Poetry of Allama Iqbal English and Urdu

Tu Raaz-E-Kun Fakan Hai, Apni Ankhon Par Ayan Ho Ja
Khudi Ka Raazdan Ho Ja, Khuda Ka Tarjuman Ho Ja

You are the secret of creation, see yourself in your eyes;
Share the secret of your own self, become the spokesman of God.

Hawas Ne Kar Diya Tukre Tukre Nu-E-Insan Ko
Akhuwat Ka Byan Ho Ja, Mohabbat Ki Zuban Ho Ja

Greed has split mankind into little pieces;
Become the statement of brotherhood, become the language of love.

Ye Hindi, Who Khurasani, Ye Afghani, Who Toorani
Tu Ae Sharminda-E-Sahil ! Uchal Kar Be-Karan Ho Ja

Here are Indians, there people of Khurasan, here Afghans, there Turanians—
You, who despise the shore, rise up and make yourself boundless.

Ghubar Aludah’ay Rang-O-Nasb Hain Baal-O-Par Tere
Tu Ae Murgh-E-Hara ! Urne Se Pehle Par-Fishan Ho Ja

Your wings and your plumage are soiled with the dust of colour and race;
You, my bird of the holy shrine, shake your wings before you start to fly.

Khudi Mein Doob Ja Ghafil ! Ye Sir-E-Zindagani Hai
Nikl Kar Halqa-E-Shaam-O-Sahar Se Javidan Ho Ja

Immerse yourself in your self, my forgetful one, this is the secret of life;
Come out from the fetters of evening and morning, become immortal.

Masaf-E-Zindagi Mein Seerat-E-Foulad Paida Kar
Shabistan-E-Mohabbat Mein Harair-O-Parniyan Ho Ja

On the battle‐field of life adopt the nature of steel;
In the bed‐chamber of love become as soft as silk and painted brocade.

Guzar Ja Ban Ke Seel-E-Tund Ro Koh-E-Byaban Se
Gulistan Rah Mein Aye To Joo’ay Naghma Khawan Ho Ja

Pass like a river in full spate through the mountains and the deserts;
If the garden should come your way, then become a melodiously singing stream.

Tere Ilm-O-Mohabbat Ki Nahin Hai Intaha Koi
Nahin Hai Tujh Se Barh Kar Saaz-E-Fitrat Mein Nawa Koi

There is no limit to your knowledge and love;
In the instrument of nature there is no sweeter song than you.

Abhi Tak Admi Sayd-E-Zaboon-E-Sheher Yari Hai
Qayamat Hai Ke Insan Nu-E-Insan Ka Shikari Hai

Even now, mankind if the miserable prey to imperialism;
How distressing that man is hunted by man!

Nazar Ko Kheerah Karti Hai Chamak Tehzeeb-E-Hazir Ki
Ye Sanaee Magar Jhoote Nagon Ki Rezakari Hai

The glitter of modern civilization dazzles the sight;
But this clever craftsmanship is a mosaic of false jewels.

Woh Hikmat Naz Tha Jis Par Khiradmandan-E-Maghrib Ko
Hawas Ke Panja’ay Khoonin Mein Taegh-E-Karzari Hai

That science, in which the scholars of the West took pride,
Is the sword of warfare held in the bloody grip of greed.

Tadabur Ki Fasoon Kari Se Mohkam Ho Nahin Sakta
Jahan Mein Jis Tamaddan Ki Bina Sarmayadari Hai

That civilization of the world, which is founded on capitalism,
Can never be become strong by spellbinding schemes.

Amal Se Zindagi Banti Hai Jannat Bhi, Jahanum Bhi
Ye Khaki Apni Fitrat Mein Na Noori Hai Na Naari Hai

By action life may become both paradise and hell;
This creature of dust in its nature is neither of light nor of fire.

Kharosh Amoz-E-Bulbul Ho, Girah Ghunche Ki Wa Kar De 
Ke Tu Iss Gulistan Ke Waste Baad-E-Bahari Hai

Teach the nightingale to send forth its clamour;
Open the knot of the bud, for you are the spring breeze for this garden.

Phir Uthi Asia Ke Dil Se Chankari Mohabbat Ki
Zameen Joulan Geh-E-Atlas Qabayan-E-Tatari Hai

Once more the spark of love has arisen from the heart of Asia;
The earth is the coursing‐ground for the stain-cloaked Tartars.

Baya Paida Khareedarst Jaan-E-Natoowane Ra
“Pas Az Muddat Gudaz Aftaad Barma Karwame Ra”

Arise! A buyer has come to our hapless life;
After an age, the time has come for our caravan’s departure.

Baya Saqi Nawaye Murgh-E-Zaar Az Shakhsar Amad
Bahar Amad Nigar Amad, Nigar Amad Qirar Amad

Come, Saki! The song of the bird of the garden has come from the branches;
The spring has come; the beloved has come; peace has come!

Kasheed Abar-E-Bahari Khemah Andar Wai-O-Sehra
Sada’ay Absharan Az Faraz-E-Kohsar Amad

 The spring cloud has pitched its tent in the valley and the desert;
The sound of the waterfall has come from the summit of the mountains.

Sarat Gardam To Ham Qanoon-E-Paisheen Saazdah Saqi
Ke Kheel-E-Naghma Pardazan Qitar Andar Qitar Amad

I implore you; renew the law of the past!
For the army of singers has come drove upon drove.

Kanar Az Zahadan Bargeer-O-Bebakana Saghar Kash
Pas Az Muddar Azeen Shakh-E-Kuhan Bang-E-Hazar Amad

Turn away from the ascetics and fearlessly drink wine from the jar;
After an age the song of the nightingale has rung out from this old branch.

Ba Mushtaqan Hadees-E-Khawajah (S.A.W.)-E-Badar-O-Hunain Awar
Tasarraf Haye Pinhanash Ba-Chashm Ashkar Amad

Bring the account of the Master of Badr and Hunain (PBUH) to those who yearn;
Its hidden mystic powers have been revealed to the eye.

Dgar Shakh-E-Khalil (A.S.) Az Khoon-E-Ma Namnaak Mee Gardad
Babazaar-E-Mohabbat Naqad-E-Maa Kamil Ayar Amad

Again the branch of Khalil has been watered by the sap of our blood;
In the marketplace of love our cash has proved to be perfect.

Sir-E-Khak Shaheeday Barg Haye Lala Mee Pasham
Ke Khawinsh Banihal-E-Millat Ma Saazgar Amad

I scatter the pearls of tulips upon the dust of the martyrs,
For their blood has proved to be effective for the saplings of the community.

“Baya Ta Gul Bifasha-Neeyam Wa May Dar Saghar Andazyam
Falak Ra Saqaf Bashagafiyam Wa Tarah-E-Deegar Andazyam”

Come, so that we may strew roses and pour a measure of wine in the cup!
Let us split open the roof of the heavens and think upon new ways.

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Urdu Poetry of Allama Iqbal

Ghulami Mein Na Kaam Ati Hain Shamsheerain Na Tadbeerain
Jo Ho Zauq-E-Yaqeen Paida To Kat Jati Hain Zanjeerain

In slavery, neither swords or plans are effective,
But when the taste for certainty is created, then the chains are cut.

Koi Andaza Kar Sakta Hai Uss Ke Zor-E-Bazu Ka !
Nigah-E-Mard-E-Momin Se Badal Jati Hain Taqdeerain

Can anyone even guess at the strength of his arm?
By the glance of the man who is a true believer even destiny is changed.

Walayat, Padshahi, Ilm-E-Ashiya Ki Jahangeeri
Ye Sub Kya Hain, Faqat Ek Nukta-E-Aeeman Ki Tafseerain

Empire, sainthood, the knowledge of things which holds the world in its sway—
What are they all? Only commentaries on one small point of faith.

Baraheemi Nazar Paida Magar Mushkil Se Hoti Hai
Hawas Chup Chup Ke Seenon Mein Bana Leti Hai Tasweerain

But it is difficult to create the insight of Abraham (A.S.);
Desire insidiously paints pictures in our breasts.

Tameez-E-Banda-O-Aaqa Fasad-E-Admiyat Hai
Hazar Ae Cheerah Dastan! Sakht Hain Fitrat Ki Taazirain

The distinction of servant and lord has put mankind into turmoil;
Beware, oh powerful ones; the penalties of nature are harsh.

Haqiqat Aik Hai Har Shay Ki, Khaki Ho Ke Noori Ho
Lahoo Khursheed Ka Tapake Agar Zarre Ka Dil Cheerain

There is one reality for everything, be it of earth or fire;
The blood of the sun will drip, of we split the heart of an atom.

Yaqeen Mohkam, Amal Peham, Mohabbat Faateh-E-Alam
Jahad-E-Zindagani Mein Hain Ye Mardon Ki Shamsheerain

Firm certainty, eternal action, the love that conquers the world—
These are the swords of men in the holy war of life.

Cha Bayad Mard Ra Tabaa-E-Bulanday, Mashrab-E-Naabay
Dil-E-Garmee, Nigah-E-Pak Beenay, Jaan-E-Betabay

What else does man need but a lofty spirit and pure character,
A warm heart, a pure‐sighted eye and a restless soul?


Auqabi Shan Se Jhapte The Jo, Bebaal-O-Par Nikle
Sitare Sham Ke Khoon-E-Shafaq Mein Doob Kar Nikle

Those who rushed forward with the splendor of the eagle emerged plucked of their wings and plumage;
The stars of evening sank in the blood of the sunset but rose again.

Huway Madfoon-E-Darya Zair-E-Darya Tairne Wale
Tamanche Mouj Ke Khate The Jo, Ban Kar Guhar Nikle

Those who swam under the sea were buried by the ocean,
But those who suffered the buffeting of the wave arose, and became pearls.

Ghabar-Ereh Guzar Hain, Keemiya Par Naaz Tha Jin Ko
Jibeenain Khak Par Rakhte The Jo, Ikseer Gar Nikle

Those who prided themselves on their alchemy are the dust of the wayside;
Those who kept their forehead upon the dust emerged as the makers of elixir.

Hamara Naram Ro Qasid Peyam-E-Zindagi Laya
Khabar Deti Theen Jin Ko Bijliyan Woh Be-Khabar Nikle

Our slow‐running messenger brought the tidings of life;
Those to whom the lightning gave news emerged unknowing.

Haram Ruswa Huwa Peer-E-Haram Ki Kam Nigahi Se
Jawanan-E-Tatari Kis Qadar Sahib-E-Nazar Nikle

The Shrine was disgraced by the lack of foresight of the old keeper of the shrine;
But how our Tartar heroes emerged as young men of vision!

Zameen Se Nooriyan-E-Asman Parwaz Kehte The
Ye Khaki Zinda Tar, Paenda Tar, Tabinda Tar Nikle

Those who soar aloft and light the sky say this to the earth,
‘These earth‐bound creatures emerged more lively, more stable and more shining.’

Jahan Mein Ahl-E-Aeeman Soorat-E-Khursheed Jeete Hain
Idhar Doobe Udhar Nikle, Udhar Doobe Idhar Nikle

In the world, the people of faith live like the sun;
Here they sink, there they arise, there they sink, here they arise!

Yaqeen Afrad Ka Sarmaya-E-Tameer-E-Millat Hai
Yehi Quwwat Hai Jo Soorat Gar-E-Taqdeer-E-Millat Hai

The certainty of individuals is the capital for building the community;
This is the power which draws the portrait of the fate of the community.

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Illama Iqbal poetry in Urdu

Makan Fani, Makeen Ani, Azal, Tera, Abad Tera
Khuda Ka Akhiri Pegham Hai Tu, Javidan Tu Hai

Space is transient; its inhabitants are transitory, but the beginning of time is yours; its end is yours.
You are the final message of God; you are eternal.

Hina Band-E-Uroos-E-Lala Hai Khoon-E-Jigar Tera
Teri Nisbat Baraheemi Hai, Mamaar-E-Jahan Tu Hai

The blood of your heart is the henna which decorates the tulip‐bride.
You belong to Abraham; you are the builder of the world.

Teri Fitrat Ameen Hai Mumkanat-E-Zindagani Ki
Jahan Ke Johar-E-Muzmar Ka Goya Imtihan Tu Hai

Your nature is the trustee of all the possibilities of life;
You are like the touchstone of the hidden essence of the world.

Jahan-E-Aab-O-Gil Se Alam-E-Javed Ki Khatir
Nabuwat Sath Jis Ko Le Gyi Woh Armgahan Tu Hai

The One who left this world of water and clay for eternal life—
The one whom the prophethood took with it—you are that gift.

Ye Nukta Sargazhat-E-Millat-E-Baiza Se Hai Paida
Ke Aqwam-E-Zameen-E-Asia Ka Pasban Tu Hai

This principle rises from the story of the Radiant Community—
You are the guardian of the nations of the land of Asia.

Sabaq Phir Parh Sadaqat Ka, Adalat Ka, Shujaat Ka
Liya Jaye Ga Tujh Se Kaam Dunya Ki Imamat Ka

Read again the lesson of truth, of justice and valour!
You will be asked to do the work of taking on responsibility for the world.

Yehi Maqsood-E-Fitrat Hai, Yehi Ramz-E-Muslamani
Akhuwat Ki Jahangeeri, Mohabat Ki Farawani

This is the destiny of nature; this is the secret of Islam—
World‐wide brotherhood, an abundance of love!

Butan-E-Rang-O-Khoon Ko Torh Kar Millat Mein Gum Ho Ja
Na Toorani Rahe Baqi, Na Irani Na Afghani

Break the idols of colour and blood and become lost in the community.
Let neither Turanians, Iranians nor Afghan remain.

Miyan-E-Shakhsaran Sohbat-E-Murgh-E-Chaman Kab Talak!
Tere Bazu Mein Hai Parwaz-E-Shaheen-E-Kehsatani

How long will you keep company in the branches with the birds of the garden;
In your arms is the flight of the royal hawk of Quhistan.

Guman Abad-E-Hasti Mein Yaqeen Mard-E-Musalman Ka
Byaban Ki Shab-E-Tareek Mein Qindeel-E-Rahbani

In the abode of doubts of existence is the certainty of the Muslim hero;
In the darkness of the desert night is the candle of the monks.

Mitaya Qaisar-E-Kasra Ke Istabdad Ko Jis Ne
Woh Kya Tha, Zor-E-Haider (R.A.), Faqr-E-Bu Zar (R.A.), Sidq-E-Salmani (R.A.)

What was it that erased the tyranny of Caesar and Cyrus?
The power of Hyder (R.A.), the asceticism of Bu Dharr (R.A.), the truth of Salman (R.A.)!

Huway Ahrar-E-Millat Jadah Pema Kis Tajamul Se
Tamashayi Shagaaf-E-Dar Se Hain Sadiyon Ke Zindani

How magnificently the heroes of the community have blazed the trail,
And those who have been prisoners for centuries peer at them through a crack in the door.

Sabat-E-Zindagi Aeeman-E-Muhkam Se Hai Dunya Mein
Kah Almani Se Bhi Paenda Tar Nikla Hai Toorani

The stability of life in the world comes from the strength of faith,
For the Turanians have emerged firmer than even the Germans.

Jab Iss Angara’ay Khaki Mein Hota Hai Yaqeen Paida
To Kar Leta Hai Ye Bal-O-Par-E-Rooh-ul-Ameen Paida

When certainty is born in these embers of ashes,
Then it gives birth to the wings of Gabriel.
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