THE  SUPPLICATION

Introduction
This very beautiful and forceful poem describes the ardent desire of ‘All«mah Iqb«l for the rejuvenation of the Muslim Ummah, starting with their return to Islam and to the Love of God. This poem is very popular among the Muslims of the Indo-Pakistan-Bangladesh sub-continent and is often committed to memory.

Translation
O Lord! To the Muslim’s heart grant that live Longing
Which may warm the heart, which may restlessness to the soul grant

Again brighten up every speck of dust of the Valley of F«r«n
Again  Longing for the Spectacle, taste for the asking grant 1

Again to the one deprived of the Spectacle the discerning eye grant
Whatever I have seen, to others also its  sight grant

Again guide the strayed away deer towards the £aram2
To the one  addicted to city, vastness of wilderness grant

Again  in the forlorn heart create the Last Day’s  tumult
Again to this empty camel-litter the lover of Lailah grant

In the darkness of this age to every perturbed heart
That mark of Love which may embarrass the moon grant

In elegance raise the Muslims’ goals to the level of  Thurayyah
Self-respect of the ocean, freedom of the sea shore grant

Love should be pure, candor fearless should be
Grant Light to hearts, hearts like crystal grant

Grant the feeling for signs of the calamity
In today’s tumult concern for tomorrow grant

                I am the wailing nightingale of a ruined rose garden
                I am the supplicant for acceptance, O Benevolent one alms to the beggar grant


Explanatory Notes
1.  Allusion to the Holy Qur’«n 7:142-145, particularly 143, in which the longing of S. Mës« A.S. to witness the countenance of God is described.

2. This is a metaphor for the Muslim Ummah having gone astray and supplication to guide them to the right path.