STROLLING  IN  THE  CELESTIAL  WORLD

Introduction
This poem is an allegory describing the material condition of Paradise and Hell as commonly understood by the literal interpretation of the Holy Qur��n. However, `All�mah Iqb�l  did not believe them to be locations but states of the soul, for which see Poem 13, Note 2. He uses this form of narration for explaining their nature  to people not conversant with Ta�awwuf. The essential lesson is that both Paradise and Hell are earned by Man through his deeds, as stated in the last verse.

Translation
As only imagination was my fellow-traveler
My path happened to pass through the sky

I was  flying constantly and no one
Was acquainted with me in the sky

The stars were staring at me in surprise
My journey was a well guarded secret

                I escaped from the alternation of day and night
                I escaped from this ancient order of things

What can I tell you what Paradise is
It is the climax of material longings

Birds were singing in the branches of ��b�h ¹
Unabashed Houri�s beauty was present all around

Beautiful cup-bearers with wine-cups in hand
The audience was crying drink more and more�

Far from the Paradise the eye observed
There was a dark house, cold  and silent

Countenance of Qais  and Lailah�s  material form
Were shoulder to shoulder with its darkness

It was so cold  that being embarrassed by it
The Arctic Circle was concealing its face

When I inquired about  its condition
The reply of the angel was strange

�This  cold  place is called Hell
It is deprived of fire and light

The heat of its flames which is borrowed
Terrifies the people seeking admonition

                When the earth�s people come here
                They bring their embers with them�

Explanatory Notes
1.  The name  of a tree in Paradise whose fruit is said to  be most delicious.