BEGGING  FOR  KHILÿFAH

Introduction
This short poem is an elegant expression of ‘All«mah Iqb«l’s principle that an individual as well as a nation should fight and struggle for their rightful needs and not beg others for them . This is more so for the Muslim Ummah whom the Holy Qur’«n has declared as the ‘best nation’ (3:110). Also, we learn from the Holy Qur’«n that man can have only what he strives for (53:39-42).

This poem was written when the Muslims all over the world generally, and in the Indian sub-continent particularly, were working for the restoration of the Khil«fah in Turkey. However, a great part of their effort consisted of approaching the British Government in London and the League of Nations in Geneva for doing justice to Muslims. ‘All«mah Iqb«l tells them in this poem that such efforts would be of no avail. This proved to be true. Another poem, given below, is also on the allied subject of Palestine and the occupation of the same by the Jews:

Falasèânâ ‘Arab Se  (Addressed to the Palestinian Arab)

(216)      From whose heat the world is not yet relieved
                I know that fire is in your existence

(217)      Your remedy is neither in Geneva nor in London
                As the Europe’s jugular vein is in Jews’ clutches

(218)      I have heard that the relief of nations from slavery
                Is in nurture of self-cognizance and assertion’s taste

(Appendix III, No. 32)

Translation
If the territory is being lost let it be lost
You should not be disloyal to God’s commands

Do you not have knowledge of history?
You have started begging for the Khil«fah!

If we do not purchase with our own blood
Such sovereignty is a disgrace to the Muslim!

                “I do not feel as much ashamed of being broken down
                As in asking others  for màmiy«’â  for my treatment”1


Explanatory Notes

1. Màmiy«i- This is a medicinal substance which appears from rocks in lime stone formations in mountains. It is believed to have extraordinary tonic and healing properties. Geologically the closest substances to màmiy«’â are “stalactite” and “stalacmite”. The former is formed very slowly when the water containing calcium bicarbonate drips down slowly from the roof of a cave of lime stone rock. The desposit hangs from the roof of the cave like icicles. The latter is also made up of calcium bicarbonate and is formed in the same way at the bottom of the cave. The verse means that being defeated is better than gaining success through begging help from others.