IN  RESPONSE  TO  THE  REQUEST  FOR WRITING  A  POEM  ON  �EID

Introduction
As stated earlier Muslim festivals are occasions for stock-taking and reminiscing. In this  short poem full of pathos �All�mah Iqb�l is  showing his  intense grief  at the decline of  the Muslim Ummah. This grief is aggravated by the visit to  the Shalamar Garden which is a famous and very beautiful park in Lahore, Pakistan. This garden and park was established by the Mughal Emperor, N�r al-D�n Jah�ng�r (1569-1627, reigned 1605-27). Lahore  was the capital of the Mughal Empire during his reign.

Translation
In the Sh�l�m�r Garden a yellowed leaf was saying
�Gone is that spring of which the confidante I am

The garden�s visitors should not trample me down
The memory of the branch of their own nest I am�

This tiny little leaf made the heart  restless
One coming  into the garden complete mourner of spring I am

In the autumn I am crying in remembrance of the spring
How can I get the happiness of Eid as grief-stricken I am

Devastated have become the olden days� taverns
A memorial of the olden days� wine drinkers  I am

                It gives the message of pleasure and happiness to us!
                The crescent of Eid is making fun of us!