THE MOON

Introduction
This beautiful short poem is an eloquent expression of ‘All«mah Iqb«l's philosophy of the elevated position of Man in the whole creation of God. This elegance is conferred on Man by God, not due to his size, or brightness, but due to his soul; which is the seat of the Love of God his Intellection of the mysteries of creation and Khudâ. Or cognizance of his own position through the blessings of the Holy Qur'«n. See Chapter 3 paragraph "The Status of Mankind in the Universe and the concept of Khudâ." The climax, which is the purpose of this poem, is reached in the last three verses.

Translation
Though miles away from my abode is your homeland
Tumultuous like the sea is my heart with your attraction

Where do you intend to go? From where are you coming?
Perhaps you have become pale from the journey's hardships

In creation you are embodiment of light, of darkness I am
In spite of this misfortune akin to you in destiny I am

Ah! Ablaze I am from the heat of longing for God's Sight
Embodiment of pathos are you from obligation of sun's sight

If your motion established in an orbit is
My motion also like that of a compass is.

You are diligently pursuing your life's path, so am I
You are lighted in existence' assembly, so alight am I

In the midst of my journey I am, in the midst of your journey you are
Similar to the silence of my heart, silent in your assembly you are

A seeker you are and the same custom is mine
Moon light is your light, Love is the light mine

In the world of my residence with an assembly I also am
If unique in your assembly you are, unique like you I am


The light of the sun as the message of death to you is
Annihilated in the Eternal Beauty's effulgence my heart is

Still, O shining moon! I am different, you are different
The bosoms which are afflicted by the pathos are different

Though the embodiment of darkness I am, embodiment of light you are
Hundreds of stages away from the taste of Intellect you are

                I know what the purpose of my existence is
                This is the luster of which your forehead devoid is