Today Last
Ek Danish-e-Noorani, Ek Danish-e-Burhani
Hai Danish-e-Burhani, Hairat Ki Farawani
Reason is either luminous, or it seeks proofs;
Proof‐seeking reason is but an excess of wonder.
Iss Paikar-e-Khaaki Mein Ek Shay Hai, So Woh Teri
Mere Liye Mushkil Hai Uss Shay Ki Nighabani
Thine alone is what I possess in this handful of dust;
And to keep it safe is beyond my power, O Lord!
Ab Kya Jo Meri Afghan Pohenchi Hai Sitaron Tak
Tu Ne Hi Sikhai Thi Mujh Ko Ye Ghazal Khawani
My songs of lament were all inspired by Thee;
If they have reached the stars, it is no fault of mine.
Ho Naqsh Agar Batil, Takrar Se Kya Hasil
Kya Tujh Ko Khush Ati Hai Adam Ki Ye Arzani?
Art Thou pleased, O Lord, with man’s imperfection?
Why repeat a flawed attempt, and make his shame eternal?
Mujh Ko To Sikha Di Hai Afrang Ne Zindeeqi
Iss Dour Ke Mullah Hain Kyun Nang-e-Musalmani !
The Western ways have tried to make me a renegade;
But why are our mullahs a disgrace to Muslims?
Taqdeer Shikan Quwwat Baqi Hai Abhi Iss Mein
Nadan Jise Kehte Hain Taqdeer Ka Zindani
Fools think man is a bondman of destiny;
But man has still the power to break the bonds of fate.
Tere Bhi Sanam Khane, Mere Bhi Sanam Khane
Dono Ke Sanam Khaaki, Dono Ke Sanam Fani
Thou hast Thy pantheon, and I have mine, O Lord!
Both have idols of dust; both have idols that die.
Allama Iqbal