BILÿL
Introduction
This
is the second poem in this book paying tribute to S. Bil«l Ibn Rab«é R.A. for
whom see Appendix I, No. 17. The poem has a comparison of the feebleness of
materialistic power represented by Sikandar (Alexander) and the strength of
spiritual and moral power represented by S. Bil«l R.A. “Alexander” is shown to
be Roman. Firstly, “Alexander” is a Greek name and no Roman emperor by this name
is known. Secondly, reference to Porus and D«r« in the third verse shows that
Alexander of Greece is meant. The word “Rëmâ” has been used because Alexander
was also the ruler of Asia Minor, which was later a part of the Eastern or the
Byzantine wing of the Roman Empire. Also, both Rome and Greece were formidable
powers in ancient history of Europe. See Explanatory Notes.
Translation
A
righteous Western writer has written
Who was highly respected among the literateur
“Asia was the marshaling place of Sikandar 1 of Rome
His status was More elegant than even the sky
History attests that in combat with the Romans
The claims of Porus2 and D«r«3
were vain
At this emperor with the myriad-man army
The blue sky was looking with amazement
Today nobody knows him in Asia4
Even the historian does not recognize him
But Bil«l, that humble person with Negroid origin
Whose nature had been brightened by the Prophethood’s Light
The call whose custodian the breast of Bil«l since eternity 5 became
Subservient to which call emperors as well as the indigent became!
Which brings amity between the black and the red
By which the poor and the rich are placed together
That heart-melting song is fresh till the present age
Which the old sky’s ear has been hearing for centuries”
Iqb«l ! This general blessing is due to whose love?
The Roman has perished, the Negro is immortal!
Explanatory
Notes
1. Sikandar or Alexander “The Great”- See
Appendix I, No. 6.
2. Porus - See the above reference..
3. D«r« See the Appendix I, No. 22..
4. Though Alexander is a hero to Europeans and the Western world he is remembered in Asia as a cruel and ravaging conqueror. ‘All«mah Iqb«l himself has equated him with a pirate in his short poem titled “Aik Baéry Qazz«q Awr Sikandar” (A Pirate and Alexander). This poem is so succinct and explicit that the whole may be read and is cited below:
Alexander
(206) Your reward is chains of imprisonment or my sword!
As from your piracy is in distress the ocean’s world
The Pirate
(207) Alexander! Alas! you think this is bravery!
To you is it acceptable to tolerate disgrace of equals?
(208) Your profession is butchery, my profession is butchery
Both are piracies, yours on the land mine in the ocean!
(Appendix III, No. 32. p. 157)
5.Allusion to adh«n.