the max but also became Quiz Champs........a very memorable event from our college days.............


Pradipto once again amazes with his excellent recollection of these events................
********************************************************************************
SUMMER CLEANING AND A DISCOVERY

Sometime during March or April every year apartment dwellers in Delhi indulge themselves in a day long activity that is critical for their scorching summer existence - I call it the “annual trunk swap”!

Out of the blue, one fine spring morning Delhiites wake up to realize that they do not need the woolen stuff anymore and the heat jumps in with such a vengeance that even to look at these makes one sweat. Almost everyone is caught unprepared – AC’s are not serviced, coolers are not cleaned, refrigerator bottles are not washed, quilts lie about in the bed and summer clothes are frustratingly elusive inside packed trunks. The more efficient lot quickly gets into action and makes the swap latest by April end – woolens inside, T-Shirts outside. In fact families also utilize this day for general cleaning of hidden spots in the house.

For working couple like us however, this fateful day hangs like a sword of Damocles on our heads and features incessantly on our weekend to dos. We keep postponing this activity till the farthest possible and in most years the quintessential spring cleaning becomes a summer cleaning. This year was worse since we had a three year hat-trick of stuffing stuff here and there without disposing old clothing and rearranging objects we did not know we possessed. We took the opportunity of a week’s PTO (Personal time off) to do the inevitable. It was a full day of hard work and we caustically jumped into hell – right after spending a stupendous week in the colder realms of Himachal Pradesh. Delhi, by the way is searing around 40 Celsius at this time and the thought of sweating it out was debilitating.

Anyway, we got into the job and tried our best to involve the kids as well. What started out over the philosophical dilemma of “to throw or not to throw” ended up in the discovery of few objects of tremendous emotional value. There were old letters, photos, greeting cards, books and souvenirs from our school, college and University days. But the most prized finding was a worn down deep gray “Firayalal Stores” polythene bag tucked in one of the trunks that travelled with me like a soul mate through bachelorhood and the five houses that we changed during fourteen years of our marriage.  Inside the bag were some rusted medals and this trophy that my friend Azfar would immediately identify – First prize for Quiz competition in Goonj 1991 organized by Prabhat Khabar, the first English daily published from Ranchi.



Established in Hindi during the mid-Eighties, Prabhat Khabar (or PRAKHAR) gave a stiff competition to the then leader ‘Ranchi Express’. The higher readership of Prakhar was more to do with the novelty of a new journal than to the quality of news. It still contained news items like “Neighbour assaulted for stealing hen in Pathalkudua” and similar extremities of mundaneness. In the late Eighties, they launched the English version and dreamed of competing against with The Telegraph (which was imported from Calcutta and edited by M. J. Akbar) for local market share. To create visibility, Prakhar embarked on a blitzkrieg marketing drive. New media marketing ideas like bill board hoardings, kiosk selling, pamphlet distribution and social marketing were introduced in Ranchi. To top it, they announced a Cultural bonanza in 1990 named “Goonj 1990'. It was a city wide competition among colleges on intellectual activities like debating, music, dance, quiz and extempore. Ranchi had never seen anything of this magnitude.

As evident, we represented St. Xavier’s College in the quiz event and bagged the top spot. That year Swayandip, our champion had moved to JNU and as far as I remember we replaced our third member with a spitfire guy called Aditya Nath Jha alias Nacha. He was one heck of an orator, but not as good at trivia quizzing. Nevertheless, we won. What happened in the competition has been completely erased out from my memory, but I clearly remember the awards function.

The awards ceremony was held in the auditorium of CCL (Central Coalfields Limited, Ranchi) and it was an unprecedented event for Ranchi standards. The hall was teeming with boys and girls of city colleges. It was a proud moment for us to hear our names being announced and to step on the stage to accept the award. In our earnest excitement of youth, we nearly delivered an acceptance speech a-la The Grammies, which were first broadcast on Indian television during that era.

It was also our first evening of head-banging at a live rock concert. The opening act was by a local Ranchi band called Salem Group. They had become extremely popular in town with their Chotanagpuri numbers and especially a song called “Jani Man kar Fashion”. The lyrics go this way:

Janni Mann kar Faission, haye re faission (2)
Aggay Nikal Jaat Aye
Mardan ke  gore talle,
Bhuiya Khisak Jaat Aye (2)

Roughly translated, it meant that the women are turning into fashionistas, leaving menfolk far behind. This is causing the world below the men’s’ feet vanish.


The composition was excellent and had interludes of death metal chords. It’s sad that the group disintegrated quickly due to lack of acceptance for Chotanagpuri rock!



The signature act of the evening soiree however, was by an iconic band from Calcutta called “Shiva and Friends”. They are in fact one of the earliest indigenous hard rock / metal ensemble from our country and were contemporaries to the legendary Rock Machine of Mumbai (later known as Indus Creed). The front man on lead guitar was a genius called Amyt Datta. His guitar work was sublime and what struck me was his stage presence. Unlike typical rock junkies, Amyt came on stage wearing a spotless while full sleeved shirt (buttoned up) and did not believe in any kind of histrionics. His guitar did the talking and the gig blew our mind. They belted out excellent covers of anthems like “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Smoke on the Water”. I was initiated to rock a couple of years back through another set of friends, who incidentally were Azfar’s school mates - Ronik Gupta, Sumit (SuSu) Khanna and Amitabh Shee and to recognize the lyrics and sing along with Shiva and Friends was an unforgettable experience. We screamed ourselves hoarse for the 2 hours of their performance. I vividly remember Danish, our most “un-rockly” friend looking ridiculously funny shaking his head back and forth attempting to match the beats like a thorough-bred rock fanatic. The next time Danish went to a rock show with me, he …. Believe it or not ….slept !!
That was Parikrama, 2004.

The usual close of life in Ranchi used to be seven in those days, but that evening I reached back home well past ten. As you would expect, my parents excused my late coming - thanks to the trophy in question!
*******************************************************************************
From Azfar

Goonj-90 was a cultural bonanza for the youth of Ranchi. We really enjoyed it and by becoming the 'Quiz Champs'.....added to our 'intellectual reputation' !!

Also, my sister Saba and my cousin sisters Moni and Nasheed Bajia participated in Antakshri and won a prize too. (I think they came first)

Another cousin sister of mine Shaky Bajia and her  friends (Shraddha Didi, Shukla Didi, Boju Bhaiya, Montu Bhaiya etc etc) were part of the organizers and my cousin brother Tabish Bhaiya was also very active. 
So they may also have their own recollections.
Hence, As a family we have very fond memories of Goonj-90.

** If memory serves me right the Prize Distribution Function took place in CCL (Central Coalfields Limited) Hall (not Guru Nanak School Hall)

Friday 20 June 2014

Aahistaa Ladiss.....Patla Ladiss.....& Other Stories

My native place is Ranchi which is now the capital of Jharkhand. I spent my childhood and college days there. The language spoken by the ordinary 'Ranchiite' has a flovour of its own. It is a combination of Hindi and Adivasi languages. Ranchi is part of the tribal region of Jharkhand and is inhabited by a large number of Adivasis. They were instrumental in the creation of the state of Jharkhand in 2000.

                                            The iconic 'Firayalal Chowk' , Ranchi

In my childhood and college days, I had the opportunity to come across some real tapori (to use a Bambaiyya slang) characters in Ranchi.

The public transport buses would have a 'Khalaasi' (also called 'cleaner') who would be hanging at the door and would assist the driver by shouting things like 'Chal Barha Ke' (Move On) and 'Rok Ke' (Stop). His role was very important on the crowded roads and the unruly traffic of Indian roads. He would bang the door or shout when someone had to get down. Normally these Khalaasi's would be young boys and would show all kinds of Hero-panti while discharging their duties. Their whole body would be hanging out of the bus and they would be displaying all kinds acrobatics...............and they had their own unique styles of shouting and calling out.

There was this Khalaasi in the mini-bus I used to travel in, who would shout whenever a lady passenger had to get down 'Aahistaa.......Ladiss'  आहिस्ता.... लेडिस (slow down......lady getting down....). He would do this only when a lady passenger had to get down. When a gentleman had to get down the bus would not stop, it will only slow down. The guy was supposed to jump and run for some distance till he was able to stop without falling over. Hence the 'Aahistaa Ladiss' call was a great example of chivalry shown by the 'Khalaasi' towards the fairer sex !!

On another occasion I was travelling in a Tempo (auto-rickshaw) on Main Road, Ranchi. These Auto-wallahs were notorious for piling on 7 passengers (apart from himself) on a vehicle which was meant to carry at most 5 people including the driver!! The passengers would be mercilessly squeezed together.........the auto-wallah himself would be perched on the very edge of the seat and his body would be contorted while driving......it was a scene from a circus !!

On that day there were 3 people already on the backseat. There was no space left but this auto-wallah was desperately looking for another passenger to 'adjust' in the back seat. I was sitting next to him on the front seat. He would give a look of disgust to any 'fat' passenger. While driving and looking around he turned to me and said with a lot of passion -
'Boss, ek patla ladiss mil jaata na........' 
To this day I am left wondering why he specifically wanted a 'patla ladiss' (slim lady) and not a 'patla gent'..........afterall, all he needed was a passenger and not a life partner !!

We had many adivasi friends and classmates. The adivasi girls had a peculiar talking style in which they would use very chaste Hindi words...............sample.....

In a bus 2 girls were sitting on a seat meant for 2......the bus is jam packed. A third girls standing next to these 2 requests them -
'Thora jagah de na re' थोरा जगह दे ना रे .......

To this one of the girls sitting on the seat replies -
'Main kaise jagah du re.....main to swayam hi sanchep main baithi hu' !!
मैं कैसे जगह दूँ रे , मैं तो स्वयं ही संक्षेप में बैठी हूँ

Exact translation of this in English would be 'How can I give you place, my dear, I am myself sitting in 'brief''.........-:)

'Sanchep' is a powerful Hindi word but is a wholly inappropriate choice for this situation !!

Some Adivasi boys while doing dadagiri would also say things like 'Betta humko chinhta hai ki nahin......saala mastisk मष्तिस्क main goli maraenge to aar paar ho jayega'............

While playing cricket we had players with very little knowledge of the game who would appeal - 'Out Dail' आउट दाइल ...............and say things like -
Humko thora borolene (bowling!!) de na re -:)

They would also use english words is a unique style -
Hamra aaj bothereson (botheration) ho giloo, baba (this means - I got into a fight today!)

Those were the days !!











Thursday 19 June 2014

Heartbreak for England......Again....

Just now England lost 2-1 to Uruguay....with this their World Cup campaign is virtually over barring some mathematical miracle.
So the World Cup agony for England continues.......to be honest in both the matches they lost 1-2 they played attacking and attractive football but lacked the finish. They kept creating opportunities but just couldn't convert them. Whereas in both matches their opponents Italy and Uruguay converted the few opportunities they got. 
Today Suarez was brilliant, scoring both the goals. The only consolation for England being, Rooney at last scored his first goal in World Cup in his 3rd attempt.



The highlight so far of this World Cup is the high number of goals being scored.....the average being 3 per match..... 

This World Cup is looking pretty open now. The defending champs Spain is out in the first round. Brazil is not looking as good as we thought. Germany has been perhaps the best team so far followed by Holland but it is still early days.

Masha Allah, Manjhale Abbi is recovering well after his operation.

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Sangakkara


Day before yesterday the England - Sri Lanka Test Match ended in the most tantalizing draw. Sri Lanka was 9 down but England couldn't get the last man Nuwan Pradeep who played out the last 5 balls from Stuart Broad. This Test at Lord's saw an outstanding contribution by Sangakkara. He made 147 and 61.  


Sangakkara's batting figures are quite formidable. He has a career average of nearly 59 and his average in 75 tests when he was not the wicketkeeper is 70+. This is next only to Don Bradman in the history of the game.

Now people are waking up to the fact that Sangakkara deserves to be ranked alongside Sachin, Ponting, Dravid, Kallis & Lara. This is what a century at Lord's can do.......Real cricket lovers knew this for uite some time but for the English to recognize this, takes a great performance at Lord's !!

Sangakkara is improving with age, his records keeps getting better & better, even his ODI record.



Apart form being a great batsman, he is a very intelligent and erudite man, someone like Rahul Dravid. He is a lawyer by profession, and a wonderful public speaker too.

Giving up the captaincy has also done him a world of good.

There was another rather weird ODI match played yesterday. India were all out for 105 but then they dismissed Bangladesh for 58 !! Stuart Binny taking 6 for 4, the best ever performance by an Indian bowler in ODIs. The whole match lasted only 43 overs !!

Today my Manjhale Abbi (Dr Naiyer Alam) has undergone Bypass Surgery. The operation is over now and he has been moved to recovery room now. We pray for his speedy recovery, Insha Allah. My parents have also gone to Delhi when they came to know that Manjhale Abbi will be undergoing this major operation.

Sunday 15 June 2014

The Criminal Lawyer of Allahabad


I wrote this article in 1999.

The Criminal Lawyer of Allahabad

This encounter took place somewhere in the early 1990’s on a train in India. I was traveling from my native place Ranchi (then in Bihar, now the capital of Jharkhand) to Delhi with some of my friends. I was then a student caught up in a dis-functional education system. Hopes of a good job were a distant dream.




This train usually enters UP (Uttar Pradesh) in the morning. A lot of people in towns on the way board the train and forcibly sit on reserved berths. They travel daily and can get really nasty. We had experienced this before and were determined not to let it happen again. At this time an elderly, distinguished looking man boarded the train with a small boy. Since most of the berths in our bogie were already occupied he came to us and requested us to let him sit. We refused to budge. He explained that he couldn’t get a berth because the TTE (Train Ticket Examiner) he knew was nowhere to be seen and that he would get down in Allahabad in another 4 hours time. He was a criminal lawyer practicing in Allahabad and the boy traveling with him was his grandson. We still held our ground. He said very good naturedly “Main to ye soch kar train par chadta hun ki agar berth nahin mila to ‘earth’ to zaroor milega”. मैं तो ये सोच कर ट्रैन पर चढ़ता हूँ की अगर बर्थ नहीं मिला तो earth तो ज़रूर मिलेगा............

We realized that he was different from others and relented in the end.

From the moment he settled down he tried to strike a conversation which in the beginning was largely one sided. He bought something from every hawker that passed us for his grandson & also for us. We were reluctant to take but he insisted saying that train journeys were as much about traveling as about what you had on the way. He said that in his childhood he would explain in great detail all that he ate on the way apart from the scenery.

He had an extremely engaging personality and a very interesting way of talking. He would put even the most mundane things in a fascinating way. No wonder he was a successful lawyer. Though he said he was in a ‘dirty’ profession. He even quoted a ‘sher’ (urdu couplet) to support this –

“Paida hua wakeel to shaitaan ne kaha,
Lo aaj main sahib-e-aulaad ho gaya”

पैदा हुआ वकील तो शैतान ने कहा 

लो आज मैं साहेब ए औलाद हो गया 
(When the lawyer was born the Satan exclaimed with joy, “Today I have become a father!”).

He had the latest edition of the magazine ‘India Today’ with him whose cover story was about the criminalization of politics in India. That was the time when Phoolan Devi was entering politics. One of us expressed the opinion that the country is going to the dogs now that the likes of Phoolan Devi will rule us. Another person said that after nearly fifty years of independence we have very little to show for by way of development. This was a hot topic then (as it is now!) and most people were disillusioned with the state of affairs.

This man’s response was completely different. He said that these are the growth pangs of a fledgling nation. According to him India was coming out of adolescence and entering youth. He drew an analogy to explain this. A child is innocent and pure, respects elders without questioning, and has hope & idealism in his heart. That was India under Jawaharlal Nehru. As the child grows and enters the teens he becomes more and more moody, irrational and difficult to understand though the urge for action is still there. That was India at the time of Indira Gandhi. As he comes out of the teens he becomes more of a rebel, questions authority, resents being confined by laws and has the tendency to turn towards cynicism & violence. That is India now. He concluded that all these stages have to be gone through if a man aspires to become a mature adult and so would India in 30-40 years time.

We were stuck by the simple and obvious logic of this man. At once it seemed that there is a lot of hope for the future. I am a keen student of history but till then I had never looked at it this way. He had put the whole thing in the proper perspective. Everything just fell into place.

When he got down in Allahabad I realized that I didn’t even ask his name. I may not know his name but I will never forget this lawyer of Allahabad with boundless optimism in his heart. The message he gave in this fleeting encounter still gives me hope in times of despair & gloom. He taught me that nothing is as bad as it seems and one should always try to look at the positive perspective of any situation.




Saturday 14 June 2014

Shikwa & Jawab-e-Shikwa


With English Translation.................




SHIKWA - THE COMPLAINT


Kyun Ziyaan Kaar Banun, Sood Framosh Rahun
Fikr-e-Farda Na Karun, Mahw-e-Ghum-e-Dosh Rahun

Why should I choose the loser's role? Forbear to seek what gain I may?
Nor think of what the morrow holds, But brood o'er woes of yesterday?

Naale Bulbul Ke Sunoon, Aur Hama Tan Gosh Rahun
Humnawa Main Bhi Koi Gul Hun Ke Khamosh Rahun

Why should my ears enraptured hear the plaintive notes of Philomel?
Fellow bard! a rose am I to lose me in sweet music's swell?

Jurrat Aamoz Miri Taab-e-Sakhun Hai Mujh Ko
Shikwa Allah Se Khakam Badahan Hai Mujh Ko

For I too have the gift of song which gives me courage to complain,
But ah! 'tis none but God Himself whom I, in sorrow, must arraign!

Hai Baja Shewa-e-Tasleem Mein Mashoor Hain Hum
Qissa-e-Dard Sunate Hain Ke Majboor Hain Hum

I grant that we have earned repute as ever reconciled to Fate,
But to You still a tale of pain I can no longer help narrate.

Saaz-e-Khamosh Hain, Faryad Se Maamoor Hain Hum
Nala Ata Hai Agar Lab Pe To Maazoor Hain Hum

Though we may seem like voiceless lyres, within, imprisoned anguish cries;
Its urge compels, and I obey, Framing these plaintive melodies.

Ae Khuda Shikwa-e-Arbab-e-Wafa Bhi Sun Le
Khugar-e-Hamd Se Thora Sa Gila Bhi Sun Le

Hear You, O God! these sad complaints from those of proven fealty;
From lips accustomed but to praise hear You these words in blame of You!

Thi To Maujood Azal Se Hi Teri Zaat-e-Qadim
Phool Tha Zaib-e-Chaman, Par Na Preshan Thi Shamim

From when eternal Time began, Your Timeless Self had also been;
But then no breeze its sweetness spread though the Rose reigned the garden's queen.

Shart Insaaf Hai, Ae Sahib-e-Altaf-e-Amim
Boo-e-Gul Phailti Kis Tarah Jo Hoti Na Nasim

Canst You, in justice, but confess, O Lord! from whom all favours flow,
Had not the south wind toiled in love the world Your fragrance would not know?

Hum Ko Jamiat-e-Khatir Ye Preshani Thi
Warna Ummat Tere Mehboob (S.A.W.) Ki Diwani Thi

The glad travail we sought for You Rejoiced our souls and was our pride-
Thinkst You the followers of Your Friend Insanely spread Your Truth so wide?

Hum Se Pehle Tha Ajab Tere Jahan Ka Manzar
Kahin Masjood The Pathar, Kahin Maabood Shajar

Before we came, how strange a sight was this most beauteous world of Thine (yours)!
For here to stones men bowed their heads, and there in trees did 'gods' enshrine!

Khugar-e-Paikar-e-Mahsoos Thi Insaan Ki Nazar
Manta Phir Koi Un-Dekhe Khuda Ko Kyunkar

Their unenlightened minds could seize nought else but what their eyes could see,
You know, Lord, Your writ ran not-Man neither knew nor worshipped Thee (You)!

Tujh Ko Maalum Hai Leta Tha Koi Naam Tera?
Quwwat-e-Baazoo-e-Muslim Ne Kiya Kaam Tera

And canst You say that even once one of these did Your name recite?
It was the might of Muslim arms fulfilled Your task and gave them Light.

Bas Rahe The Yahin Saljuq Bhi, Toorani Bhi
Ahl-e-Chin Cheen Mein, Iran Mein Sasaani Bhi

Yet once there lived the Seljuks here, Turanians too, and wise Chinese,
Sasanians drew their breath and thrived In rose?perfumed Iranian breeze;

Issi Maamoore Mein Aabad The Yoonani Bhi
Issi Dunya Mein Yahudi Bhi The, Nusraani Bhi

And elsewhere in Your peopled world the Greeks of Yunan held their sway,
While sons of Israel side by side with Christian nations had their day.

Par Tere Naam Pe Talwar Uthai Kis Ne
Baat Jo Bigri Huwi Thi, Woh Banaai Kis Ne

But which among these nations raised the sacred sword in holy fight,
Self consecrated to Your cause, to set their crazy world aright?

The Hameen Ek Tire Maarka Aaraaon Mein!
Khushkion Mein Kabhi Larte, Kabhi Dariyaon Mein,

'Tis we and we alone who thronged as warriors on Your fields of fray,
And now upon the land we fought and now upon the salt sea spray.

Deen Azaanen Kabhi Europe Ke Kaleesaaon Mein
Kabhi Africa Ke Tapte Huwe Sehraaon Mein

We made our Azan's call resound beneath proud spires in Western lands,
And made that magic melody thrill over Afric's burning sands.

Shan Ankhon Mein Na Jachti Thi Jahan Daron Ki
Kalima Parhte The Hum Chaon Mein Talwaron Ki

The pageantries of mighty kings to us were shows that mattered not,
Beneath the shade of blades unsheathed in Kalima we glory sought.

Hum Jo Jeete The To Jnagon Ki Musibat Ke Liye
Aur Merte The Tere Naam Ki Azmat Ke Liye

Our only life was then to face the perils of Your holy wars;
To glorify Your name we died, adorned with hallowed battle scars.

Thi Na Kuch Taeg-Zani Apni Hukumat Ke Liye
Sar-Bakaf Phirte The Kya Dehar Mein Doulat Ke Liye

Not lust for power for our own sakes our drawn?sword's playfulness inspired,
Nor roamed we hand?in?glove with death for worldly riches we desired.

Qaum Apni Jo Zar-o-Maal-e-Jahan Par Marti,
But Faroshi Ke Iwaz But Shikni Kyon Karti?

Our people, had they set their hearts on this world's riches or its gold,
Not idol breaking would have gone but idols would have bought and sold.

Tal Na Sakte The Agar Jang Mein Arh Jate The
Paon Sheron Ke Bhi Maidan Se Ukhar Jate The

We stood our ground like rocks when once the foe had met our phalanx dread;
Before our might the bravest quailed and, vanquished, from the battle fled.

Tujh Se Sarkash Huwa Koi To Bighar Jate The
Taeg Kya Cheez Hai, Hum Toup Se Larh Jate The

And those who offered You affront our swift, relentless fury faced,
Their mightiest arms we set at nought, Their insolence and pride abased.

Naqsh Tauheed Ka Har Dil Pe Bithaya Hum Ne
Zer-e-Khanjar Bhi Yeh Paigham Sunaya Hum Ne

On all men's minds we set Your seal, Your tawhid's firm and sure impress-
The selfsame message preached our lips when swords danced high in battle's stress.

Tu Hi Keh De Ke Ukhara Dar-e-Khyber Kis Ne
Sheher Qaiser Ka Jo Tha, Us Ko Kiya Sar Kis Ne

Declare You whose fierce valor once did Khyber's barriers overthrow?
Or whose resistless might once laid Famed Caesar's proudest cities low?

Tore Makhluq Khudawandon Ke Paikar Kis Ne
Kaat Kar Rakh Diye Kuffaar Ke Lashkar Kis Ne

Who smashed to dust man's handwrought gods, those things of straw and earth and clay?
And who did unbelieving hosts to spread Your name and glory slay?

Kis Ne Thanda Kiya Atishkuda-e-Iran Ko?
Kis Ne Phir Zinda Kiya Tazkara-e-Yazdaan Ko?

And who was it that quenched and cooled the fiery urns of fair Iran?
And in that land did once again revive the worship of Yazdan?

Kon Si Qoum Faqat Teri Talabgar Huwi
Aur Tere Liye Zehmat Kash-e-Paikaar Huwi

Among those nations, was there one who craved You as we craved and sought?
Or risked the perils of fell war that Your Divinest will be wrought?

Kis Ki Shamsheer Jahangeer, Jahandar Huwi
Kis Ki Takbeer Se Dunya Teri Baidar Huwi

Whose was that conquest thirsty sword which won and held the world in fee?
And whose the Takbeer sounding call, which wakened all the world to You?

Kis Ki Haibat Se Sanam Sehme Huwe Rehte The
Munh Ke Bal Gir Ke 'HU WA-ALLAH HU AHAD' Kehte The

Whose was the fateful wrath which made all idols shrink in terror just?
"There is no god but God," they cried, as crumbling down they kissed the dust.

Aa Gaya Ain Laraai Mein Agar Waqt-e-Namaz
Qibla Ru Ho Ke Zameen Bos Huwi Qoum-e-Hijaz

When worship's ordained hour was come, and furious raged the battle's fray,
Those men of Hijaz, staunch in You, facing Your Ka'ba, bowed to pray.

Ek Hi Saf Mein Khare Ho Gaye Mahmood-o-Ayaz,
No Koi Banda Raha Aur Na Koi Banda Nawaz.

Mahmood the king and slave Ayaz, in line, as equals, stood arrayed,
The lord was no more lord to slave: while both to the One Master prayed.

Banda-o-Sahib-o-Mauhtaaj-o-Ghani Aik Huwe
Teri Sarkar Mein Pohanche To Sabhi Aik Huwe

Slave or slave's master, rich or poor, no sense of difference then felt,
For each a brother was to each when in Your Presence, Lord, they knelt.

Mehfil-e-Kon-o-Makan Mein Sehar-o-Sham Phire
Mai-e-Tauheed Ko Lekar Sifat-e-Jam Phire

And You do know we went about at sunrise or when stars did shine,
In banquet?halls of Time and Space, like goblets, filled with tawhid's wine

Koh Mein, Dasht Mein Le Kar Tera Pegham Phire
Aur Maaloom Hai Tujh Ko, Kabhi Nakaam Phire !

Both heights and lowlands we traversed to spread Your message; O glad pain!
Not even once, You know well, we strove against the world in vain.

Dasht To Dasht Hain, Darya Bhi Na Chhore Hum Ne
Bahr-e-Zulmaat Mein Daura Diye Ghore Hum Ne

Not only land we bore Your Word glorious across the heaving seas,
Upon our steed of zeal, we rode unto their darkest boundaries!

Safah-e-Dahar Se Baatil Ko Mitaya Hum Ne
Nau-e-Insaan Ko Ghulami Se Chhuraya Hum Ne

We who removed from this world's book the leaves which were with falsehood stained,
We who, from tyrant ignorance, The prisoned human race unchained,

Tere Kaabe Ko Jabeenon Se Basaya Hum Ne
Tere Quran Ko Seenon Se Lagaya Hum Ne

We who with myriad sajdas filled Your Holy Ka?ba's hallowed shrine,
Whose bosoms reverently held Your great and glorious Book Divine-

Phir Bhi Hum Se Yeh Gila Hai Ke Wafadar Nahin
Hum Wafadar Nahin, Tu Bhi To Dildar Nahin!

If our meed still the obloquy that we have shirked the Faithful's part,
How then canst You make claim to be the kindly faith?compelling heart?

Ummatain Aur Bhi Hain, In Mein Gunahgar Bhi Hain
Ejz Wale Bhi Hain, Mast-e-Mai-e-Pindar Bhi Hain

For there are those of other faiths Among whom many sinners ,
Some humble, others puffed with pride, Drunken in their effrontery;

In Mein Kahil Bhi Hain, Ghafil Bhi Hain, Hushyar Bhi Hain
Saikron Hain Ke Tere Naam Se Baizar Bhi Hain

If some have vision, thousands are of little worth, neglectful, worse;
And millions upon millions live from Your dear, glorious name averse.

Rehmatain Hain Teri Aghiyar Ke Kashaanon Par
Barq Girti Hai To Bechare Musalmanon Par

Yet see how still Your bounties rain on roofs 0f unbelieving clans,
While strikes Your thunder?bolt the homes of all?forbearing Mussalmans!

Boott Sanam Khanon Mein Kehte Hain, Musalman Gye
Hai Khushi In Ko Ke Kaabe Ke Nigehban Gye

In idol?houses, hark! they say, "Behold, the Muslim star sinks low!
How glad they are that now at last Your Ka?ba's brave protectors go!

Manzil-e-dehr Se Unthon Ke Hudi Khawan Gye
Apni Baghlon Mein Dabaye Huwe Quran Gye

They say, "The world is well rid now of hymn?reciting camel?men,
Their Quran folded in their arms, At last they hie them from our ken!

Khandah Zan Kufr Hai, Ehsas Tujhe Hai Ke Nahin
Apni Touheed Ka Kuch Paas Tujhe Hai Ke Nahin

Thus they rejoice who own You not; Yet still unmindful seemest You
Of Yours own One?ness, Your Tawhid-Are You so unregarding now?

Ye Shikayatt Nahin, Hain Un Ke Khazane Maamur
Nahin Mehfil Mein Jinhain Baat Bhi Karne Ka Shaur

That ignorant men who lack the grace to ope their lips in conclave high
Should have their coffers treasure?filled, is not the burden of our sigh;

Qehar To Ye Hai Ke Kafir Ko Milain Hoor-o-Qasoor
Aur Bechare Musalman Ko Faqat Wada-e-Hoor

But O, that this world's best should fall to unbelievers from Your hand
While we on promises are fed of pleasures in a shadowy land!

Ab Woh Altaf Nahin, Hum Pe Anayat Nahin
Baat Ye Kya Hai Ke Pehli Si Madarat Nahin

Where are those favours which You once upon our grateful hearts didst pour ?
Why cherishest You not, O Lord, The Faithful as in days of yore?

Kyun Musalmanon Mein Hai Doulat-e-Dunya Nayaab
Teri Qudrat To Hai Woh Jis Ki Na Had Hai Na Hisab

Why from the bounties of this life The Faithful now no profit gain
Though still Almighty You remainest aAnd limitless Your means remain?

Tu Jo Chahe To Uthe Seena-e-Sehra Se Habab
Rahroo-e-Dasht Ho Seeli Zada Mouj-e-Saraab

If You but will, fountains can flow from barren desert and parched sands,
And mirage?bound a traveller be while walking through green forest lands:

Taan-e-Aghiyaar Hai, Ruswai Hai, Nadaari Hai,
Kya Tere Nam Pe Marne Ka Iwaz Khwari Hai?

Yet foe-men?taunted, grace?deprived, and poorest of the poor are we!
Is this Your recompense to those who sacrifice their lives for You?

Bani Aghyar Ki Ab Chahne Wali Dunya
Reh Gyi Apne Liye Aik Khiyali Dunya

Your  world, how eagerly, today on strangers, all its grace bestows:
For those who walk Your chosen way a world of dreams its glamour throws!

Hum To Rukhsat Huwe, Auron Ne Sanbhali Dunya
Phir Na Kehna Huwi Touheed Se Khali Dunya

So be it then, so let us pass, let other nations hold the sway-
When we are gone, reproach us not that tawhid too has passed away!

Hum Tau Jeete Hain Ke Duniya Mein Tira Naam Rahe,
Kahin Mumkin Hai Saqi Na Rahe, Jaam Rahe?

We live here only that Your Name may live here in men's minds enshrined;
Can saki bid his last adieu and leave Love's cup and wine behind?

Teri Mehfil Bhi Gai, Chahne Walw Bhi Gaye,
Shab Ki Aahen Bhi Gaien, Subah Ke Nale Bhi Gaye,

Your courtyard empties. They depart who came to worship and adore;
The midnight's sighs, the dawn's lament, now You wilt miss for evermore!

Dil Tujhe Debhi Gaye, Apna Sila Le Bhi Gaye,
Aa Ke Baithe Bhi Na The, Ke Nikaale Bhi Gaye.

They came, they gave their hearts to You, they had their recompense, and went.
But hardly they had seated been when from Your Presence they were sent!

Aae Ushaaq, Gaye Waada-e-Farda Lekar,
Ab Unhen Dhoond Charag-e-Rukh-e-Zeba Lekar!

They came glad lovers, begging love; with future promise turned away:
Go, shine Your Beauty's lamp about and seek and win them if You may!

Dard-e-Laila Bhi Wohi, Qais Ka Pahlu Bhi Wohi,
Nejd Ke Dasht-o-Jabal Mein Ram-e-Aahoo Bhi Wohi,

The love of Layla burneth still, And Majnun passion's yearning knows;
In hill and valley of the Nejd the fleet gazelle still leaping goes;

Ishq Ka Dil Bhi Wohi, Husn Ka Jaadoo Bhi Wohi,
Ummat-e-Ahmed-e-Mursil Bhi Wohi, Tu Bhi Wohi,

The soul of Love is still the same, still, Beauty's magic charms enthral,
Your Ahmad's feemen still abide; and You art there, the soul of all.

Phir Yeh Aazurdagi-e-Ghair-Sabab Kya Maani,
Apne Shaidaaon Pe Yeh Chashm-e-Ghazab Kya Maani?

Then Stranger! why estranged today the bond of love 'twixt You and Yours?
Upon the Faithful, O Unkind, why frowns Your eye of wrath Divine?

Tujh Ko Chora Ke Rasool-e-Arabi (S.A.W.) Ko Chora?
Boutgari Paisha Kiya, Bout Shikani Ko Chora?

Did we forswear our faith to You to Your Dear Prophet cease to cling?
Of idol breaking did we tire? or take to idol?worshipping?

Ishq Ko, Ishq Ki Ashuftah-Sari Ko Chora?
Rasm-e-Salman (R.A.)-o-Awais-e-Qarani (R.A.) Ko Chora?

Or did we weary of Your Love, or Your Love's rapture ever shun?
Or turned we from the path which trod Qaran's Owais and Salman?

Aag Takbeer Ki Seenon Mein Dabi Rakhte Hain
Zindagi Misl-e-Bilal-e-Habshi (R.A.) Rakhte Hain

Your Takbeer's unextinguished flame within our hearts we cherish yet:
Aethiop Belal's life, the star by which our own lives' course we set!

Ishq Ki Khair, Who Pehli Si Ada Bhi Na Sahi,
Jaada Paimaai Taslim-o-Raza Bhi Na Sahi,

But even if a change has been, and we in Love are less adept,
Or out of resignation's path our erring wayward feet have stept;

Muztarib Dil Sifat-e-Qibla Nama Bhi Na Sahi
Aur Pabandi-e-Aaeen-e-Wafa Bhi Na Sahi

If, unlike trusted compasses, our souls respond not now to you,
And if to laws of faithfulness our roving hearts are now less true ;

Kabhi Hum Se, Kabhi Ghairon Se Shanasaai Hai
Baat Kehne Ki Nahin, Tu Bhi To Harjaai Hai

Must You too play the fickle flirt with us, with others, day by day,
We cannot help the sinful thought which shame forbids our lips to say.

Sar-e-Faran Pe Kiya Deen Ko Kamil Tu Ne
Ek Ishare Mein Hazaron Ke Liye Dil Tu Ne

Upon the peak of Mount Faran Your glorious Faith You didst perfect-
With one Divinest gesture drew a host of fervid first?elect;

Atish Andoz Kiya Ishq Ka Hasil Tu Ne
Phoonk Di Garmi-e-Rukhsar Se Mehfil Tu Ne

Your flaming Beauty filled the world and set a myriad hearts on fire;
Then blew the quintessence of Love in Man to passion's wild desire.

Aaj Kyun Seene Humare Sharar Abad Nahin
Hum Wohi Sokhta Saman Hain, Tuhe Yaad Nahin?

Ah, why within our deadened hearts that holy flame today leaps not?
Though still those burnt?out victims we which once we were, have You forgot?

Wadi-e-Najd Mein Woh Shor-e-Silasil Na Raha
Qais Diwana-e-Nazara Mehmil Na Raha

Upon the dale of Nejd is stilled the clanging of the captive's chains;
To glimpse the camel?litter, Qais no longer with his madness strains

Hosle Woh Na Rahe, Hum Na Rahe, Dil Na Raha
Ghar Ye Ujhra Hai Ke Tu Ronaq-e-Mehfil Na Raha

The yearnings of the heart are dead, the heart itself is cold; so we;
And desolation fills our house for shines not there the Light of You.

Ae Khush Aan Roz Ke Ayi-o-Bsad Naz Ayi
Be-Hijabana Soo'ay Mehfil-e-Ma Baaz Ayi

O blessed day when You shall come, a thousand graces in Your train
When by unbashful glad feet turn towards our nesting?place again.

Badahkash Gair Hain Gulshan Mein Lab-e-Joo Baithe
Sunte Hain Jaam Bakaf Naghma-e-Kuku Baithe

Beside the garden fountain now, quaffing wine, strangers sit, alas!
The cuckoo's note their ear regales and their hands hold the sparkling glass!

Door Hungama-e-Gulzar Se Yak Soo Baithe
Tere Diwane Bhi Hain Muntazir 'Hoo' Baithe

From this entire garden's riot far, Calm in a corner seated too,
Love longing lunatics await Your frenzy kindling breath of 'hu'!

Apne Parwanon Ko Phir Zauq-e-Khud Afrozi De
Barq-e-Dairina Ko Farman-e-Jigar Sozi De

The passion for the flame's embrace-Your moths-ah, let them once more know;
And bid Your ancient lightning strike and set these ash?cold hearts aglow!

Qoum-e-Awara Anaa Taab Hai Phir Soo'ay Hijaz
Le Ura Bulbul-e-Be Par Ko Mazak-e-Parwaz

Towards the Hijaz turn again the straying tribe their bridle?strings!
Lo, wingless soars the nightingale aloft, upon its yearning's wings!

Muztarib Bagh Ke Har Ghunche Mein Hai Boo'ay Niaz
Tu Zara Chair To De, Tashna-e-Mizrab Hai Saaz

The fragrance in each blossom hid within the garden palpitates,
But with Your plectrum wake its strings-The lute that livening touch awaits!

Naghme Betaab Hain Taron Se Niklne Ke Liye
Toor Muztar Hai Ussi Aag Mein Jalne Ke Liye

Yea, longs to break its prison's bounds the string?imprisoned melody;
And yearning Sinai waits again to burn itself to dust in You

Mushkalain Ummat-e-Marhoom Ki Asan Kar De
Moor-e-Bemaya Ko Humdosh-e-Suleman Kar De

Resolve, O Lord! the travail sore which this Your chosen people tries,
Make You the ant of little worth to Solomon's proud stature rise!

Jins-e-Nayaab-e-Mohabbat Ko Phir Arzaan Kar De
Hind Ke Dair Nasheenon Ko Musalman Kar De

Bring You, O Lord, with our grasp that most rare love for which we pray;
To India's temple?squatters teach the truth of the Islamic way.

Joo'ay Khoon Mee Chakad Az Hasrat-e-Dairina-e-Maa
Mee Tapd Nala Ba Nashtar Kadah-e-Seena-e-Maa

Our hearts' desires, long unfulfilled, unceasingly our life?blood drain;
Our breasts, with thousand daggers pierced, still struggle with their cry of pain!

Boo-e-Gul Le Gyi Bairun-e-Chaman Raaz-e-Chaman
Kya Qayamat Hai Ke Khud Phool Hain Ghammaz-e-Chaman !

The fragrance of the rose has borne the garden's secret far away-
How sad it is, the traitor's role the garden's sweetest buds should play!

Ahd-e-Gul Khatam Hua, Tut Gaya Saaz-e-Chaman,
Ur Gaye Dalion Se Zamzama Pardaaz-e-Chaman
The bloom time of the rose is done; the garden?harp now shattered lies;
And from its perch upon the twig, away each feathered songster flies-


Ek Bulbul Hai Ke Hai Mahw-e-Tarannum Ab Tak,
Us Ke Seene Mein Hai Naghmon Ka Talatam Ab Tak.

But yet there uncompanioned sits A lonely bulbul, all day long;
Its throat a?throb with music still and pouring out its heart in song.

Qumrian Shaakh-e-Sanober Se Gurezaan Bhi Huin,
Pattian Phool Ki Jhar Jhar Ke Pareshan Bhi Huin;

The darkening cypress sways no more; from shadowy nests its doves have fled;
The withered blossoms droop and die, and all around their petals shed;

Who Purani Ravishen Bagh Ki Weeran Bhi Huin,
Daalian Parahan-e-Barg Se Uriaan Bhi Huin.

Those memoried, old garden walks of all their former pride lie shorn,
Despoiled of raiment green, each branch in nakedness now stands forlorn;

Qaid-e-Mausim Se Tabiat Rahi Aazad Uski,
Kaash Gulshan Mein Samjhta Koi Faryaad Uski.

Unmoved by passing seasons' change, the songster sits and sings alone:
Would there were in this garden some could feel the burden of its moan!

Lutf Merne Main Hai Baqi, Na Maza Jeene Mein
Kuch Maza Hai To Yehi Khoon-e-Jigar Peene Mein

This life no more its joy retains, nor even death can bring relief;
'Tis sweet to sit alone and sigh and eat a sad heart out in grief.

Kitne Betaab Hain Jouhar Mere Aaeene Mein
Kis Qadar Jalwe Tarapte Hain Mere Seene Mein

Out from the mirror of my soul ' what gems of thought now strive to shine;
What visions splendid, dreams sublime,

Iss Gulistan Mein Magar Dekhne Wale Hi Nahin
Dagh Jo Seene Mein Rakhte Hun, Woh Lale Hi Nahin

Arise within this breast of mine! but in this garden lives not one to see and hear, to feel and know:
No tulip with its streak of pain, to sense my heart?blood's smarting flow.

Chaak Iss Bulbul-e-Tanha Ki Nawa Se Dil Hon
Jaagne Wale Issi Bang-e-Dara Se Dil Hon

May this sad bulbuls lonely song to grief each listening soul awake;
The clangour of these rousing bells make drowsy hearts their sleep forsake!

Yani Phir Zinda Naye Ehd-e-Wafa Se Dil Hon
Phir Issi Bada-e-Deerina Ke Pyaase Dil Hon

Let Faithful hearts replight their troth, and forge afresh their bond Divine;
Let in the longparched heart of each the old thirst wake for sweet old wine!

Ajami Khum Hai To Kya, Mai To Hijazi Hai Meri
Naghma Hindi Hai To Kya, Lai To Hijazi Hai Meri

The blood of sweet Arabian vine O'erflows this wine jar Ajamy,
Although the singer sings in Ind, ff Hijaz is his melody.

 _______________________________________________________________________
JAWAB-E-SHIKWA
THE ANSWER TO THE COMPLAINT

Dil Se Jo Baat Nikalti Hai, Asar Rakhti Hai
Par Nahin, Taaqat-e-Parwaaz Magar Rakhti Hai

When passion streaming from the heart turns human lips to lyres,
Some magic wings man’s music then, his song with soul inspires;

Qudsi-Ul-Asal Hai, Riffat Pe Nazar Rakhti Hai
Khaak Se Uthti Hai, Gardoon Pe Guzar Rakhti Hai

Man’s words are sacred then, they soar, The ears of heaven they seek,
From dust those mortal accents rise, Immortals hear them speak;

Ishq Tha Fitna Gar-o-Sarkash-o-Chalaak Mera
Aasman Cheer Gaya Nala-e-Bebaak Mera

So wild and wayward was my Love, such tumult raised its sighs,
Before its daring swiftly fell the ramparts of the skies.

Peer-e-Gardoon Ne Kaha Sun Ke, Kahin Hai Koi!
Bole Sayyaare, Sar-e-Arsh-e-Bareen Hai Koi!

The skies exclaimed in wonderment, “Some one is hiding here,”
The wheeling Planets paused to say, “Seek on the highest sphere.”

Chaand Kahta Tha, Nahin, Ahl-e-Zameen Hai Koi!
Kehkashaan Kehti Thi, Poshida Yahin Hai Koi!

The silver Moon said, “You are wrong, Some mortal it must be,”
The Milky Way too joined converse, “Here in our midst is he.’’

Kuch Jo Samjha Tau Mere Shikwe Ko Rizwan Samjha
Mujhe Jannat Se Nikala Huwa Insan Samjha

Rizwan alone, my plaintive voice began to recognise,
He knew me for a human who had lost his Paradise.

Thi Farishton Ko Bhi Hairat, Ke Yeh Awaz Hai Kya!
Arsh Walon Pe Bhi Khulta Nahin Yeh Raaz Hai Kya!

And even the Angels could not tell what was that voice so strange,
Whose secret seemed to lie beyond Celestial wisdom’s range.

Taa Sar-e-Arsh Bhi Insan Ki Tag-o-Taaz Hai Kya?
Aa Gyi Khak Ki Chutki Ko Bhi Parwaaz Hai Kya?

They said, “Can Man now roving come and reach these regions high?
That tiny speck of mortal clay, has it now learnt to fly?

Ghafil Aadaab Se Yeh Sukkaan-e-Zameen Kaise Hain
Shokh-o-Gustakh Yeh Pasti Ke Makeen Kaise Hain!

How little do these beings of earth the laws of conduct know;
How coarse and insolent they are, these men who live below.

Iss Qadar Shokh Ke Allah Se Bhi Barham Hai
Tha Jo Masjood-e-Malaeek Yeh Wohi Aadam Hai?

So great their insolence indeed, they dare even God upbraid!
Is this the Man to whom their bow the Angels once had made?

Alam-e-Kaif Hai, Dana-e-Ramooz-e-Kam Hai
Haan, Magar Ijz Ke Asrar Se Namehram Hai

Of Quality and Quantity He knows the secrets, true—
The ways of humbleness as well If he a little knew!

Naaz Hai Taaqat-e-Guftaar Pe Insanon Ko
Baat Karne Ka Saliqa Nahin Nadanon Ko!

That they alone are blest with speech how proud these humans be,
Yet, ignorant, they lack the art to use it gracefully.”

Ayi Aawaz Ghum-Angaiz Hai Afsana Tera
Ashk-e-Betaab Se Labraiz Hai Paimana Tera

Then spake a Voice Compassionate: “Your tale enkindles pain,
Your cup is brimming full with tears which you could not contain

Asmangeer Huwa Naara-e-Mastana Tera
Kis Qadar Shokh Zuban Hai Dil-e-Diwana Tera

Even High Heaven itself is moved by these impassioned cries;
How wild the heart which taught your lips such savage melodies!

Shukr Shikwe Ko Kiya Husn-e-Ada Se Tu Ne
Hum Sukhan Kar Diya Bandon Ko Khuda Se Tu Ne

Its grace yet makes this song of yours a song of eulogy;
A bridge of converse you have formed ‘Twixt mortal man and Me!

Hum Tau Mayal Ba-Karam Hain, Koi Sayal Hi Nahin
Rah Dikhlaen Kise Rahraw-e-Manzil Hi Nahin

Behold, my hands arc full of gifts, but who comes seeking here?
And how shall I the right road shew when there’s no traveller?

Tarbiat Aam Tau Hai, Jauhar-e-Qabil Hi Nahin
Jis Se Taamir Ho Aadam Ki Yeh Woh Gil Hi Nahin

My loving care is there for all, If deserved but by few!
Not this the clay from which I can an Adam’s shape renew!

Koi Qabil Ho Tau Hum Shan-e-Kai Dete Hain
Dhoondne Walon Ko Dunya Bhi Nai Dete Hain!

On him who merits well I set the brightest diadem,
And those who truly questing come, a new world waits for them.

Hath Be-Zor Hain, Ilhaad Se Dil Khoo-Gar Hain
Ummati Baais-e-Ruswai-e-Paighamber (S.A.W) Hain

Apostate hearts and palsied hands Your earthly lives debase,
You all, to your great Prophet (PBUH), are Bringers of deep disgrace;

But-Shikan Uth Gaye, Baqi Jo Rahe But-Gar Hain
Tha Braheem Pidar, Aur Pisar Aazar Hain

Those idol-breakers all have gone, You idolaters are,
Abraham was the father, you His sons, are but Azar;

Badah Aasham Naye, Bada Naya, Khum Bhi Naye
Harm-e-Kaaba Naya, But Bhi Naye, Tum Bhi Naye

Now stranger bands carousal hold, Strange are both cup and wine,
A strange new Ka'ba you have reared, Strange idols oh its shrine!

Woh Bhi Din The Ke Yehi Maya-e-Raanai Tha
Nazish-e-Mousam-e-Gul Lala-e-Sahrai Tha!

The tulip of the wilds once reigned the queen of blossom-time:
In this once lay the quintessence of loveliness sublime.

Jo Musalmaan Tha Allah Ka Saudai Tha
Kabhi Mehboob Tumhara Yehi Harjai Tha

Once every true-born Mussalman by Allah set his store,
This fickle-hearted courtesan even you did once adore!

Kisi Yakjai Se Ab Ehd-e-Ghulami Kar Lo
Millat-e-Ahmad (S.A.W.) Ko Maqami Kar Lo!

Go, seek some constant mistress now, to her a new bond sign,
Muhammad’s universal creed to narrow bounds confine!

Kis Qadar Tum Pe Garan Subah Ki Baidari Hai
Hum Se Kab Pyar Hai! Haan Neend Tumhain Pyari Hai

To pray to me at break of day You now an ordeal deem,
Your morning slumber sweeter far— Yet you would faithful seem!

Tabaa-e-Azad Pe Qaid-e-Ramazan Bhari Hai
Tumhi Keh Do, Yehi Aaeen-e-Wafadari Hai?

The hardships of the fast oppress your natures—now grown free;
Such are your ways and you still would protest your love for me!

Qoum Mazhab Se Hai, Mazhab Jo Nahin, Tum Bhi Nahin
Jazb-e-Baham Jo Nahin, Mehfil-e-Anjum Bhi Nahin

Unto a nation faith is life, You lost your faith and fell,
When gravitation fails, must cease concourse celestial.

Jin Ko Ata Nahin Dunya Mein Koi Fann, Tum Ho
Nahin Jis Qoum Ko Parwaye Nasheman, Tum Ho

You love your homes the least among the nations of the earth,
You are the most incompetent in knowledge and in worth;


Bijliyan Jis Mein Hon Aasudah, Woh Khirman Tum Ho
Baich Khate Hain Jo Aslaaf Ke Madfan, Tum Ho

You are a barn where lightning stays, where ruin idle lies,
Ancestral coffins long entombed your only merchandise;

Ho Niko Naam Jo Qabaron Ki Tajarat Kar Ke
Kya Na Baicho Ge Jo Mil Jaen Sanam Pathar Ke

In turning graves to profit, you have proved yourselves adept;
Should idol-trading offer gain of course you would accept.

Safah-e-Dehr Se Batil Ko Mitaya Kis Ne?
Nau-e-Insan Ko Ghulami Se Chhuraya Kis Ne?

Whose striving, from this world of mine, Its falsehoods did efface?
Whose toil, from age-old ignorance set free the human race?

Mere Kaabe Ko Jabeenon Se Basaya Kis Ne?
Mere Quran Ko Seenon Se Lagaya Kis Ne?

And whose the brows whose worship filled My Ka'ba’s hallowed shrine?
Or whose the breasts which fondly held My ‘Glorious Book Divine’?

The Tou Aaba Woh Tumhare Hi, Magar Tum Kya Ho?
Hath Par Hath Dhare Muntazir-e-Farda Ho!

These were your great progenitors; You lack their brain and brawn;
You sit and wait in slothful ease for every morrow’s dawn.

Kya Kaha? "Bahr-e-Musalman Hai Faqt Wade-e-Hoor
Shikwa Be-Ja Bhi Kare Koi Tau Lazim Hai Shaoor!

And did you say, for Muslims I mere promises dispense?
Unjust laments at least should show some spark of commonsense.

Adal Hai Fatir-e-Hasti Ka Azal Se Dastoor
Muslim Aaeen Huwa Kafir Tau Mile Hoor-o-Qasoor

Eternal is the Law of God and Justice is its name,
Should infidels like Muslims live the meed shall be the same.

Tum Mein Hooron Ka Koi Chahne Wala Hi Nahin
Jalwa-e-Toor Tau Maujood Hai, Moosa Hi Nahin

Not a single one among you is longing for houris
The Effulgence of  'Tur' exists but there is no Moses

Manfa’at Aik Hai Is Qaum Ki, Nuqsan Bhi Aik
Ek Hi Sab Ka Nabi (S.A.W), Din Bhi, Iman Bhi Aik
Your nation’s weal, your nation’s woe, In common you all share,
Your Prophet (PBUH) and your creed the same, the same Truth you declare;

Harm-e-Paak Bhi, Allah Bhi, Quran Bhi Aik,
Kuch Bari Baat Thi Hote Jo Musalmaan Bhi Aik!

And one your Ka'ba, One your God, and one your great Quran;
Yet, still, divided each from each, Lives every Mussalman.

Firqa Bandi Hai Kahin, Aur Kahin Zaatain Hain
Kya Zamane Mein Panapne Ki Yehi Baatain Hain?

You split yourselves in countless sects, In classes high and low;
Think you the world its gifts will still on such as you bestow?

Kon Hai Taarik-e-Aaeen-e-Rasool-e-Mukhtar (S.A.W.)?
Maslihat Waqt Ki Hai Kis Ke Amal Ka Maayaar?

Who now forgetfully neglect My Rasool’s Law sublime?
And whose lives write them clearly down As servers of the time?

Kis Ki Ankhon Mein Samaya Hai Sha’ar-e-Aghyar
Ho Gyi Kis Ki Nigah Tarz-e-Salaf Se Baizar?

To whom now other customs seem far nobler than their own?
By whom your great forefathers’ ways once followed, are forsworn?

Qalb Mein Souz Nahin, Rooh Mein Ehsas Nahin
Kuch Bhi Paigham-e-Muhammad (S.A.W.) Ka Tumhain Paas Nahin

Your hearts are now of longing void, Your souls now know no zeal,
You heed no more that message great which Ahmad (PBUH) did reveal.

Jaa Ke Hote Hain Masajid Mein Saf-Aara, Tau Ghareeb
Zehmat-e-Roza Jo Karte Hain Gawara, Tau Ghareeb

If worship’s echoes ring in mosques, It is the poor who pray;
If any fasting’s hardship bear, It is the poor, today;

Naam Leta Hai Agar Koi Hamara, Tau Ghareeb
Pardah Rakhta Hai Agar Koi Tumhara, Tau Ghareeb

It is the humble and the poor who still my name esteem,
Theirs is the word, theirs is the deed, Yours the shame they redeem.

Umra Nasha-e-Doulat Mein Hain Ghafil Hum Se
Zinda Hai Millat-e-Baiza Ghurba Ke Dam Se

The rich are drunk with wine of wealth, their God they hardly know,
It is because the poor yet live That wells of Faith still flow.

Waaiz-e-Qoum Ki Woh Pukhta Khayali Na Rahi
Barq Taba’ee Na Rahi, Shaola Maqali Na Rahi

That judgment ripe is no more theirs who play your preachers’ role,
Nor kindling accents from their lips, reveal the flaming soul.

Reh Gyi Rasm-e-Azan, Rooh-e-Bilali Na Rahi
Falsafa Reh Gya, Talqeen-e-Ghazali Na Rahi

Azan yet sounds, but never now Like Bilal’s, soulfully;
Philosophy, conviction-less, Now mourns its Ghazzali,

Masjidain Marsiya Khawan Hain Ke Namazi Na Rahe
Yani Woh Sahib-e-Ausaf-e-Hijazi Na Rahe

Untrod by praying feet, the mosques lament their emptiness,
For gone are those exemplars great of Arab godliness

Shor Hai Ho Gaye Dunya Se Musalman Nabood
Hum Ye Kehte Hain Ke The Bhi Kahin Muslim Maujood!

It is said: “The Muslims quit this world, Their days are on the wane
The Muslims died out long ago; Such a lament is vain.

Waza Mein Tum Ho Nisara, Tau Tamaddun Mein Hanood,
Yeh Musalman Hain! Jinhain Dekh Ke Sharmaen Yahood?

From Christians you have learnt your style, your culture from Hindus;
How can a race as Muslims pass who shame even the Jews?

Yun To Syed Bhi Ho, Mirza Bhi Ho, Afghan Bhi Ho
Tum Sabhi Kuch Ho, Batao To Musalman Bhi Ho!

You are known as Syed, and Mughal, you call yourselves Pathan;
But can you truly claim as well the name of Mussalman?

Dam-e-Taqreer Thi Muslim Ki Sadaqat Bebak
Adal Uss Ka Tha Qawi, Loos-e-Mara’at Se Pak

The Muslim was sincere of speech, of fear his voice was free;
Just, staunch, he scorned the slightest breath of partiality.

Shajar-e-Fitrat-e-Muslim Tha Haya Se Namnak
Tha Shujaat Mein Woh Ek Hasti-e-Fouq-Ul-Idraak

In nature, like a tree, kept fresh by modesty most rare,
Yet braver than the bravest he, intrepid past compare.

Khud Gudazi Nam-e-Kaifiat-e-Sehbayesh Bood
Khali Az Khawaish Shudan Soorat-e-Meenayesh Bood

Like wine, upon the drinker’s lips, his joy, in losing, lay;
As the cup pours its liquor out, he poured his ‘self’ away.

Har Musalman Rag-e-Batil Ke Liye Nashtar Tha
Uss Ke Aaeena-e-Hasti Mein Amal Jouhar Tha

What the knife is to cankerous growths, to all untruth was he,
His actions, in life’s mirror shone like light, vibratingly.

Jo Bharosa Tha Usse Quwwat-e-Bazoo Par Tha
Hai Tumhain Mout Ka Dar, Uss Ko Khuda Ka Dar Tha

If he was confident of aught, It was his right arm’s might,
He feared but God, while thoughts of death your craven souls affright.

Baap Ka Ilm Na Bete Ko Agar Azbar Ho
Phir Pisar Qabil-e-Miraas-e-Pidar Kyunkar Ho!

When sons, lacking their fathers’ worth, are neither skilled nor sage,
With what deserving can they claim their fathers’ heritage?

Har Koi Mast-e-Mai-e-Zauq-e-Tan Asani Hai,
Tum Musalman Ho? Ye Andaaz-e-Musalmani Hai?


he love of ease, like fumes of wine makes sots of you today,
How dare you pass as Mussalmans? That is not Islam’s way?

Haidari Faqr Hai Ne Doulat-e-Usmani Hai
Tum Ko Aslaaf Se Kya Nisbat-e-Rohani Hai?

Nor Usman’s treasure-chest you own, Nor Ali’s empty bowl,
With spirits of such great forbears, What kinship has your soul?

Woh Zamane Mein Mu’azzaz The Musalman Ho Kar
Aur Tum Khawar Huwe Taarik-e-Quran Ho Kar

The honoured of their times, they lived, For theirs was true iman,
You live disgraced, as having left the paths of Al-Quran.

Tum Ho Apas Mein Ghazabnak, Woh Apas Mein Raheem
Tum Khatakaar-o-Khatabeen, Woh Khata Posh-o-Kareem

You roll the eye of mutual wrath, Their eye was ever kind;
You err, for errors look, while they were generously blind.

Chahte Sub Hain Ke Hon Auj-e-Surayya Pe Muqeem,
Pehle Waisa Koi Paida Tau Kare Qalb-e-Salim!

Aspiring for the Pleiades, How simple it all seems!
But let there first be hearts like theirs, To justify such dreams.

Takht-e-Faghfoor Bhi Un Ka Tha, Sareer-e-Ke Bhi
Yunhi Baatain Hain Ke Tum Mein Woh Hameeyyat Hai Bhi?

They reigned upon the Chinese throne, They wore the Persian crown:
Where is that honour that they knew—Words are your whole renown.

Khudkushi Shewa Tumhara, Woh Ghayoor-o-Khuddar
Tum Akhuwat Se Gurezan, Woh Akhuwat Pe Nisar

They fought for honour, self-respect, Yours the self-slayer’s knife,
You shun the ties of brotherhood, They cherished more than life.

Tum Ho Guftar Sarapa, Woh Sarapa Kirdar
Tum Taraste Ho Kali Ko, Woh Gulistan Bah Kinar

You can but weave the web of words, They did their deeds of might:
You pine after a bud: they basked In gardens flower-bright.

Ab Talak Yaad Hai Qoumon Ko Hikayat Un Ki
Naqsh Hai Safah-e-Hasti Pe Sadaqat Un Ki

The world remembers still the tales which hymn their bravery,
And in their storied book of life shines their sincerity.

Misl-e-Anjum Ufaq-e-Qoum Pe Roshan Bhi Huwe
But-e-Hindi Ki Mohabbat Mein Barhman Bhi Huwe

Upon your nation’s sky you rose like stars of brilliant hue,
The lure of India’s idols made even Brahmans out of you;

Shauq-e-Parwaz Mein Mehjoor-e-Nasheman Bhi Huwe
Be-Amal The Hi Jawan, Deen-e-Se Badzan Bhi Huwe

Drawn by the wander-lust, you went a-roving ‘from your nests:
Slothful in good, your youth next learnt to doubt their faith’s behests;

In Ko Tehzeeb Ne Har Bande Se Azad Kiya
La Ke Kaabe Se Sanamkhane Mein Abad Kiya

‘Enlightenment’ ensnared you all, and all your ‘fetters’ fell,
The land of Ka'ba you forsook, In idol-land to dwell!

Qais Zehmat Kash-e-Tanhai-e-Sehra Na Rahe
Shehr Ki Khaye Huwa, Bad Ye Pema Na Rahe!

If longing Qais roams no more, but seeks the town again,
Leaving the lonely desert wastes to share tile life 0f men,

Woh To Diwana Hai, Basti Mein Rahe Ya Na Rahe
Ye Zaroori Hai Hijab-e-Rukh-e-Laila Na Rahe!

Qais is mad: what if he dwells in town or wilderness?
Yet from him Layla must not veil her face in bashfulness!

Gila-e-Jor Na Ho, Shikwa-e-Baidad Na Ho
Ishq Azad Hai, Kyun Husn Bhi Azad Na Ho!

Complain ye not of heart unkind nor speak of tyranny!
When Love no bondage knows, then why should Beauty not be free?

Ehd-e-Nau Barq Hai, Aatish Zan-e-Har Khirman Hai
Ayman Is Se Koi Sehra No Koi Gulshan Hai

Each stack and barn it sets on fire, This lightning-like New Age,
Nor bowling wild nor garden gay escapes its flaming rage;

Is Nayi Aag Ka Aqwam-e-Kuhan Indhan Hai
Millat-e-Khatam-e-Rusal (S.A.W.) Shaola Ba Perahan Hai

This new fire feeds on fuel old,—The nations of the past,
And they too burn to whom was sent God’s Messenger, the last.

Aaj Bhi Jo Baraheem (A.S.) Ka Imaan Paida
Aag Kar Sakti Hai Andaz-e-Gulistan Paida

But if the faith of Abraham there, once again, is born,
Where leaps this flame, flowers will bloom, and laugh its blaze to scorn.

Dekh Kar Rang-e-Chaman Ho Na Pareshan Mali
Koukab-e-Ghuncha Se Shakhain Hain Chamakne Wali

Yet, let the gardener not be sad to see the garden’s plight,
For soon its branches will be gay with buds, like stars of light;

Khas-o-Khashaak Se Hota Hai Gulistan Khali
Gul Bar Andaaz Hai Khoon-e-Shuhada Ki Laali

The withered leaves and weeds will pass, and all its sweepings old;
For there, again, will martyr-blood in roses red unfold.


Rang Gardoon Ka Zara Dekh Tau Unnabi Hai
Yeh Nikalte Huwe Suraj Ki Ufaq Taabi Hai

But look! a hint of russet hue, Brightening the eastern skies,
The glow on yon horizon’s brow, Heralds a new sunrise.

Ummatain  Gulshan-e-Hasti Mein Samar Cheeda Bhi Hain
Aur Mehroom-e-Samar Bhi Hain, Khazan Didah Bhi Hain

In Life’s old garden nations lived who all its fruits enjoyed,
While others longed in vain, while some the winter blasts destroyed;

Saikron Nakhl Hain, Kaheeda Bhi, Baleeda Bhi Hain
Saikron Batan-e-Chaman Mein Abhi Poshida Bhi Hain

Its trees are legion; some decay, While others flush with bloom,
And thousands still their birth await, Hid in the garden’s womb;

Nakhl-e-Islam Namoona Hai Bru-Mandi Ka
Phal Hai Ye Saikron Saalon Ki Chaman Bandi Ka

A symbol of luxuriance, The Tree of Islam reigns,
Its fruits achieved with centuries of garden-tending pains.

Pak Hai Gard-e-Watan Se Sirr-e-Daman Tera
Tu Woh Yousaf Hai Ke Har Misr Hai Kinaan Tera

Your robe is free from dust of home, Not yours such narrow ties,
That Yousuf you, who Canaan sweet, In every Egypt lies;

Qafila Ho Na Sake Ga Kabhi Weeran Tera
Ghair Yak Bang-e-Dara Kuch Nahin Saman Tera
The qafila can ne’er disperse You holdest the starting bells9
Nothing else is needed, if your will Your onward march impels.

Nakhl-e-Shama Asti-o-Dar Shaola Dawad Resha-e-Tu
Aaqbat Soz Bawad Saya-e-Andesha-e-Tu

You candle-tree! your wick-like root, Its top with flame illumes,
Your thought is fire, its very breath all future care consumes.

Tu Na Mit Jaye Ga Iran Ke Mit Jane Se
Nasha-e-Mai Ko Ta’aluq Nahin Pemane Se

And you will suffer no surcease should Iran’s star decline,
It is not the vessel which decides the potency of wine;

Hai Ayan Yorish-e-Tataar Ke Afsane Se
Pasban Mil Gaye Kaabe Ko Sanam Khane Se

It is proved to all the world, from tales of Tartar conquerors,
The Ka'ba brave defenders found in temple-worshippers.

Kashti-e-Haq Ka Zamane Mein Sahara Tu Hai
Asr-e-Nau Raat Hai, Dhundla Sa Sitara Tu Hai

In you relies the bark of God, Adrift beyond the bar,
The new-born age is dark as night, And you its dim pole-star.

Hai Jo Hangama Bipa Yorish-e-Balghari Ka
Ghafilon Ke Liye Pegham Hai Baidari Ka

The Bulgars march! the fiend of war in fearful fury breathes;
The message comes: “Sleepers, awake! The Balkan cauldron seethes.”

Tu Samajhta Hai Ye Saman Hai Dil Aazari Ka
Imtihan Hai Tere Isaar Ka, Khud-Dari Ka

You deem this a cause of grief,Your heart is mortified;
But no, your pride, your sacrifice, Thus, once again, are tried.

Kyun Harasan Hai Saheel-e-Faras-e-Aada Se
Noor-e-Haq Bujh Na Sake Ga Nafs-e-Aada Se

Beneath your foes if chargers neigh? Why tremble you in fright?
For never, never, shall their breath extinguish Heaven’s light.

Chashme-e-Aqwam Se Makhfi Hai Haqiqat Teri
Hai Abhi Mehfil-e-Hasti Ko Zaroorat Teri

Not yet have other nations seen what you are truly worth,
The realm of Being has need of you for perfecting this earth.

Zinda Rakhti Hai Zamane Ko Hararat Teri
Koukab-e-Qismat-e-Imkan Hai Khilafat Teri

If anything yet keeps world alive, ‘It is yours impetuous zeal,
And you will rise its ruling star, And you will shape its weal.

Waqt-e-Fursat Hai Kahan, Kaam Abhi Baqi Hai
Noor-e-Touheed Ka Itmam Abhi Baqi Hai

This is no time for idle rest, Much yet remains undone;
The lamp of tawhid needs your touch to make it shame the sun!

Misl-e-Bu Qaid Hai Ghunche Mein, Preshan Ho Ja
Rakht Bar Dosh Hawaye Chamanistan Ho Ja

You are like fragrance in the bud, Diffuse yourself: be free.
Perfume the garden breeze, and fill the earth with scent of you..

Hai Tunk Maya To Zarre Se Byaban Ho Ja
Naghma-e-Mouj Se Hangama-e-Toofan Ho Ja!

From dusty speck, do you increase to trackless desert-main.
From a faint breeze, a tempest grow, Become a hurricane!

Quwwat-e-Ishq Se Har Past Ko Bala Kar De
Dehr Mein Ism-e-Muhammad (S.A.W.) Se Ujala Kar De

Raise you, through Love, all humble to greatness and to fame;
Enlighten you the groping world with dear Muhammad’s Name.

Ho Na Ye Phool To Bulbul Ka Tarannum Bhi Na Ho
Chaman-e-Dehr Mein Kaliyon Ka Tabassum Bhi Na Ho

If this fair flower blossom not, The bulbul will not sing,
Nor rose-buds make the garden smile welcoming in the spring;

Ye Na Saqi Ho To Phir Mai Bhi Na Ho, Khum Bhi Na Ho
Bazm-e-Touheed Bhi Dunya Mein Na Ho, Tum Bhi Na Ho

If he is not the saki, then nor jar nor wine will be,
Nor in this world will tawhid shine, Nor your heart beat in you;

Khema Aflak Ka Istada Issi Naam Se Hai
Nabz-e-Hasti Tapish Aamadah Issi Naam Se Hai

Yonder ethereal skyey tent, This great name still sustains,
And dancing to its music, flows the blood in Life’s own veins.

Dasht Mein, Daman-e-Kuhsar Mein, Maidan Mein Hai
Behr Mein, Mouj Ki Aghosh Mein, Toofan Mein Hai

It is in the forests and the hills, And on the tranquil plains,
On the seas, in the arms of waves, In roar of hurricanes;

Cheen Ke Shehr, Maraqash Ke Byaban Mein Hai
Aur Poshida Musalman Ke Iman Mein Hai

A music heard in China’s towns, Morocco’s desert-song,
And hid within each Muslim’s heart, It makes his faith grow strong.

Chashm-e-Aqwam Ye Nazara Abad Tak Dekhe
Riffat-e-Shan-e-‘Rafaana La Ka Zikrak’ Dekhe

Let all the peoples of the world see till the end of time,
How I have made this glorious name beyond all thought sublime!

Mardam-e-Chashm-e-Zameen Yani Woh Kali Dunya
Woh Tumhare Shuhada Palne Wali Dunya

That pupil of the eye of Earth, Soil only dark men tread,
That region where have always been your martyrs born and bred,

Garmi-e-Mehr Ki Parwarda Hilali Dunya
Ishq Wale Jise Kehte Hain Bilali Dunya

That land upon the hot sun’s lap, That land of al-hilal,
Which lovers fondly love to call The land of their Bilal,--

Tapish Andoz Hai Iss Naam Se Paare Ki Tarah
Ghouta Zan Noor Mein Hai Aankh Ke Tare Ki Tarah

Is all a-quiver with this Name, Like trembling mercury,
Like pupils dark, in pools of light, It swims perpetually!

Aqal Hai Teri Sipar, Ishq Hai Shamsheer Teri
Mere Darvaish! Khilafat Hai Jahangeer Teri

Your shield be wisdom, be your sword the flaming Love Divine,
My fond dervish! do you not know that all the world is yours?

Ma Siwa Allah Ke Liye Aag Hai Takbeer Teri
Tu Musalman Ho To Taqdeer Hai Tadbeer Teri


All else but God is at your feet, If sounds your Takbeer great;
If you a Muslim truly are, Your effort is your fate.

Ki Muhammed (S.A.W.) Se Wafa Tu Ne Tau Hum Tere Hain
Yeh Jahan Cheez Hai Kya, Loh-o-Qalam Tere Hain

To my Muhammad be but true, And you have conquered me;