(Bang-e-Dra-063) Mohabbat

Part Two

1905—08

Mohabbat
Love

Uroos-e-Shab Ki Zulfain Theen Abhi Na-Ashna Kham Se
Sitare Asaman Ke Be-Khabar The Lazzat-e-Ram Se

As yet the tresses of the bride of night were not familiar with their graceful curls;
And the stars of heaven had tasted not the bliss of whistling motion through the depths of space.

Qamar Apne Libas-e-Nawa Mein Begana Sa Lagta Tha
Na Tha Waqif Abhi Gardish Ke Aaeen-e-Muslim Se

The moon in her new robes looked rather strange
And knew not revolution’s ceaseless law.

Abhi Imkan Ke Zulmat Khane Se Ubhri Hi Thi Dunya
Mazaq-e-Zindagi Poshida Tha Pehnaye Alam Se

From the dark house of possibilities the world had just emerged to spin along,
No joy of life had throbbed as yet within the furthest limits of immensity.

Kamal-e-Nazam-e-Hasti Ki Abhi Thi Ibtada Goya
Haweda Thi Nagine Ki Tamanna Chashme-e-Khatam Se

The order of existence scarcely had begun unfolding to perfectionment;
It seems as if the world, like a ring whose socket waiteth for its precious stone, longed to evolve the archetypes to come.

Suna Hai Alam-e-Bala Mein Koi Keemiya-Gar Tha
Safa Thi Jis Ki Khak-e-Pa Mein Barh Kar Saghir-e-Jam Se

They say there was an alchemist on high,
Dust of whose footsteps sparkled even more than Jamshid’s crystal cup.

Likha Tha Arsh Ke Paye Pe Ek Ikseer Ka Nuskha
Chupate The Farishte Jis Ko Chashm-e-Rooh-e-Adam Se

And on the pedestal of heaven there was engraved Elixir’s wondrous recipe,
Which angels always guarded from the ken of Adam’s soul destined by it to live.

Nigahain Taak Mein Rehti Then Lekin Keemiya-Gar Ki
Woh Iss Nuskhe Ko Barh Kar Janta Tha Ism-e-Azam Se

The alchemist was ever on the watch
Knowing this recipe more precious than the Great Name itself.

Barha Tasbeeh Khawani Ke Bahane Arsh Ki Janib
Tamanna-e-Dili Akhir Bar Ayi Saee-e-Peham Se

Till seemingly saying his orisons, he nearer drew and gained the strictly guarded pedestal,
his constant effort yielding in the end the fruit of his desire for which he burned.

Phiraya Fikr-e-Ajza Ne Use Maidan-e-Imkan Mein
Chupe Gi Kya Koi Shay Bargah-e-Haq Ke Mehram Se

And having learnt it, he went forth to seek through the vast field of possibilities for its ingredients and collected them;
Yea! what is there that can be hid from those who know the halls where truth for ever dwells.

Chamak Tare Se Mangi, Chand Se Dagh-e-Jigar Manga
Urhayi Teergi Thori Si Shab Ki Zulf-e-Barham Se

From stars he took their brightness; from the moon the marks of burnt‐out passions of the past;
And from night’s floating and dishevelled tresses a little darkness;

Tarap Bijli Se Payi,Hoor Se Pakeezgi Payi
Hararat Li Nafashaye Maseeh-e-Ibn-e-Mariam (A.S.) Se

From the lightning he received its restlessness; and purity from houris;
And the gentle warmth that runs rippling from healing breath of Mary’s son.

Zara Si Phir Rabubiat Se Shan-e-Be-Niazi Li
Malak Se Ajazi, Uftadgi Taqdeer-e-Shabnam Se

Then from the quality of Providence he took that splendour which dependeth not on aught else than itself,
And from the dew and angels took he their humility.

Phir In Ajza Ko Ghola Chasma-e-Hewan Ke Pani Men
Marakkab Nemohabbat Naam Paya Arsh-e-Azam Se

Then in the waters of the spring of life he made them to dissolve;
And from the Throne of Most High they called this essence “Love.”

Muhwish Ne Ye Pani Hasti-e-Naukhaiz Par Chirka
Girah Kholi Hunar Ne Uss Ke Goya Kaar-e-Alam Se

That alchemist sprinkled this liquid on the new sprouting being,
And its magic touch released the spell‐bound process of the worlds.

Huwi Junbish Ayan, Zarron Ne Lutf-e-Khawab Ko Chora
Gile Milne Lage Uth Uth Ke Apne Apne Humdam Se

Motion appeared in atoms; forthwith they abandoned their repose,
And roused themselves embracing their affinities again.

Kharaam-e-Naaz Paya Aftabon Ne, Sitaron Ne
Chatak Ghunchon Ne Payi, Dagh Paye Lala-Zaron Ne

The suns and stars rolled in majestic curves,
The buds received fresh tints, and poppy flowers were branded with the burning marks of Love.