THE  NIGHT  AND  THE  POET

Introduction
This extremely beautiful poem describing the tranquillity of the moonlit night of the Indian sub-continent expresses the great frustration of �All�mah Iqb�l. As has been stated in the introductions of several  previous poems the three problems  causing frustrating to him were the exploitation of the world  by the Western nations. The deplorable condition of the Muslim countries and society and the lack of amicable solution of the Hindu-Muslim problem of the Indian sub-continent which was delaying its independence. There was nobody to whom he could talk about these matters which compelled him to come out in the serenity of moonlit night and relate them to it.

Translation

Part 1:  R�t  ( The  Night )

Why in my light are you roaming about perturbed?
Silent like the rose, like the fragrance perturbed

Perhaps you are the jeweler of the star�s  pearls
Perhaps you are  some fish of the river of my light

Or you are a star fallen from my forehead
Which, leaving eminence has adopted habitation in humility

Quiet has become the string of the harp of life
In my mirror is the picture of the dream of life

At the bottom of the river the whirlpool�s eye is asleep
By the river bank  the restless wave has fallen asleep

How tumultuous the habitation of the earth is
Has fallen asleep as if it not even inhabited is

                But the poet�s heart is unacquainted with peace
                How did you remain free from my enchantment?

Part 2: Sh�`ir ( The Night)

I am sowing pearls in the fields of your moon
Hiding from people I weep like the dawn

Being shy of coming out in the day�s commotion
My tears start dripping in the night�s seclusion

To whom should I relate the lament concealed in me?
To whom should I show the scene of the heat of Love¹?

Aiman�s² lightning is lying on my breast and weeping
Where the eye which has  insight is sleeping?

My congregation is dead like the grave�s candle
Ah! O night my destination is very far

The present day conditions are not amenable to it
There is no perception of it�s own loss in it

                When I become tired of the restraint of Love�s message
                Coming here I relate them to your shining states!

Explanatory Notes
1. Heat of Sight of the Beloved, i.e. God- To �All�mah Iqb�l solution of the problems stated in the introduction were possible only with the Love of God.

2. Aiman- The valley of Mount ��r where S. M�s� A.S. saw  the Effulgence of God in the form of lightning.