(Zarb-e-Kaleem-182) Ghulamon Ki Namaz

Nafsiyat-e-Ghulami
Slaves’ Prayer

(Turki Wafad-e-Hilal-e-Ahmar Lahore Mein)

Kaha Mujahid-e-Turki Ne Mujh Se Baad-e-Namaz
Taweel Sajda Hain Kyun Iss Qadar Tumhare Imam

‘Why do your priests,’ said to me after prayers
A Turkish hero of the faith, ‘drag out their genuflexions so?’

Woh Saada Mard-e-Mujahid, Woh Momin-e-Azad
Khabar Na Thi Use Kya Cheez Hai Namaz-e-Ghulam

—He little knew, that free‐born Muslim, that plain warrior,
  What kind of thing slaves’ prayers are!

Hazar Kaam Hain Mardan-e-Hur Ko Dunya Mein
Inhi Ke Zauq-e-Amal Se Hain Ummaton Ke Nazam

In this world a thousand tasks lie ready for the free,
In whom the love of high deeds burns and forges the nations and their laws;

Badan Ghulam Ka Souz-e-Amal Se Hai Mehroom
Ke Hai Muroor Ghulamon Ke Roz-o-Shab Pe Haram

But that fire never touches the bondman’s limbs,
whose nights and days stand still under an interdict.

Taweel Sajda Agar Hain To Kya Ta’ajjub Hai
Waraye Sajda Ghareebon Ko Aur Kya Hai Kaam

If our prostrations are long‐drawn, why should you wonder?

Khuda Naseeb Kare Hind Ke Imamon Ko
Woh Sajda Jis Mein Hai Millat Ki Zindagi Ka Payam!

—God teach His ministers in India
A way of worship that shall be to all his people an evangel of new life!