Translation
I bear hardships on myself, I am
unconcerned with others
Alas! How strange, I am the oppressor, I am the ignorant 1
I existed only till the time Thy Splendor appeared 2
I am the falsehood which is annihilated by the Truth
From the knowledge’s sea divers came out with pearls in hand
Alas, O deprivation! A mere pebble collector on the sea shore I am 3
My disgrace itself is the demonstration of my nobility
I am the negligence which the angels ardently desire4
O the existence’ assemblage! Be not proud of your beauty
You are a mere picture of the assemblage, I am the assemblage 5
O Iqb�l! I am in constant search for myself
I am the traveler as well as the destination 6
Explanatory
Notes
1. This is the kind of
sarcastic remark people make on the material losses and sufferings of the true Lovers of
God.
2. This is an expression of the modesty of ‘All�mah Iqb�l about himself, similar to that of Sir Isaac Newton.
3. Allusion to the transfer of S. �dam A.S. from Paradise to the earth on account of his negligence in obeying the Command of God.
4. The whole purpose of the Creation of the universe was to create Man, who is the master-piece of the creation , and the master-piece of the human elegance is the person of the Holy Prophet S.A.W . There is a Had�th to the effect that God would not have created the universe if He had not intended to create the Holy Prophet S.A.W.
5. Allusion to the constant search of Man to know himself.