Search Words, Couplet, Verse, Shair In Iqbal Poetry

(Bang-e-Dra-034) Tasveer-e-Dard (تصویر درد) The Portrait Of Anguish

Tasveer-e-Dard
The Portrait Of Anguish

Nahin Minnatkash-e-Taab-e-Shaneedan Dastan Meri
Khamoshi Guftugu Hai, Be-Zubani Hai Zuban Meri

My story is not indebted to the patience of being heard
My silence is my talk, my speechlessness is my speech

Ye Dastoor-e-Zuban Bandi Hai Kaisa Teri Mehfil Mein
Yahan To Baat Karne Ko Tarasti Hai Zuban Meri

Why does this custom of silencing exist in your assembly?
My tongue is tantalized to talk in this assembly

Uthaye Kuch Waraq Lale Ne, Kuch Nargis Ne, Kuch Gul Ne
Chaman Mein Har Taraf Bikhri Huwi Hai Dastan Meri

Some leaves were picked up by the tulip, some by the narcissus, some by the rose
My story is scattered around everywhere in the garden

Urha Li Qumriyon Ne, Tootiyon Ne, Andleebon Ne
Chaman Walon Ne Mil Kar Loot Li Tarz-e-Faghan Meri

The turtle‐doves, parrots, and nightingales pilfered away
The garden’s denizens jointly robbed away my plaintive way

Tapak Ae Shama Ansu Ban Ke Parwane Ki Ankhon Se
Sarapa Darun Hun, Hasrat Bhari Hai Dastan Meri

O Candle! Drip like tears from the eye of the moth
Head to foot pathos I am, full of longing is my story

Elahi ! Phir Maza Kiya Hai Yahan Dunya Mein Rehne Ka
Hayat-e-Javidan Meri! Na Marg-e-Naghaan Meri !

O God! What is the pleasure of living so in this world?
Neither the eternal life, nor the sudden death is mine

Mera Rona Nahi, Rona Hai Ye Sare Gulistan Ka
Woh Gul Hon Main, Khazan Har Gul Ki Hai Goya Khazan Meri

This is not only my wailing, but is that of the entire garden
I am a rose, to me every rose’ autumn is my autumn

“Dareen Hasrat Sra Umarist Afsoon-e-Jaras Daram
Za-Faiz-e-Dil Tapeedan Ha Kharosh-e-Be Nafas Daram”

“In this grief‐stricken land, in life‐long spell of the caravan’s bell I am
From the palpitating heart’s bounties the silent clamor I have“

Riyadh-e-Dehr Mein Na-Ashnaye Bazm-e-Ishrat Hon
Khushi Roti Hai Jis Ko, Main Woh Mehroom-e-Mussarat Hun

In the world’s garden unaware of pleasant company I am
Whom happiness still mourns, that hapless person I am

Meri Bigri Huwi Taqdeer Ko Roti Hai Goyai
Main Harf-e-Zair-e-Lab, Sharminda’ay Gosh-e-Sama’at Hun

Speech itself sheds tears at my ill luck
Silent word, longing for an eager ear I am

Preshan Hun Main Musht-e-Khaak, Lekin Kuch Nahin Khulta
Sikandar Hun Ke Aaeena Hun Ya Gard-e-Kadoorat Hun

I am a mere handful of scattered dust but I do not know
Whether Alexander or a mirror or just dust and scum I am

Ye Sub Kuch Hai Magar Hasti Meri Maqsad Hai Qudrat Ka
Sarapa Noor Ho Jis Ki Haqiqat, Main Woh Zulmat Hun

Despite all this my existence is the Divine Purpose
Embodiment of light is whose reality, that darkness I am

Khazeena Hun, Chupaya Mujh Ko Musht-e-Khak-e-Sehra Ne
Kisi Ko Kya Khabar Hai Main Kahan Hun Kis Ki Doulat Hun!

I am a treasure, concealed in the wilderness dust
No one knows where I am, or whose wealth I am?

Nazar Meri Nahin Mamnoon-e-Sair-e-Arsa-e-Hasti
Main Woh Chotti Si Dunya Hon Ke Ap Apni Walayat Hon

My insight is not obligated to the stroll of existence
That small world I am whose sovereign myself I am

Na Sehba Hun Na Saqi Hon, Na Masti Hon Na Pemana
Main Iss Mai Khana-e-Hasti Mein Har Shay Ki Haqiqat Hun

Neither wine, nor cup‐bearer, nor ecstasy, nor goblet I am
But the truth of everything in the existence’ tavern I am

Mujhe Raaz-e-Do Alam Dil Ka Aaeena Dikhata Hai
Wohi Kehta Hun Jo Kuch Samne Aankhon Ke Ata Hai

My heart’s mirror shows me both world’s secrets
I relate exactly what I witness before my eyes

Atta Aesa Byan Mujh Ko Huwa Rangeen Byabanon Mein
Ke Baam-e-Arsh Ke Taa’ir Hain Mere Hum Zubanon Mein

I am bestowed with such speech among the elegant speakers
That the birds of the ‘Arsh’s roof are concordant with me

Asar Ye Bhi Hai Ek Mere Junoon-e-Fitna Saman Ka
Mera Aeena’ay Dil Hai Qaza Ke Raaz Danon Mein

This also is an effect of my tumultuous love
That my heart’s mirrors are Destiny’s confidante

Rulata Hai Tera Nazara Ae Hinduston! Mujh Ko
Ke Ibrat Khaiz Hai Tera Fasana Sub Fasanon Mein

Your spectacle makes me shed tears, O India!
Your tales are admonitory among all the tales

Diya Rona Mujhe Aesa Ke Sub Kuch De Diya Goya
Likha Kalk-e-Azal Ne Mujh Ko Tere Noha Khawanon Mein

Conferring the wailing on me is like conferring everything
Since eternity Destiny’s pen has put me where all your mourners are

Nishan-e-Barg-e-Gul Tak Bhi Na Chorh Iss Bagh Mein Gul-Cheen !
Teri Qismat Se Razm Arayan Hain Baghbanon Mein

O gardener do not leave even the rose‐petals’ trace in this garden!
By your misfortune war preparations are afoot among the gardeners

Chupa Kar Asteen Mein Bijliyan Rakhi Hain Gardoon Ne
Anadil Bagh Ke Ghafil Na Baithen Ashiyon Mein

The sky has kept thunderbolts concealed up its sleeve
Garden’s nightingales should not slumber in their nests

Sun Ae Ghafil Sada Meri, Ye Aesi Cheez Hai Jis Ko
Wazifa Jaan Kar Perhte Hain Taair Bostanon Mein

Listen to my call, O imprudent one! This is something which
The birds in gardens are reciting like the daily prayers

Watan Ki Fikar Kar Nadan! Musibat Ane Wali Hai
Teri Barbadiyon Ke Mashware Hain Asmanon Mein

Think of the homeland, O ignorant one! Hard times are coming
Conspiracies for your destruction are afoot in the heavens

Zara Dekh Uss Ko Jo Kuch Ho Raha Hai, Hone Wala Hai
Dhara Kya Hai Bhala Ehd-e-Kuhan Ki Dastnon Mein

Pay attention to what is happening and what is going to happen
What good there is in repeating the tales of the old glories?

Ye Khamoshi Kahan Tak? Lazzat-e-Faryad Paida Kar
Zameen Par Tu Ho Aur Teri Sada Ho Asmanon Mein

How long will you remain silent? Create taste for complaint!
You should be on the earth, so your cries be in the heavens!

Na Samjho Ge To Mit Jao Ge Ae Hindustanon Walo !
Tumhari Dastan Tak Bhi Na Ho Gi Daston Mein

You will be annihilated if you do not understand, O people of India!
Even your tales will disappear from the world’s chronicles

Ye Aaeen-e-Qudrat Hai, Yehi Asloob-e-Fitrat Hai
Jo Hai Rah-e-Amal Mein Gaamzan, Mehboob-e-Fitrat Hai

This is the law of Nature, this is the order of Nature
Those who tread dynamism’s path, are the darlings of Nature

Hawaida  Aaj Apne Zakhm-e-Pinhan Kar Ke Chorun Ga
Lahoo Ro Ro Ke Mehfil Ko Gulistan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

I will surely exhibit all my hidden wounds today
I will surely change assembly to a garden with blood‐mixed tears

Jalana Hai Mujhe Har Shama-e-Dil Ko Souz-e-Pinhan Se
Teri Tareek Raaton Mein Charaghan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

I have to light every heart’s candle with hidden pathos
I will surely create bright illumination in your darkness

Magar Ghunchon Ki Soorat Hon Dil-e-Dard Ashna Paida
Chaman Mein Musht-e-Khak Apni Preshan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

So that love‐cognizant hearts be created like rose‐buds
I will surely scatter around my handful of dust in the garden

Parona Aik Hi Tasbeeh Mein In Bikhare Danon Ko
Jo Muskhil Hai, To Iss Mushkil Ki Asan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

If stringing these scattered pearls in a single rosary
Is difficult, I will surely make this difficult task easy

Mujhe Ae Hum Nasheen Rehne De Shughal-e-Seena Kawi Mein
Ke Main Dagh-e-Mohabbat Ko Numayan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

O Companion! Leave me alone in the soul-searching effort
As I will surely exhibit this mark of the ardent Love

Dikha Doon Ga Jahan Ko Jo Meri Ankhon Ne Dekha Hai
Tujhe Bhi Soorat-e-Aaeena Hairan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

I will show the world what my eyes have seen
I will surely make you also bewildered like a mirror

Jo Hai Pardon Mein Pinhan, Chashm-e-Beena Dekh Leti Hai
Zamane Ki Tabiyat Ka Taqaza Dekh Leti Hai

The discerning eye sees every thing covered in veils
It does see the exigencies of the nature of times

Kiya Riffat Ki Lazzat Se Na Dil Ko Ashna Tu Ne
Guzri Umer Pasti Mein Misal-e-Naqsh-e-Pa Tu Ne

You have not acquainted your heart with pleasure of dignity
You have passed your entire life in humility like foot‐prints

Raha Dil Basta-e-Mehfil, Magar Apni Nigahon Ko
Kiya Bairoon-e-Mehfil Se Na Hairat Ashna Tu Ne

You always remained entangled inside the assembly, but
Have not acquainted yourself with the world outside the assembly

Fida Karta Raha Dil Ko Haseenon Ki Ada’on Par
Magar Dekhi Na Iss Aaeene Mein Apni Ada Tu Ne

You have continued loving the charm of material beauties
But you have never seen your own elegance in this mirror

Taassub Chorh Nadan! Dehr Ke Aaeena Khane Mein
Ye Tasveerain Hain Teri Jin Ko Samjha Hai Bura Tu Ne

Give up prejudice O imprudent one! In the world’s glass house
They are your own pictures which you have taken as evil ones

Sarapa Nala-e-Baidad-e-Souz-e-Zindagi Ho Ja
Sapand Aasa Girah Mein Bandh Rakhi Hai Sada Tu Ne

Become embodiment of the wail of tyranny of life’s pathos!
You have concealed sound in your pocket like the rue seed

Safa’ay Dil Ko Kiya Araish-e-Rang-e-Taaluq Se
Kaf-e-Aaeena Par Baandhi Hai O Nadan Hina Tu Ne

Clarity of heart has nothing to do with external decorations
O imprudent one! You have applied myrtle to mirror’s palm

Zameen Kya, Asman Bhi Teri Kaj Beeni Pe Rota Hai
Ghazab Hai Satar-e-Quran Ko Chalipa Kar Diya Tu Ne !

Not only the earth even the sky is bewailing your imprudence
It is outrageous that you have twisted the Qur’an’s lines!

Zuban Se Gar Kiya Touheed Ka Dawa To Kya Hasil !
Banya Hai Butt-e-Pindar Ko Apna Khuda Tu Ne

To what purpose is your claim to monotheism!
You have made the idol of self conceit your deity

Kunwain Mein Tu Ne Yousaf Ko Jo Dekha Bhi To Kya Dejha
Are Ghafil! Jo Mutliq Tha Muqayyad Kar Diya Tu Ne

What did you see even if you saw Yusuf in the well?
O imprudent one! You have made the Absolute confined

Hawas Bala’ay Manbar Hai Tujhe Rangeen Byani Ki
Nasihat  Bhi Teri Soorat Hai, Ek Afsana Khawani Ki

You are greedy of flowery style even at the pulpit
Your advice also is a form of story telling

Dikha Woh Husn-e-Alam Souz Apni Chashme-Purnam Ko
Jo Tarpata Hai Parwane Ko, Rulata Hai Shabnam Ko

Show that universally illuminating Beauty to your weeping eye
Which renders the moth highly agitated, which makes the dew weep like eye

Nira Nazara Hi Ae Bu-Al-Hos Maqsad Nahin Iss Ka
Banaya Hai Kissi Ne Kuch Samajh Kar Chashme-e-Adam Ko

Mere seeing is not its purpose! O greedy one
Some One has made the human eye with some purpose

Agar Dekha Bhi Uss Ne Sare Alam Ko To Kya Dekha
Nazar Ayi Na Kuch Apni Haqiqat Jaam Se Jam Ko

Even if he viewed the whole world, what did he see?
Jam could not see his own reality in the wine cup

Shajar Hai Firqa Arayi, Taassuf Hai Samar Iss Ka
Ye Woh Phal Hai Ke Jannat Se Nikalwata Hai Adam Ko

Sectarianism is the tree, prejudice is its fruit
This fruit caused expulsion of Adam from Paradise

Na Utha Jazba-e-Khursheed Se Ek Barg-e-Gul Tak Bhi
Ye Riffat Ki Tamana Hai Ke Le Urti Hai Shabnam Ko

Not even a single rose‐petal could rise by sun’s attraction
It is the longing for elegance which raises the dew

Phira Karte Nahi Majrooh-e-Ulfat Fikar-e-Darman Mein
Ye Zakhami Aap Kar Lete Hain Paida Apne Marham Ko

Those wounded by Love do not wander in search of cure
These wounded ones themselves create their own cure

Mohabbat Ke Sharar Se Dil Sarapa Noor Hota Hai
Zara Se Beej Se Paida Riyaaz-e-Toor Hota Hai

The heart gets complete illumination by the spark of Love
The Tur’s flower bed is raised from the Love’s small seed

Dawa Har Dukh Ki Hai Majrooh-e-Taegh-e-Arzoo Rehna
Elaj-e-Zakham Hai Azad-e-Ehsaan-e-Rafoo Rehna

Every malady’s cure is to remain wounded with Longing’s sword
Wound’s remedy is to remain free from obligation to stitching

Sharab-e-Bekhudi Se Ta Falak Parwaz Ha Meri
Shikast-e-Rang Se Sikha Hai Main Ne Ban Ke Boo Rehna

With the Bekhudi’s wine up to the celestial world is my flight
From disappearance of color I have learnt to remain fragrance

Thame Kya Dida’ay Giryan Watan Ki Noha Khawani Mein
Ibadat Chashm-e-Shayar Ki Hai Har Dam Ba-Wazoo Rehna

How can the weeping eye refrain from homeland’s lamentation?
The ‘ibadah for the poet’s eye is to remain constantly with ablution

Banayen Kya Samajh Kar Shakh-e-Gul Par Ashiyan Apna
Chaman Mein Aah! Kya Rehna Jo Ho Be Abroo Rehna

To what purpose should we make our nest in the rose‐branch
Ah! How can we live with constant disgrace in the garden

Jo Tu Samjhe To Azadi Hai Poshida Mohabat Mein
Ghulami Hai Aseer-e-Imtiaz-e-Mawatu Rehna

If you understand, independence is veiled in Love
Slavery is to remain imprisoned in the net of schism

Ye Astagna Hai, Pani Mein Nigun Rakhta Hai Saghar Ko
Tujhe Bhi Chahye Misl-e-Habab-e-Aabju Rehna

Contentment is what keeps the cup submerged in water
You should also remain like the bubble in the stream

Na Reh Apnon Se Beparwa, Issi Mein Khair Hai Teri
Agar Manzoor Hai Dunya Mein Ao Begana Khor! Rehna

It is best for you not to remain indifferent to yours own
O apathetic person! If you want to remain alive in the world

Sharab-e-Rooh Parwar Hai Mohabbat Nu-e-Insan Ki
Shikaya Iss Ne Mujh Ko Mast Bejaam-o-Saboo Rehna

Soul‐invigorating wine is the Love of the human race
It has taught me to remain ecstatic without the wine cup and the pitcher

Mohabbat Hi Se Payi Hai Shafa Bimaar Qoumon Ne
Kiya Hai Apne Bakht-e-Khufta Ko Baidar Qoumon Ne

Sick nations have been cured only through Love
Nations have warded off their adversity through Love

Byaban-e-Mohabbat Dasht-e-Ghurbat Bhi, Watan Bhi Hai
Ye Wairana Qafas Bhi, Ashiyana Bhi, Chaman Bhi Hai

The expanse of Love is at once foreign land and homeland
This wilderness is the cage, the nest, as well as the garden

Mohabbat Hi Woh Manzil Hai Ke Manzil Bhi Hai, Sehra Bhi
Jaras Bhi, Karwan Bhi, Rahbar Bhi, Rahzan Bhi Hai

Love is the only stage which is the stage as well as the wilderness
It is the bell, the caravan, the leader as well as the robber

Marz Kehte Hain Sub Iss Ko, Ye Hai Lekin Marz Aesa
Chupa Jis Mein Ilaj-e-Gardish-e-Charakh-e-Kuhan Bhi Hai

Everybody calls it an illness, but it is such an illness
In which the cure for all ills and misfortunes is concealed

Jalana Dil Ka Hai Goya Sarapa Noor Ho Jana
Ye Parwana Jo Souzan Ho To Shama-e-Anjuman Bhi Hai

The heart’s pathos in a way is to become embodiment of Light
If this moth burns it is also the assembly’s candle

Wohi Ek Husn Hai, Lekin Nazar Ata Hai Har Shay Mein
Ye Sheerin Bhi Hai Goya, Bestoon Bhi, Kohkan Bhi Hai

The Beauty is just one but appears in everything
It is Shirin, the sky, as well as the mountain digger

Ujaarha Hai Tameez-e-Millat-o-Aaeen Ne Qoumon Ko
Mere Ahl-e-Watan Ke Dil Mein Kuch Fikar-e-Watan Bhi Hai?

Distinction of sects and governments has destroyed nations
Is there any concern for the homeland in my compatriot’s hearts?

Sakoot Aamoz Tool-e-Dastan-e-Dard Hai Warna
Zuban Bhi Hai Humare Munh Mein Aur Taab-e-Sukhan Bhi Hai

Prolonging the tale of my woes calls for silence, otherwise
The tongue in my mouth as well as the ability to speak is

"Nameegar Deed Ko The Rishta’ay Ma’ani Raha Kardam
Hikayat-e-Bood Be Payan, Bakhamoshi Ada Kardam"

“Take not this meaningful tale as related by me is
The story was endless, but related with silence is.”

32 comments:

  1. Fabulous..!! um speechless never read it complete earlier

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gem.............. simply mind blowing and respect for the translator... very well done.. Jazaak Allah

    ReplyDelete
  3. simply mind opening. so true and so universal.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sincere efforts. A True need of present time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Correction:
    Please correct the below mentiond verse:
    "Meri Bigharti Huwi Taqdeer Ko Roti Hai Goyai"
    The word here is "Bigri" in stead of "Bigharti", so correct verse would be:
    "Meri Bigri Huwi Taqdeer Ko Roti Hai Goyai"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Translator has done a supper job. please just bear with minor things .

      Delete
  6. hum v. nice
    but very long

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent job done .I highly appreciate your efforts to translate the verses for lay men to understand and look forward for more and more work to be done in this regard.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Really Knowing about khoodi from Allama Iqbal is great pleasure

    ReplyDelete
  9. Can not comment

    ReplyDelete
  10. whom who understand: we all have the obligation to concentrate and spread the power of love through meditation and our actions.

    ReplyDelete
  11. as salam alikum all of you i am khaleel from Hyderbad India i am also one of the addected Fan or Dr Allama Iqbal sahaab shyeri and gazels so if any one want to undrstand thier gazels and nazam so plz contect me
    [khaleel.certified@gmail.com]
    [8801252875 watsapp]
    Thanks
    Kind Regard
    Khaleel Ahmed

    ReplyDelete
  12. Muhammad Perwez Qureshi8 August 2015 at 14:00

    Doctor Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal is not only a great Poet, but he is great Philosopher, a great Muslim Scholar, a Real Politician, a great Wali Allah. May Allah bless his soul with His rehmat o barkat and best rewards in aalam-e-barzakh and in the Aakhirah, Ameen!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dr. Sir Mohammad Iqbal, Allah Tala Ne Apko Jo Ilm wa hunar Bakhsha Hai Wo Shayad Kisi Aur KE Paas Nahi Mil Sakta, Aap Shyar e Islam, Shyar e Mashriq, Wa Shayar e Quraan Hain, Allah Aapko Jannatul Firdaus Me Aala Maqaam Ata Farmae-------Ameen

    ReplyDelete
  14. Shajar Hai Firqa Arayi, Taassuf Hai Samar Iss Ka
    Ye Woh Phal Hai Ke Jannat Se Nikalwata Hai Adam Ko

    Sectarianism is the tree, prejudice is its fruit
    This fruit caused expulsion of Adam from Paradise

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think that in the 5th verse when it say:
    Sarapa Darun Hun, Hasrat Bhari Hai Dastan Meri
    It is not "Darun" rather it is "Sarapa dard ho,hasrat bhari hai dastan meri"
    Correct me if I am wrong!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Brilliant ! No words for this. Outstanding !

    ReplyDelete
  17. Laa jawab. Maasha allah... Very nice. No words to praise translation is splendid. Shukriya Janab !!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Me as a beginner in Urdu find the text in Urdu hard to read .

    ReplyDelete
  19. Couple of people comprehend the liberation of a real hermit.

    ReplyDelete
  20. it's heart broken poem translator also done good job

    ReplyDelete