(Bal-e-Jibril-163) Abbu-Al-Allama'ari

Abu Al-Alama’ari

(1). Abu Al-Alama’ari, Arabi Zuban Ka Mashoor Shayar

Kehte Hain Kabhi Ghosht Na Khata Tha Ma’arri
Phal Phool Pe Karta Tha Hamsha Guzar Auqat

It is said that Ma‘arri never ate meat;
He lived on fruit and vegetables.

Ek Dost Ne Bhoona Huwa Teetar Usse Bheja
Shaid Ke Who Shatir Issi Tarkeeb Se Ho Maat

A friend sent him a roasted partridge,
To allure that clever gentleman into eating meat.

Ye Khawan-e-Tar-o-Taza Maarri Ne Jo Dekha
Kehne Laga Woh Sahib-e-Ghafran-o-Lazomaat

When Ma‘arri saw that elegant tray
He, the author of Ghufran (2) and Lazumat (3) said,

Ae Murghak-e-Bechara! Zara Ye To Bata Tu
Tera Woh Gunah Kya Tha Ye Hai Jis Ki Makafat?

“O You helpless little bird, would you tell me your sin
For which this punishment has been awarded to you?

Afsos, Sad Afsos Ke Shaheen Na Bana Tu
Dekhe Na Teri Ankh Ne Fitrat Ke Isharat

Alas, you did not become a falcon;
Your eye did not perceive the directives of Nature.

Taqdeer Ke Qazi Ka Ye Fatwa Hai Azal Se
Hai Jurm-e-Zaeefi Ki Saza Marg-e-Mafajat!

It is the eternal decree of the Judge sitting in Judgement on destinies—
That weakness is a crime punishable by death.

Gafran - Rasala-Tul-Ghafran, Maarri Ki Aik Mashoor Kitab Ka Naam Ha
Lazomat – Iss Ke Qasaid Ka Majmooa Ha


(1). Iqbal’s note‐‐ Abu al ‘Ala al‐Ma‘arri, a famous Arabic poet.
(2). Iqbal’s note—Risala tul Ghufran is the title of a famous book by him.
(3). Iqbal’s note—Lazumat is the collection of his panegyrics.