MYSTERIESOFTHESELFLESSNESS

Strive, and find yourself in selflessness; this is

theeasypath,mayGodknowbetter.
1

Rumi
DedicationtotheMuslimCommunity
Question me not when I speak of Love. If I
may not have tasted this wine, someone else
musthave.
UrfiofShiraz
You,whoweremadebyGodtobetheSeal
Ofallthepeoplesdwellinguponearth,
Thatallbeginningsmightinyoufindend;
Whosesaintswereprophetlike,whose
woundedhearts
Woveintounitythesoulsofmen;
Whyareyoufallennowsofarastray
FromMakkahsholyKaba,allbemused
BythestrangebeautyoftheChristiansway?
Theveryskiesarebutagathering
Ofyourstreetsdust,yourselvesthecynosure
Ofallmenseyes;whitherinrestlesshaste
Doyounowhurrylikeastormtossedwave,
Whatnewdiversionseeking?No,butlearn
Themysteryofardourfromthemoth
Andmakeyourlodgementintheburning
flame;
Laylovesfoundationstoneinyourownsoul,
AndtotheProphetpledgeanewyourtroth.
MymindwaswearyofChristiancompany,
Whensuddenlyyourbeautystoodunveiled.
Myfellowminstrelsangtheepiphany
Ofalienloveliness,thelovelorntheme

1
ArberryomittedthequotationsfromRumiand
Urfi.Theyhavebeentranslatedseparatelyforthe
presentedition.
Ofstressesandsoftcheeks,andrubbedhis
brow
Againstthesakisdoor,rehearsedthechant
OfMagianwenches.Iwouldmartyrbe
Toyourbrowsscimitar,amfaintorest
Likedustuponyourstreet.TooproudamI
Tomouthbasepanegyrics,ortobow
Mystubbornheadtoeverytyrantscourt.
Traineduptofashionmirrorsoutofwords,
IneednotAlexandersmagicglass.
Myneckenduresnotmensmagicglass.
Myneckenduresnotmensmunificence;
Whererosesbloom,Igatherclosetheskirt
Ofmysoulsbud.Hardasthedaggerssteel
Ilabourinthislife,mylustrewin
Fromthetoughgranite.ThoughIamasea,
Notrestlessismybillow;inmyhand
Iholdnowhirlpoolbowl.Apaintedveil
AmI,noblossomsperfumescattering,
Nopreytoeverybillowingbreezethatblows.
IamglowingcoalwithinLifesfire,
Andwrapmeinmyembersforacloak.
Andnowmysoulcomessupplianttoyour
door
Bringingagiftofardourpassionate.
Amightywateroutofheavensdeep
Momentlytricklesermyburningbreast,
ThewhichIchannelnarrowerthanabrook
ThatImayflingitinyourgardensdish.
BecauseyouarebelovedbyhimIlove
Ifoldyoutomecloselyasmyheart.
Sincelovefirstmadethebreastaninstrument
Offiercelamenting,byitsflamemyheart
Wasmoltentoamirror;likearose
Ipluckmybreastapart,thatImayhang
Thismirrorinyoursight.Gazeyoutherein
4CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Onyourownbeauty,andyoushallbecome
Acaptivefetteredinyourtresschain.
Ichantagainthetaleoflongago,
Tobidyourbosomsoldwoundsbleedanew.
Soforapeoplenomoreintimate
WithitsownsoulIsupplicatedGod,
ThatHemightgranttothemafirmknitlife.
Inthemidswatchofnight,whenallthe
world
Washushedinslumber,Imadeloudlament;
Myspiritrobbedofpatienceandresponse,
UntotheLivingandOmnipotentGod
Imademylitany;myyearningheart
Surged,tillitsbloodstreamedfrommy
weepingeyes.
Howlong,Olord,howlongthetulipglow,
Thebeggingofcooldewdropsfromthe
dawn?
Lo,likeacandlewrestlingwiththenight
OermyownselfIpourmyfloodingtears.
Ispentmyself,thattheremightbemorelight,
Moreloveliness,morejoyforothermen.
Notforonemomenttakesmyardentbreast
Reposefromburning;Fridaydoesnotshame
Myrestlessweekofunremittingtoil.
Wastedisnowmyspiritsenvelop;
Myglowingsighissulliedallwithdust.
WhenGodcreatedmeatTimesfirstdawn
Alamentationquiveredonthestrings
Ofmymelodiouslute,andinthatnote
Lovesssecretsstoodrevealed,theransom
price
OfthelongsadnessofthetaleofLove;
Whichmusiceventosaplessstrawimparts
Theardencyoffire,andondullclay
Bestowsthedaringoftherecklessmoth.
Love,likethetulip,hasonebrandatheart,
Andonitsbosomwearsasinglyrose;
AndsomysolitaryroseIpin
Uponyourturban,andcryhavocloud
Againstyourdrunkenslumber,hopingyet
Tulipsmayblossomfromyourearthanew
Breathingthefragranceofthebreezeof
Spring.
Prelude:Ofthebondbetweenindividual
andcommunity
Thelinkthatbindstheindividual
TotheSocietyamercyis;
Histruestselfinthecommunity
Aloneachievesfulfilment.Whereforebe
Sofarasintheeliesincloserapport
WiththySociety,andlustrebring
Tothewideintercourseoffreebornmen.
Keepforthytalismanthesewordshespoke
Thatwasthebestofmortals:Satanholds
Hisfurthestdistancewheremencongregate.
Theindividualamirrorholds
Tothecommunity,andtheytohim;
Heisajewelthreadedontheircord,
Astarthatintheirconstellationshines;
AndtheSocietyisorganized
Asbycomprisingmanysuchashe.
WhenintheCongregationheislist
Tislikeadropwhich,seekingtoexpand,
Becomesanocean.Itisstrongandrich
Inancientways,amirrortothePast
AstotheFuture,andthelinkbetween
Whatistocome,andwhathasgonebefore,
AsisEternity.Thejoyofgrowth
Swellsinhisheartfromthecommunity,
Thatwatchesandcontrolshiseverydeed;
Tothemheoweshisbodyandhissoul,
Alikehisoutwardandhishiddenparts.
HisthoughtsarevocalonthePeoples
tongue,
Andonthepathwaythathisforbearslaid
Helearnstorun.Hisimmaturity
Iswarmedtoripenessbytheirfriendships
flame,
TillhebecomesonewiththeCommonwealth.
Hissinglenessinmultiplicity
Isfirmandstable,anditselfsupplies
Aunitytotheirinnumerateswarm.
Thewordthatsitsoutsideitsproperverse
Shattersthejewelofthethoughtconcealed
Withinitspocket;whentheverdantleaf
Fallsfromthestem,itsthreadofhopefor
Spring
Issnappedasunder.Hewhohasnotdrunk
ThewaterofthePeoplessacredwell,
Theflamesofminstrelsywithinhislute
Secrets&Mysteries5

Growcold,anddie.Theindividual,
Alone,isheedlessofhighpurposes;
Hisstrengthisapttodissipateitself;
ThePeopleonlymakehimintimate
Withdiscipline,teachhimtobeassoft
Andtractableasisthegentlebreeze,
Sethiminearthlikeawellrootedoak,
Closefetterhim,tomakehimtrulyfree.
WhenheisprisonertothechainofLaw
Hisdeer,bynaturewildanduncontrolled,
Yieldsincaptivitythepreciousmusk.
Thou,whohastnotknownselffrom
selflessness,
Thereforehastlostthyselfinvainsurmise,
Withinthydustthereisanelement
OfLight,whosesingleshaftilluminates
Thywholeperception;allthyjoyderives
Fromitsenjoyment,allthysorrowsprings
Fromitsdistress;itsconstantchangeandturn
Keeptheeinvitalbeing.Itisone
And,beingone,brooksnoduality;
GracetoitsglowIammyself,thouthou.
Preservingself,stakingandmakingself,
Nourishingprideinmeekhumility,
Itisaflamethatsetsafirealight,
Asparkthatovershootstheblazingtorch.
Itsnatureistobebothfreeandbond;
Itselfapart,ithasthepotency
Toseizethewhole.Ihavebehelditswont
Isstrifeincessant,andhavecalleditsname
Selfhood,andLife.Wheneveritcomesforth
Fromitsseclusion,anddiscreetlysteps
Intotheriotofphenomena
Itsheartisimpressedwiththestampofhe,
Iisdissolved,convertingintothou.
Compulsioncutsthefreedomofitschoice,
Makingitrichinlove.Whileprideofself
Pullsitsownway,humilityisnotborn;
Pullpridetogether,andhumility
Comesintobeing.selfnegatesitself
Inthecommunity,thatitmaybe
Nomoreapetal,butarosary.
Thesesubtletiesarelikeasteelysword:
Iftheydefeatthywit,quick,fleeaway!
2

2
ThequotationisfromRumi.
Thatthecommunityismadeupofthe
minglingofindividuals,andowesthe
perfectingofitseducationtoprophethood
Uponwhatmannermanisboundtoman:
Thattalesathread,theendwhereofislost
Beyondunraveling.Wecandescry
TheindividualwithintheMass,
Andwecanpluckhimasaflowerisplucked
Outofthegarden.Allhisnatureis
Entrancedwithindividuality,
YetonlyinSocietyhefinds
Securityandpreservation.On
Theroadoflife,thefurnaceoflifesfire,
Thatroaringbattlefield,setshimaflame.
Mengrowhabituatedeachtoeach,
Likejewelsthreadedonasinglecord;
Succorseachotherinthewaroflife
Inmutualbond,likeworkmenbentupon
Acommontask.Throughsuchpolarity
Theconstellationscongregate,eachstar
Inseveralattractionkeepingeach
Poisedfirmlyandunshaken.Caravans
Maypitchtheirtentsonmountainoronhill,
Broadmeadow,fringeofdesert,sandy
mound.
Yetslackandlifelesshangsthewarpand
woof
OftheGroupslabour,unresolvedthebud
Ofitsdeepmeditation,stillunplayed
Theflickeringlevinofitsinstrument,
Itsmusichushedwithinitsmutedstrings,
Unsmittenbythepoundingofthequest,
Theplectrumofdesire;disorderedstill
Itsnewbornconcourse,andsothinitswine
Astobeblottedupwithcottonflock;
Newsprungtheverdureofitssoil,andcold
Thebloodinitsvinesveins;ahabitat
Ofdemonsandoffairyspritesitsthoughts,
Sothatitleapsinterrorfromtheshapes
Conjuredbyitsownsurmise;shrunkthe
scope
Ofitscrudelife,itsnarrowthoughtsconfined
Beneaththerimofitsconstrictingroof;
Fearforitslifethemeagrestockintrade
Ofitsconstituentelements;itsheart
Tremblingbeforethewhistleofthewind;
6CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Itsspiritshiesawayfromarduoustoil,
LittledisposedtopluckatNaturesskirt,
Butwhatsoeverspringsofitsownself
Orfallsfromheaven,thatitgathersup.
TillGoddiscoversamanpureofheart
InHisgoodtime,whoinasingleword
Avolumeshallrehearse;aminstrelhe
Whosepiercingmusicgivesnewlifetodust.
Throughhimtheunsubstantialatomglows
Radiantwithlife,themeanestmerchandise
Takesonnewworth.Outofhissinglebreath
Twohundredbodiesquicken;withoneglass
Helivensanassembly.Hisbrightglance
Slays,butforthwithhissingleutteredword
Bestowsnewlife,thatsoDuality
Expiring,Unitymaycometobirth.
Histhread,whoseendisknottedtotheskies,
Weavesalltogetherlifesdisseveredparts.
Revealinganewvistatothegaze,
Hecanconvertbroaddesertandbarevale
Intoagarden.Athisfierybreath
Apeopleleaplikerueuponafire
Insuddentumult,intheirheartonespark
Caughtfromhiskindling,andtheirsullen
clay
Breaksinstantlyaflame.Whereerhetreads
Theearthreceivingvision,everymote
MaywinktheeyeatMosesSinai.
Thenakedunderstandingheadorns,
Withwealthabundantfillsitsindigence,
Fanswithhisskirtsitsembers,purifies
Itsgoldofeveryparticleofdross.
Hestrikestheshacklesfromthefettered
slave,
Redeemshimfromhismasters,anddeclares,
Noothersslavethouart,noranyless
Thanthosemuteidols.Sountoonegoal
Drawingeachon,hecircumscribesthefeet
OfallwithinthecircleofoneLaw,
ReschoolstheminGodswondrousUnity,
Andteachesthemthehabitandtheuse
OfselfsurrendertotheWillDivine.
ThepillarsofIslam
Firstpillar:theUnityofGod
TheMind,astrayinthisdeterminateworld,
Firstfoundthepathwaytothisdistantgoal
ByfaithinGodtheOne;whatotherhome
Shouldbringthehaplesswanderertorest?
UponwhatothershoreshouldReasons
barque
Touchhaven?Allmenintimatewithtruth
ThesecretsoftheGodheadhavebyheart,
Whichisimplicitinthesacredwords
HecomesuntotheMerciful,aslave.
Inactionletfaithspotencybetried,
Thatitmayguidetheetothysecretpowers:
Fromitderivereligion,wisdom,law,
Unfailingvigour,power,authority.
Itssplendourdothamazethelearnedmind,
Butgivethuntoloversforcetoact;
Thelowlyinitsshadowreachethhigh,
Andworthlessearthbecomeslikealchemy
Preciousbeyondcompute.Itsmightyforce
Chooseththeslave,whereofitdothcreate
Anotherspecies;sprightlierhetreads
Uponthepathoftruth,andinhisveins
Thebloodburnshotterthanthelightnings
shaft.
Feardies,anddoubt;toilisnewvitalized;
Thevisionseestheinnermystery
Ofallcreation.Wheninservanthood
ToGodmansfootisestablished,beggarys
bowl
BecomesthemagiccupthatJamshidbore.
ThereisnogodbutGod:thisisthesoul
AndbodyofourPureCommunity,
Thepitchthatkeepsourinstrumentintune,
Theverysubstanceofourmysteries,
Theknottedthreadthatbidsourscattered
thoughts.
Andwhenthesewords,beingutteredonthe
lips,
Reachtotheheart,theydoaugmentthe
power
Oflifeitself;gravenupontherock,
Theywakeahearttherein;butiftheheart
Burnsnotwiththeremembranceofthatfaith
Itdothconverttoclay.Whenweinflamed
Theheartswithinuswiththepassionateglow
Ofthisbelief,wesetablazethebarn
Ofallcontingencywithbutasigh.
Thisisthelustreglitteringinthehearts
Ofmen,thosesteelymirrorsliquefied
Secrets&Mysteries7

ByFaithsconsumingflame,whosetorchis
like
Atulipinourveins,andsowebear
Noothermarkofglorybutitsbrand.
ThroughthistrueFaithblackmanbecomesas
red,
KinsmantoOmar,aye,andAbuDharr.
TheheartsalodgetoselfandtheNotself,
Andpassionquickenswhenthecupisshared;
Whenseveralheartsputonasinglehue
Thatiscommunity,whichSinai
Growsradiantinoneepiphany.
Peoplesmusthaveonethought,andintheir
minds
Pursueasinglepurpose;toonedraw
Theirtemperamentsrespond,onetesting
stone
Discriminatestheirhideousfromtheirfair.
Unlesstheinstrumentofthoughtpossess
Thefireoftruth,itisimpossible
Itsrangecanbesowide.WeMuslimsare,
ChildrenofAbraham,whichfactisproved
(Ifproofthouseekest)byYourfatherhe.
Thoughnationsdestiniestheirlandscontrol,
Thoughnationsbuildtheiredificeonrace,
Thinkestthouthecommunityisbased
UpontheCountry?Shallsomuchregard
Beblindlypaidtowater,airandearth?
Itisdullignorancetoputonesboast
Inlineage;thatjudgmentrestsupon
Thebody,andthebodyperishes.
Otherarethefoundationsthatsupport
IslamsCommunity;theylieconcealed
Withinourhearts.We,whoarepresentnow,
HaveboundourheartstoHimwhoisunseen,
Andthereforearedeliveredfromthechains
Ofearthlythings.Thecordthatlinksthisfolk
Islikethethreadwhichkeepsthestarsin
place,
And,asthesightitself,invisible.
Wellpointedarrowsofonequiverarewe,
Oneshowing,onebeholding,oneinthought;
Oneisourgoalandpurpose,onetheform,
Thefashion,andthemeasureofourdream.
ThankstoHisblessings,wearebrothersall
Sharingonespeech,onespiritandoneheart.
Thatdespair,griefandfeararethemotherof
abominations,destroyinglife;andthatbeliefinthe
UnityofGodputsanendtothosefouldiseases
Theamputationofdesirecondemns
ToDeath;Liferestssecureonthebehest
Donotdespair.Desirecontinuing
Thesubstanceisofhope,whilehopelessness
Poisonstheverybloodoflife.Despair
Pressestheedown,atombstoneonthyheart,
And,thoughthoubeashighasAlonds
mount,
Itcaststheedown;impotenceistheslave
Ofitspoorfavours,unambitionhangs
Uponitsskirts.Despairlullslifeasleep,
Andprovesthelangourofitselement;
Thespiritseyeisblindedbythesmear
Ofitscollyrium,andbrightestday
Transformedtopitchynight;lifesfaculties
Dieatitsbreath,Lifesspringsarealldried
up.
DespairandSorrowsleepbeneathonequilt;
Grief,likealancet,piercesthesoulsvein.
Othouwhoartaprisonerofcare,
LearnfromtheProphetsmessage,Donot
grieve!
Thislessonfortifiedwithtrustyfaith
TheheartofAbuBakr,andwiththecup
Ofblessedcertituderejoicedhissoul.
TheMuslim,wellcontentwithGodsgood
grace,
Islikeastar,andgoesuponhisway
Smiling.IfthouacknowledgestaGod,
Shakefreefromsorrow,anddeliverthee
FromvainimagingofFortunesturns.
Lifemoreabundantstrengthoffaithbestows.
Nofearshallbeuponthem:letthisbe
Constantlyonthylips.WhenMosesstrides
BeforethePharaoh,steadfastishisheart
AsherememberethThoushaltnotfear.
Fear,saveofGod,isthedireenemy
OfWorks,thehighwaymanthatplundereth
Lifescaravan.Purposemostresolute.
Whenfearattends,thinksuponwhatmaybe,
Andloftyzealtocircumspectionyields.
Orletitsseedbesownwithinthysoil,
Liferemainsstuntedofitsfulldisplay.
Feebleitsnatureis,andwellaccords.
8CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Withheartatrembleandwithpalsiedhand.
Fearrobsthefootofstrengthtoroveabroad,
Andfilchesfromthebrainthepowerof
thought.
Thyenemy,observingtheeafraid,
Willplucktheefromthybowerlikeabloom;
Strongerwillbetheimpactofhisswords,
Hisveryglancetransfixtheelikeaknife.
Fearisachainthatfetterscloseourfeet,
Ahundredtorrentsroaringinoursea.
Andifthymelodynotfreelysoars,
Fearhasrelaxedthetensionofthystrings;
Thentwistthepegsthatkeepthyluteintune,
Andhearitsmusicmountintotheskies
Inunrestrainedandpassionatelament.
FearisaspysentfromtheclimeofDeath,
ItsspiritdarkandchillasDeathsownheart;
ItseyewreakshavocintherealmofLife,
ItsearsathiefofLifesintelligence.
Whateverevillurkswithinthyheart
Thoucanstbecertainthatitsorigin
Isfear:fraud,cunning,malice,liesallthese
Flourishonterror,whoiswrappedabout
Withfalsehoodandhypocrisyforveil,
Andfondlesfoulseditionatherbreast.
Andsinceitisleaststrongwhenzealishigh,
Itismosthappyindisunion.
WhounderstandstheProphetscluearight
Seesinfidelityconcealedinfear.
Conversationofthearrowandthesword
Howtruthfullythewellnotchedarrowspoke
Untotheswordinheatofbattletide:
Whatmagiclustreglittersinthysteel
LikefairydancersintheCaucasus?
Thou,whocanstboastinthylongancestry
OfAlistrustyweapon,DhulFaqar;
WhohastbeheldthemightofKhalidsarm,
Sprinkledredsunsetontheheadofnight
ThineisthefireofGodsomnipotence,
AndneaththyshadowParadiseawaits.
WhetherIwinginair,orlieencased
Withinthequiver,wheresoeerIbe
Iamallfire.WhenfromthebowIspeed
Towardsahumanbreast,rightwellIsee
Intoitsdepth,andifitdonothold
Aheartunflawed,unvisitedbythoughts
Ofterrorordespair,swiftlymypoint
Plucksitasunder,andIspreaditoer
Withsurginggoreforshift.Butifthatbreast
Serenelythrobwithabelieversheart
Andglowreflectivetoaninwardlight,
Mysoulisturnedtowaterbyitsflame,
Myshaftsfallsoftastheinnocuousdew.
EmperorAlamgirandthetiger
ShahAlamgir,thathighandmightyking,
PrideandrenownofGurganTimursline,
InwhomIslamattainedaloftierfame
AndwiderhonourgracedtheProphetsLaw,
Hethelastarrowtoourquiverleft
IntheaffrayofFaithwithUnbelief;
Whenthattheimpiousseedofheresy,
ByAkbarnourished,sprangandsprouted
fresh
InDarassoul,thecandleoftheheart
Wasdimmedineverybreast,nomoresecure
Againstcorruptionourcommunity
Continued;thenGodchosefromIndia
Thathumblemindedwarrior,Alamgir,
Religiontorevive,faithtorenew.
Thelightningofhisswordsetallablaze
Theharvestofimpiety;faithstorch
Oncemoreitsradianceoerourcounsels
shed.
Manythetalesmisguidedspiritstold,
Blindtothebreadthofhispercipientmind;
Hewasamoththateverbeatitswings
AboutthecandleflameofUnity,
AnAbrahaminIndiasidolhouse.
Inallthelineofkingshestandsalone;
Histombiswitnesstohissaintliness.
Onedaythatornamentofcrownandthrone,
Thatlordofbattle,saintandemperor,
Setforthintothejunglewiththedawn
Attendedbyonefaithfulfollower;
Exultantinthejoyousbreathofmorn,
BirdssangtheirhymnstoGodoneverytree.
Theconscientkingbecameabsorbedin
prayer,
Strikinghistentfromthiscontingentworld
Topitchitintherealmoftruthsublime.
Atigeratthatinstantfromtheplain
Suddenlysprang;heaventrembledathisroar;
Scentingafarthepresenceofaman,
Secrets&Mysteries9

HeleapedonAlamgir,andsmotehisloins.
Theking,unviewing,drewhisdaggerforth
Andrentthebellyofthefuriousbeast;
Hisheartadmittingnotathoughtoffear,
Hestretchedthetigerprostrateathisfeet,
ThenspedagainimpatientlytoGod
Mountingprayersladdertohisheavenly
throne.
Aheartsohumbleandatoncesoproud
Nootherlodgebutthebelieversbreast
Possesses;fortheservitorofTruth
IsnaughtbeforehisMaster,butstandfirm
AgainstUntruth,andpositiveindeed.
Thoutoo,Oignorantman,takesuchaheart
Intothyhold;letitalitterbe
WhereinimmortalBeautymaybeborne.
Stakeself,towinselfback;spreadoutthe
snare
Ofsupplication,glorytoentrap;
LetLovesetfiretopaleAnxiety;
BethouGodsfox,tolearnthetigerstrade
ThefearofGodfaithsonlyprefaceis,
Allotherfearissecretdisbelief.
Secondpillar:Apostleship
Abraham,friendofGod,lovednotthethings
Thatset;andlo,hisfootprintwasaguide
Toallsuccessiveprophets.He,thesign
AndwitnesstotheeverlastingLord,
YearnedinhisheartforaCommunity,
Andfromhissleeplesseyesthefloodoftears
Unceasingfloweduntilthemessagecame,
CleansethouMyHouse.Thenforoursakehe
made
Adesertpopulous,andfoundedthere
Atemplewhitherpilgrimsmightprocess.
Andwhenthestemofturnthouuntous
Burstintobud,thetillageofourSpring
Tookvisibleshape;Godfashionedforthour
form
AndthroughApostleshipbreathedinour
flesh
Thesouloflife.Wewereawordunvoiced
Withinthisworld,thatbyApostleship
Becameameasuredverse;andthatsame
grace
Bothshapedourbeing,gaveusFaithand
Law,
Convertedourvastmyriadsintoone,
Andjoinedourfractionsinamightywhole
Inseparable,indivisible.
He,whoispleasedtoguidewhomsohewill,
MadeofApostleshipamagicring
Todrawaroundus;thecommunity
Acircleis,whosegreatcircumference
CentersonMakkahsvalley;andbyforce
Andvirtueofthatsamerelationship
Standsourcommunityunshakable,
Tidingsofmercytotheworldentire.
Outofthatseawesurge,norbreakapart
Likescatteringwaves;itspeople,closely
fenced
Withintherampartsofthatholysoil,
Roarloudasjunglelions.Ifthoulook
Toprovethetruththatlieswithinmywords,
GazingwithAbuBakrsveraciouseyes,
TheProphet,powerandstrengthofsouland
heart,
BecomethmorebelovedthanGodHimself.
Hisbookisreinforcementtothehearts
Ofallbelievers;throughhiswisdomflows
Thelifebloodofthewholecommunity;
Toyieldhisgarmentshemisdeaththerose
SowithersattheblastofAutumnswind.
Hiswasthebreaththatgavethepeoplelife;
Hissunshonegloryontheirrisendawn.
InGodtheindividual,inhim
Livesthecommunity,inhissunsrays
Resplendentever;hisApostleship
Broughtconcordtoourpurposeandourgoal.
Acommonaimsharedbythemultitude
Isunitywhichwhenitismature,
Formsthecommunity;themanylive
Onlybyvirtueofthesinglebond.
TheMuslimsunityfromnaturalfaith
Derives,andthistheProphettaughttous,
SothatwelitalanternonTruthsway.
Thispearlwasfishedfromhisunfathomed
sea,
Andofhisbountyweareoneinsoul.
Letnotthisunitygofromourhands,
Andweenduretoalleternity.
GodsetthesealofholyLawonus,
AsinourProphetallApostleship
Issealed.Theconcourseofunendingdays
Isradiantinourlustre;hewasSeal
10CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

ToallApotles,toallPeoplewe.
TheserviceofTruthswinebearerisleft
Withus;hegavetoushisfinalglass.
NoProphetaftermeisofGodsgrace,
AndveilthemodestbeautyoftheFaith
Muhammadbroughttomen.Thepeoples
strength
Allrestinthis,thatstillthesecretguards
OfhowtheFaithsCommunityisone.
AlmightyGodhasshatteredeveryshape
Carvedbyimposture,andforevermore
StitchedupthesacredvolumeofIslam.
TheMuslimkeepshisheartfromallbutGod
Andshoutsabroad,Nopeopleafterme.
ThatthepurposeofMuhammadsmissionwasto
foundFreedom,EqualityandBrotherhoodamong
allmankind
Throughouttheworldmanworshipped
tyrantman,
Despised,neglected,insignificant;
CaesarandChosroes,highwaymen
enthroned,
Fetteredandchainedtheirsubjects,handand
foot.
HighPriestandPope,SultanandPrincefor
one
Poorpreyahundredhuntsmentookthefield;
Thesceptredmonarchandthesurpliced
priest
Eachclaimedhistributefromthewasted
fields;
Thebishop,eagerforthisabjectgame,
BarteredGodspardonwiththepenitent.
TheBrahmanfromhisgardenrapedhis
blooms,
TheMagianfedhisharvesttothefire.
Serfdomdebasedmansnature;whilehisreed
Throbbedwiththerenodyofhisheartsblood.
Untilonefaithfulreassignedtheirrights
Tothosewhoserightstheywere,the
Khaqansthrone
Deliveringintohissubjectshand;
Fannedtheirdeadembersintoflameanew;
RaisedupFarhad,poorheweroftherocks.
ToParwizroyalheight;broughtdignity
Tohonesttoil,androbbedthetaskmasters
Oftyrantoverlordship.Byhismight
Heshatteredeveryancientprivilege,
Andbuiltnewwallstofortifymankind.
HebreathedfreshlifeinAdamsweary
bones,
Redeemedtheslavefrombondage,sethim
free.
Hisbirthwasmortaltotheancientworld,
Deathtothetemplesofidolatry.
Freedomwasbornoutofhisholyheart;
Hisvineyardflowedwiththatdelightful
wine.
Theworldsnewage,itshundredlamps
ablaze,
Openeditseyesuponhislivingbreast.
HedrewonBeingspagethenewdesign,
Broughtintolifearaceofconquerors,
ApeopledeaftoeveryvoicebutGods,
AmothdevotedtoMuhammadsflame;
ThefireofGodwasglowinginthebrilliance
OftheSunssanctuary.Hisfervourflushed
Creationallwithjoy;newKabahsrose
WhereChinastemplesoncewithidolsstood.
Andintheorderofhischivalry
TheyweremostnoblewhofearedGodthebest.
Beliversallarebrothersinhisheart,
Freedomthesumandsubstanceofhisflesh.
Impatientwithdiscriminationsall,
HissoulwaspregnantwithEquality.
Thereforehissonsstanduperectandfree
Asthetallcypresses,theancientpledge
Inhimrenewing,Yea,thouartourLord.
ProstrationuntoGodhadmarkedhisbrow;
TheMoonandstarsbowdowntokisshis
feet.
TheStoryofBuUbaidandJaban,inillustrationof
MuslimBrotherhood
AcertaingeneralofkindYazdajerd
BecameaMuslimscaptiveinthewars;
AGuebrehewas,inuredtoeverytrick
Offortune,crafty,cunning,fullofguile.
Hekepthiscaptorignorantofhisrank
Nortoldhimwhohewas,orwhathisname,
Butsaid,Ibegthatyouwillsparemylife
AndgranttomethequarterMuslimsgain.
TheMuslimsheathedhissword.Toshedthy
blood,
Hecried,wereimpiousandforbiddensin.
Secrets&Mysteries11

WhenKavehsbannerhadrenttoshreds,
ThefireofSasanssonsturnedalltodust,
ItwasdisclosedthecaptiveJabanwas,
SupremecommanderofthePersianhost.
Thenwashisfraudreported,andhisblood
PetitionedoftheArabgeneral;
ButBuUbaid,famedleaderoftheranks
FromfarHijaz,whoneedednottheaid
Ofarmiestoassisthisboldresolve
Inbattletide,thusansweredtheirrequest.
Friend,weareMuslims,stringsuponone
lute
Andofoneconcord.Alisvoiceattunes
WithAbuDharrs,althoughthethroatbethat
OfQanbarorBilal.Eachoneofus
Istrusteetothewholecommunity
Andonewithit,inmaliceorintruce.
Asthecommunityisthesurebase
Onwhichtheindividualrestssecure,
Soisitscovenanthissacredbond.
ThoughJabanwasafoemantoIslam,
AMuslimgrantedhimimmunity;
Hisblood,Ofollowersofthebestofmen,
MaynotbespilledbyanyMuslimsword.
ThestoryofSultanMuradandthearchitect,in
illustrationofMuslimEquality
Anarchitecttherewas,thatinKhojand
Wasborn,afamouscraftsmanofhiskind,
WorthytobeanoffspringofFarhad.
SultanMuradcommandedhimtobuild
Amosque,thewhichpleasednothismajesty,
Sothathewaxedrightfuriousathisfaults.
Thebalefulfireflaredintherulerseyes;
Drawinghisdagger,hecutoffthehand
Ofthatpoorwretch,sothatthespurting
blood
Gushedfromhisforearm.Insuchhapless
plight
Hecamebeforetheqazi,andretold
Thetyrantssfelony,thathaddestroyed
Thecunninghandwhichshapedthegranite
rock.
Othouwhosewordsamessageareof
Truth,
Hecried,whosetoilitistokeepalive
MuhammadsLaw,Iamnoearboredslave
Patienttoweartheringofmonarchsmight.
DeterminemyappealbytheQuran!
Theuprightcadibithislipsinire
Andsummonedtohiscourttheunjustking
Who,hearingtheQuraninvoked,turnedpale
Withawe,andcamelikeanycriminal
Beforethejudge,hiseyescastdowninshame,
Ischeeksascrimsonasthetulipsglow.
Ononesidestoodtheappellant,andonone
Thehighexaltedemperor,whospoke.
IamashamedofthisthatIhavewrought
Andmakeconfessionofmygrievouscrime.
Inretributionquoththejudge,islife,
Andbythatlawlifefindsstability.
TheMuslimslavenolessisthanfreemen,
Noristheemperorsbloodofricherhue
Thanthepoorbuilders.Listeningtothese
words
OfHolyWrit,Muradshookoffhissleeve
Andbaredhishand.Theplaintiffthereupon
NoLongercouldkeepsilence.Godcommands
Justiceandkindliness,recitedhe.
ForGodssakeandMuhammads,he
declared,
Idoforgivehim.Notethemajesty
OftheApostlesLaw,andhowanant
TriumphantlyoutfoughtaSolomon!
BeforethetribunaloftheQuran
Masterandsalveareone,thematofreeds
Coequalwiththethroneofrichbrocade.
ConcerningMuslimFreedom,andthesecretofthe
TragedyofKerbala
WhoevermakethcompactwiththeOne
Thatis,hathbeendeliveredfromtheyoke
Ofeveryidol.Untolovebelongs
Thetruebeliever,andLoveuntohim.
Lovemakethallthingspossibletous
Reasonisruthless;Loveisevenmore,
Purer,andnimbler,andmoreunafraid.
Lostinthemazeofcauseandofeffect
IsReason;Lovestrikesboldlyinthefield
OfAction.CraftyReasonsetsasnare;
Loveoverthrowsthepreywithstrongright
arm.
Reasonisrichinfearanddoubt;butLove
Hasfirmresolve,faithindissoluble.
Reasonconstructs,tomakeawilderness;
Lovelayswidewaste,tobuildallupanew.
12CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Reasonischeap,andplentifulasair;
Loveismostscarcetofind,andofgreatprice.
Reasonstandsfirmuponphenomena,
ButLoveisnakedofmaterialrobes.
Reasonsays,Thrustthyselfintothefore;
LoveanswersTrythyheart,andprove
thyself.
Reasonbyacquisitionisinformed
Ofother;Loveisbornofinwardgrace
Andmakesaccountwithself.Reason
declares,
Behappyandbeprosperous;Lovereplies,
Becomeaservant,thatthoumayestbefree.
FreedombringsfullcontentmenttoLoves
soul,
Freedom,thedriverofLovesridingbeast.
Hastthounotheardwhatthingsintimeof
war
LovewroughtwithlustfulReason?Iwould
speak
Ofthatgreatleaderofallmenwholove
TrulytheLord,thatuprightcypresstree
OftheApostlesgarden,Alisson,
Whosefatherledthesacrificialfeast
Thathemightproveamightyoffering;
Andforthatprinceofthebestraceofmen
TheLastoftheApostlesgavehisback
Torideupon,acamelpassingfair.
Crimsonedhisbloodthecheekofjealous
Love
(Whichthemeadornsmyverseinbeauty
bold)
Whoissublimeinourcommunity
AsSay,theLordisGodexaltstheBook.
MosesandPharaoh,ShabbirandYazid
FromLifespringtheseconflictingpotencies;
TruthlivesinShabbirsstrength;Untruthis
that
Fierce,finalanguishofregretfuldeath.
AndwhentheCaliphatefirstsnappedits
thread
FromtheQuran,inFreedomsthroatwas
poured
Afatalpoison,likearainchargedcloud
Theeffulgenceofthebestofpeoplesrose
OutoftheWest,tospillonKerbala,
Andinthatsoil,thatdesertwasbefore,
Sowed,ashedied,afieldoftulipblood.
There,tilltheResurrection,tyranny
Wasevermorecutoff;agardenfair
Immortalizeswherehislifebloodsurged.
ForTruthalonehisblooddrippedtothedust,
Whereforehehasbecometheedifice
OffaithinGodspureUnity.Indeed
Hadhisambitionbeenforearthlyrule,
Notsoprovisionedwouldhehavesetforth
Onhislastjourney,havingenemies
Innumerableasthedesertsands,
EqualhisfriendsinnumbertoGodsName.
Themysterythatwasepitomized
InAbrahamandIshmaelthroughhislife
Anddeathstoodforthatlastinfullrevealed.
Firmasamountainchainwashisresolve,
Impetuous,unwaveringtoitsgoal
TheSwordisforthegloryoftheFaith
AndisunsheathedbuttodefendtheLaw.
TheMuslim,servantuntoGodalone
BeforenoPharaohcastethdownhishead.
Hisbloodinterpretedthesemysteries,
Andwakedourslumberingcommunity.
HedrewtheswordThereisnoneothergod
Andshedthebloodofthemthatservedthe
lie;
InscribinginthewildernesssaveGod
Hewroteforalltoreadtheexordium
Ofoursalvation.FromHusainwelearned
TheriddleoftheBook,andathisflame
Kindledourtorches.Vanishednowfromken
Damascusmight,thesplendourofBaghdad,
Granadasmajesty,alllosttomind;
Yetstillthestringshesmotewithinoursoul
Vibrate,stillevernewourfaithabides
InhisAllahuAkbar,Gentlebreeze,
Thoumessengerofthemthatareafar,
Bearthesemytearstolavehisholydust.
ThatsincetheMuhammadanCommunity
isfoundeduponbeliefinonegodand
apostleship,thereforeitisnotboundedby
space
OurEssenceisnotboundtoanyPlace;
Thevigourofourwineisnotcontained
Inanybowl,ChineseandIndian
Alikethesherdthatconstitutesourjar,
Secrets&Mysteries13

TurkishandSyrianaliketheclay
Formingourbody;neitherisourheart
OfIndia,orSyria,orRum,
Noranyfatherlanddoweprofess
ExceptIslam.WhenpuredescendedKaab
BroughttotheProphetforanoffering
HisfamedBanatSuad,whereonhestrung
Thenightillumingjewelsofhispraise,
Andthereaddressedhimasanunsheathed
sword
OfIndia,itdidnotpleasehisheart
(Beingsublimerthanhighheavenssphere)
Tobeattributedtoanyclime;
AndsotheProphetanswered,Rathersay
ASwordofGod,ifTruththouworshippest,
NootherpathwaytravelbutofTruth.
FullwellheknewthemysteryofPart
AndWhole,theverydustbeneathhisfeet
Beingthemagicalcollyrium
LaidontheeyesofallGodsmessengers;
Andsohespoketohiscommunity,
Ofallthisworldofyours,Ilovealone
Obedienthearts,sweetperfumes,womenchaste.
Iftheperceptionofrealities
Guideththysteps,thesubtletyconfined
Inthatwordyourswillnotbehidfromthee.
Indeed,thatlanternofallbeingsnight
Dweltintheworld,butwasnotoftheworld;
Hissplendour,thatconsumedtheadoring
breasts
Ofholyangels,shonewhileAdamyet
Wasclayandwater.Ofwhatlandhewas
Iknownot;thismuchonlyIdoknow,
Heisourcomrade.Thesebaseelements
Hereckonedforourworld,himselfourguest.
We,whohavelostthesoulswithinour
breasts,
Havethereforelostourselvesinthismean
dust.
ThouartaMuslim,donotbindthyheart.
Toanyclime,norlosethyselfwithin
Thisworlddimensionate.TheMuslimtrue
Isnotcontainedinanylandonearth;
SyriaandRumarelostwithinhisheart
Graspthoutheheart,andinitsvastexpanse
Losethismirageofwaterandofclay.
OurMaster,fleeingfromhisfatherland,
ResolvedtheknotofMuslimnationhood.
Hiswisdomfoundedonecommunity
Theworlditsparishonthesacredcharge
Tocivilize;thatRulerofourfaith
Ofhisabundantbountygavetheearth
Entiretobetheconfinesofourmosque.
He,whomgodeulogizedintheQuran
AndpromisedHewouldsavehissoulalive,
Struckhaplessaweintohisenemies
Sothattheytrembledathismajesty.
Whyfledhe,then,fromhisancestralhome?
Supposestthouheranbeforehisfoes?
Thechroniclers,illunderstandingwhat
TheFlightportends,havehidthetruthfrom
us.
FlightisthelawthatrulestheMuslimslife,
Andisacauseofhisstability;
Itsmeaningistoleapfromshallowness,
Toquitthedew,theoceantosubdue.
Transgressthebloom;thegardenisthygoal;
Thelossoflessmorevastlygainadorns.
Thesunsgreatgloryisinrangingfree;
Theskiesarenaliesbeneathhisfeet.
Benotastreamlet,seekingwealthfromrain;
Beboundless;questnolimitintheworld.
Thefrowningseawasonceasimpleplain,
Playedbeingshore,andliquefiedofshame.
Havethouthewilltomastereverything,
Thatthoumayestwindominionoverall;
Plungelikeafish,andpopulatethesea;
Shakeoffthechainsoftooconstrictedspace.
Hewhohasburstfromalldimensionsbonds
Rangesthroughalldirections,likethesky.
Therosesscentbypartingfromtherose
Leapsfarabroad,andthroughthegardens
breadth
Disseminatesitself.Thou,whohastsnatched
Onecornerofthemeadowforthineown,
Likethepoornightingaleartsatisfied
Toserenadeonerose.Belikethebreeze;
Castofftheburdenofcomplacency
Fromthybroadshoulders;inthywide
embrace
Gatherthegarden.Bethouwary;lo,
Thesetimesarefulloftreachery,theway
Besetbybrigands;wayfarer,beware!
14CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Thatthecountryisnotthefoundationof
thecommunity
Nowbrotherhoodhasbeensocuttoshreds
Thatinthesteadofthecommunity
TheCountryhasbeengivenprideofplace
Inmensallegianceandconstructivework;
TheCountryisthedarlingoftheirhearts,
Andwidehumanityiswhittleddown
Intodismemberedtribes.Menthoughttofind
Paradiseinthatmiserableabode
Ofruinwheretheymadethepeoplesdwell.
Thistreehasbanishedheavenfromtheworld
Andborneforfruitthebitternessofwar;
Humanityisbutalegend,man
Becomeastrangertohisfellowman.
Thespirithasdepartedfromtheflesh,
Onlythesevendisjointedlimbsremain;
Vanishedishumankind,therebutabide
Thedisunitednations.Politics
Dethronedreligion,thistreefirststruckroot
WithinaWesterngarden,andthetale
OfChristianitywasallrolledup,
TheradianceoftheChurchslanterndimmed;
Popepowerlessandbaffled,fromhishand
Thecountersscattered;Jesusfollowers
SpurningtheChurch;debasedthecoinage
OftheTrueCrosssLaw.Whenatheism
Fistrentreligionsgarment,therearrived
ThatSatansmessenger,theFlorentine
Whoworshippedfalsehood,whosecollyrium
Shatteredthesightofmen.Hewroteascroll
ForPrinces,andsoscatteredinourclay
Theseedofconflict;hisfellgenius
Decampedtodarkness,andhisswordlike
pen
StruckTruthasunder.Carvingimages
LikeAzarwashistrade;hisfertilemind
Conceivedanewdesign;hisnovelfaith
ProclaimedtheStatetheonlyworship;
Histhoughtstheignobleturnedtopraise
worthy.
So,whenthefeetofthisadorable
Hekissed,thetouchstonethatheintroduced
TotestthetruthwasGain.Hisdoctrine
caused
Falsehoodtoflourish;plottingstratagems
Becameanart.Asadandsorryend
Attendedtheregimewhichhedevised,
Thatcaltropwhichhescatteredontheroad
Ofadvancingdays.Darknighthewrapped
Aboutthepeopleseyes;deceptioncalled,
Inhisvocabulary,expediency.
ThattheMuhammadanCommunityis
alsounboundedintime,sincethesurvival
ofthisnoblecommunityhasbeendivinely
promised
InSpringthouhastheardtheclamorous
nightingale,
Andwatchedtheresurrectionoftheflowers;
Thebudsarrayedlikebrides;fromthedark
earth
Averitablecityofstarsarise;
Themeadowbathedinthesofttearofdawn
Thatslumberedtotheriverslullaby.
Abudburstsintoblossomonthebranch;
Thebreezenewrisentakesittoherbreast;
Abloomliesbleedinginthegatherershand
Andlikeaperfumefromthemeaddeparts.
Theringdovebuildshisnest;thenightingale
Takeswing;thedewdropssoftly,andthe
scent
Issped.Whatthoughthesemortaltulipsdie,
Theylessennotthesplendourofthespring:
Foralltheloss,itstreasurestillabides
Abundant,stillthethrongingblossomssmile.
Theseasonoftheroseenduresbeyond
Thefragileeglantinetime,yea,itoutlives
Therosesself,thecypress,andthefir;
Thejewelnourishingminebearsjewelsyet,
Unminishedbytheshatteringofonegem.
DawnisdepartedfromtheEast,andnight
GonefromtheWest:theirtoobriefhistoried
up
Visitsnomorethewinevaultofthedays;
Yet,thoughthedraughtbedrunk,thewine
remains
Eternalasthemorrowthatawaits
Whenallouryesterdaysaredrownedin
death.
Soindividuals,astheydepart,
Arefallenpagesfromthecalendar
Ofpeoplesmoreenduring:thoughthefriend
Secrets&Mysteries15

Isonjourney,thecompanionship
Stillstays;theindividualisgone
Abroad,unstirringthecommunity.
Othereachessenceis,thequalities
Other;theydifferbothinhoweachlives
Andhowtheydie.Theindividual
Arisesfromahandfulofmereclay,
Thenationowesitsbirthtoonebraveheart;
Theindividualhasforhisspan
Sixtyorseventyyears,acentury
Isforthenationassinglebreath.
Theindividualiskeptalive
Bytheconcomitanceofsoulandflesh,
Thenationlivesbyguardingancientlaws;
Deathcomesupontheindividual
Whendrieslifesriverandthenationdies
Whenitforsakesthepurposeofitslife.
Thoughthecommunitymustpassaway
LikeanyindividualwhenFate,
Issuesthefiatnonemaydisobey,
IslamsCommunityisdivine
Undyingmarvel,havingorigin
Inthatgreatcompact,Yea,ThouartourLord.
ThispeopleisindifferenttoFate,
ImmovableinLo,Wehavesentdown
Remembrance,Whichabideswhilethereisyet
Onetoremember,whosecontinuance
Persistswithit.WhenGodrevealedthe
words
TheyseekGodslighttoextinguish,thisbright
lamp
Wasnevertroubleditmightflickerout.
TisacommunitythatworshipsGod
Inperfectfaith,apeoplewellbeloved
Byeverymanwhohasaconscientheart.
Goddrewthistrustybladeoutofthesheath
OfAbrahamsdesires,thatbyitsedge
Sinceritymightlive,andalluntruth
Consumebeforethelightningofitsstroke.
We,whoareproofofGodshighUnity
AndguardiansoftheWisdomandtheBook,
Encounteredheavensmalicelongago,
Theunsuspectedmenaceofthehordes
OfsavageTartary,loosedonourheads
Toproveitsterror.NottheJudgmentDay
Shallmatchthestaringhorrorofthose
swords,
Thethunderofthoselegionsarmedwith
death.
Confusionsoreconfoundedinthebreast
Ofthatdisasterslept;itsyesterday
Gavebirthtonogladmorrow.Muslimmight
Quiveredindustandblood;Baghdadbeheld
SuchscenesasRomeneerwitnessedinher
throes.
Nowask,ifsothouwilt,whatnewdesign
PurposingFate,malignantasofold,
Proposedthisholocaust;whosegarden
sprang
OutoftheTartarfire?Whoseturbanwears
Therosetransmutedfromthoselambent
flames?
BecauseournatureisofAbraham
AndourrelationshiptoGodthesame
Asthatgreatpatriachs:outofthefires
depths
Anewweblossom,everyNimrodsblaze
Converttoroses.Whentheburningbrands
OfTimesgreatrevolutionringourmead,
ThenSpringreturns.Themightypowerof
Rome,
Conquerorandruleroftheworldentire,
Sankintosmallaccount;thegoldenglass
OftheSassanianswasdrownedinblood;
BrokenthebrilliantgeniusofGreece;
EgypttoofailedinthegreattestofTime,
HerboneslieburiedneaththePyramids.
Yetstillthevoiceofthemuezzinrings
Throughouttheearth,stilltheCommunity
OfWorldIslammaintainsitsancient
forms.
Loveistheuniversallawoflife,
Minglingthefragmentaryelements
Ofadisorderedworld.Throughourhearts
glow
Lovelives,irradiatedbythespark
ThereisnogodbutGod.Though,likeabud,
Ourheartsareprisonedbyoppressivecare,
Ifweshoulddie,thegradentoowilldie.
16CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Thattheorganizationofthecommunityis
onlypossiblethoughlaw,andthatthelaw
oftheMuhammadanCommunityisthe
Quran
WhenacommunityforsakesitsLaw
Itspartsaresevered,likethescattereddust.
ThebeingoftheMuslimrestsalone
OnLawwhichisintruththeinnercore
OftheApostlesfaith.Aroseisborn
Whenitscomponentpetalsareconjoined
ByLaw;androses,beinglikewisebound
ByLawtogether,fashionabouquet.
Assoundcontrolledcreatesamelody
So,whencontrolisabsent,dissonance
Results.Thebreathwedrawwithinourthroat
Isbutawaveofairwhich,inthereed
Beingconstricted,blowsatunefulnote.
KnowestthouwhatthyLawis,whereinlies
Beneathyonspheresthesecretofthypower?
ItisthelivingBook,thatwiseQuran
Whosewisdomiseternal,uncreate.
Thesecretsofthefashioningoflife
Arethereinwritten;instability
Isfirmlyestablishedbyitspotency.
Undoubtedandunchangingareitswords,
Itsversestointerpretationnot
Beholden;initsstrengththerawdesire
Acquiresmaturity,thebowlfearsnot
Todashagainsttherock.Itcastsaway
Theshacklingchains,andleadsthefreeman
forth
Butbringstheexultantcaptoruntowoe.
Thefinalmessagetoallhumankind
WasbornebyhimelectofGodtobe
Amercyuntoeverylivingthing;
Bythistheworthlessuntoworthattains,
Theprostrateslaveliftsuphisheadonhigh.
Havingbyheartthismessage,highwaymen
Turnedguidesupontheroad,andbythis
book
Werequalifiedhighmastersoftherolls;
Rudedesertfarersthroughonelanternsglow
Ahundredrevelationstotheirbrain
Ineverysciencewon.Sohe,whoseload
Themountainsmassiveshoulderscouldnotbear,
Clovebyhismightthepowerofthespheres.
Seehowthecapitalofallourhopes
Islodgedsecurelyinourchildrensbreasts!
Thewearywandererinthewilderness
Unwatered,eyesaflameinthehotsun,
Hiscamelnimblerthantheagiledeer,
Itsbreathasfire,whenhewouldlooktosleep
Castinghimdownbencathsomeshadypalm,
Thenwiththedawnawake,thecaravan
Clangedtodeparture,everjourneying
Throughthewideprairies,unfamiliar
Withroofanddoor,strangertofixed
abodes
Whenhiswildheartrespondedvibrantly
TotheQuranswarmglow,itsrestlesswaves
Sanktothecalmofasequesteredpearl.
Readingthelessonofitsversesclear
Hewhohadcomeaslavewentforthfrom
God
Amaster.Nowuponhisinstrument
Newmelodiesimperialwereheard;
Jamshidshighthronehetrampledunderfoot;
Citiessprangupoutofthedusthetrod,
Ahundredbowersblossomedfromhisrose.
Othou,whosefaithbycustomisenslaved,
Imprisonedbythecharmsofheathendom,
Thouwhohasttornthyheritagetoshreds
Treadingthehighwaytoahatefulgoal,
IfthouwouldstlivetheMuslimlifeanew
Thiscannotbe,exceptbytheQuran
Thoulivest.SeetheSufiinhisgarb
Ofmysticminstrelsy,hisheartinflamed
BythefiercefervourofIraqisverse!
Littledohiswildecstasiesaccord
WiththeaustereQuran;thedervishcap
Andmatofreedsreplacethecrownand
throne;
Hisboastedpovertyrichtributetakes
Securedonmanyahermitageendowed.
Thepreacher,withhiswealthofanecdote
Andwordylegend,littlehastotell
Iftruth,forallhisfinegrandiloquence;
KhatibandDailamiareonhislips,
IneveryweekTraditionhedelights,
Thelittlemetwith,andtheinsecure.
ItisthydutytorecitetheBook,
Andthereinfindthepurposethoudostseek.
Secrets&Mysteries17

Thatintimesofdecadencestrict
conformityisbetterthanfreespeculation
Thepresentagehasmanytumultshid
Beneathitshead;itsrestlesstemperament
Swarmswithdisorders.Thesociety
Ofancientnationsinthesemoderntimes
Isinconfusion;saplesshangslifesbough.
Theglamourandtheglitterofourdays
Havemadeusstrangerstoourveryselves,
Androbbedourinstrumentofmelody;
Filchedfromourheartitspristinefire,and
dimmed
Withinourbreasttheradianceandtheflame
ThereisnogodbutGod.Wheneerdecay
Destroysthebalancedtemperamentoflife,
Thenthecommunitymaylooktofind
Stabilityinstrictconformity.
Gothouthyfathersroad,forthereinlies
Tranquility;conformityconnotes
Theholdingfastofthecommunity.
IntimeofAutumn,thouwholackestleaf
Alikeandfruit,breakneverfromthetree,
Hopingthatspringmaycome.Sincethouhast
lost
Thesea,beprudent,lestagreaterloss
Befallthee;themorecarefullypreserve
Thyownthinrivulet;foritmyhap
Somemountaintorrentshallreplenishthee
Andthouoncemorebetosseduponthe
breast
Oftheredeemingtempest.Ifthyflesh
Isyetpossessedofadiscerningeye,
TakewarningfromtheIsraelitishcase;
Considerwelltheirvariablefate,
Nowhot,nowcold;regardtheobduracy,
Thehardnessoftheirspareandtenuoussoul.
Sluggishlyflowsthebloodwithintheirveins,
Theirfurrowedbrowsoresmittenonthe
stones
Ofporticoesahundred.Thoughheavensgrip
Hathpressedandsqueezedtheirgrape,the
memory
OfMosesandofAaronlivethyet;
Andthoughtheirardentsonghathlostits
flame,
Stillpalpitatesthebreathwithintheirbreast.
Forwhenthefabricoftheirnationhood
Wasrentasunder,stilltheylabouredon
Tokeepthehighroadoftheirforefathers.
Othouwhoseancientconcourseisdispersed,
Withinwhosebreastthelampoflifeisout,
GraveonthyheartthetruthofUnity,
Andinconformityessaytomend
Theruinofthyfortune.Inthetime
Ofdecadence,toseektoexercise
Thespeculativejudgmentofthemind
Completesthepeopleshavocfinally;
Salvationliethlessinfollowing
Theblinkeredpedantsdictum,beingfound
Humbleimitationofthepast.
Capricecorruptednotthyfathersbrain;
Thelabourofthepiouswasunsoiled
Byinterestedmotive,finerfar
Thethreadofthoughttheirmeditationwove,
ClosertotheProphetswayconformed
Theirselfdenial.Jaafarsrapturedview
AndRazispatientdelvingarenomore;
Departedistheglorythatadorned
TheArabnation;narrowshrunkforus
ThedefileoftheFaith,whosemysteries
Everyimpostorboastethtopossess.
Thou,whoartstrangertothesecrettruths
OfFaith,ifthouartwise,accordthyself
WithonesoundLaw;forIhavehearditsaid
BythosewhotakeandknowthepulseofLife,
ThycontrarietyseversLifesveins.
TheMuslimlivesbyfollowingoneLaw;
ThebodyofourFaithscommunity
ThrobsvitaltotheWordoftheQuran.
Allearthweare;thatisourconscientheart;
Holdfirmtoitsprotection,sinceitis
TheCordofGod.Uponitssacredthread
Gemlikebesafelystrung,orotherwise
Bescattered,asthedustuponthewind.
Thatmaturityofcommunallifederives
fromfollowingthedivinelaw
SeekthounoothermeaningintheLaw,
Norlooksavelighttofindwithinthegem;
Godwasthejewellerwhofashionedforth
Thisjewel,diamantinethroughandthrough.
LawistheonlyknowledgeoftheTruth,
LovethesolebasisoftheProphetscode;
TheindividualthroughLawattains
18CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Afaithmaturer,andmorefairadorned.
TheruleofLawsecuresanorderedlife
Toallthenation,whichestablishedrule
Conditionisofitscontinuance.
Powerispatentinitsknowledge,this
ThesignofMosesstaffandpotenthand;
SoIdeclarethesecretofIslam
IsLaw,inwhichallthingsbeginandend.
Sincethouartcalledtobeaguardian
OftheFaithswisdom,Iwilltelltothee
AsubtletruthoftheperspicuousLaw.
IfanyMuslimbeengagedupon
Ameritoriousact,andcauselessly
Thereinbechallenged,forthwithitbecomes
Hissacreddutytodischargethesame;
PowerisdeemedtheveryspringofLife.
Uponthedayofbattle,ifthefoe
Supposingtruceisimminentneglects
Hisarmysmarshalling,andcasually
Confrontshisfortune,breakingdownthe
wall
Andcitadelofhisdefence;until
Hisorderisrestored,tomarchagainst
Hisunarmedcountryisprohibited.
Knowestthouthenthemysteryofthis
Divinecommandment?Lifenotlivingis
Exceptweliveindanger.Lawrequires
Thatwhentowarthoucomest,thoushalt
blaze
Afierytorch,andsplitthethroatofrock.
Lawtriesthepowerofthestrongrightarm;
ConfrontingtheewithAlondsmassive
height,
Itbidstheepoundintocollyrium
Thatcraggymount,andwiththeardent
breath
Drawnfromthythroatitsflinttoliquefy.
Theleanandfeeblesheepisscarceaprey
Worthythetigersclaw;orifthehawk
Consortswithsparrows,meanerspirited
Thanitspoorvictimsitshallsoonbecome.
TheLawgiver,towhomallfairandfoul
Wasfullyknown,thisrecipeofpower
Fortheeprescribed.Bytoilthenervesare
steeled,
Andthouartraisedtoeminenceintheworld;
Orbethouwounded,thiswillmakethee
strong,
Yea,andmatureasafirmmountainchain.
FulllifesreligionisMuhammadsfaith,
Hiscodethecommentaryonlifeslaw;
Bethoughearthlowly,itshalllifttheeup
Highastheheavens,andwillfashionthee
HarmonioustoGodssummons.Therough
rock
Ispolishedtoamirrorbythisfaith,
Andthisunreststhesteelscorrodingheart.
NowwhentheProphetswatchwordpassed
fromken
Hispeopleheldnomorethesecretkey
Totheircontinuance.Thatlustysprout
Tallandfirmrooted(Muslimofthewastes
Mountedoncamel,whoinBathasvale
Tookhisfirststeps)thatbythedesertwarmth
Wasnourishedup,nowfannedbyPersias
breeze
Issodiminished,thatithathbecome
Thinasareed.Hewhowaswonttoslay
Tigerslikesheepnowwincesattheant
Trampledunwittingly;hewhoinjoy,
AllahuAkbarcrying,turnedtherock
Torunningwater,tremblesatthenote
Ofamorousnightingales;hewhosehighwill
Reckonedthemountaintriflingasastraw
Commitshimselfentiretoabjecttrust;
Hewhosefirmblowoncebrokehisfoemens
neck,
Hisheartiswoundedbyhisownbreasts
beat;
Hewhoseboldtreadahundredtumults
limned
Nowcowersinretirementfromtheworld;
Hewhosecommandnonedaredtodisobey,
BeforewhosedoorgreatAlexanderstood
Asuppliant,andDariusbeggedhisbread,
Hisardourisattunedtomeancontent,
Hisboasttheprofferedbowlofmendicants.
ShaykhAhmad,Sayyidloftyasthespheres,
Fromwhosekeenbrainthesunsself
borrowedlight
(Therosesthatbedeckhisholygrave
NoothergodbutGodbreathefromhisdust)
Thusspoketoadisciple:Othoughlife
Ofthydearfather,itbehovesusall
ThatwebewareofPersiasfantasies;
Secrets&Mysteries19

ThoughPersiasthoughtstheheavenshave
surpassed
Theyequallytransgresstheboundaries
SetbytheProphetsFaith.Brother,giveear
Tohissagecounsel,andattentively
Receivetheredeofaprotagonist
Ofourcommunity;takethesewisewords
Tofortifythyheart;conformthyself
WithArabways,tobeaMuslimtrue.
Thatagoodcommunalcharacterderives
fromdisciplineaccordingtothemanners
oftheProphet
AmendicantlikeFateinexorable
Battereduponourdoorincessantly;
Enraged,Ibrokeastaveuponhishead,
Andalltheharvestofhisbeggary
Spilledfromhishand.Inyouthsbeginning
days
Thereasonthinksnotuponrightandwrong.
Myfather,bymytempermuchdistressed,
Grewverypale;thetulipsofhischeeks
Withered;ananguishedsighsprangfromhis
lip
Astargleamedinhiseye,briefglittering
Uponhislashes,andthenslowlyfell.
AndasabirdthatinthetimeofFall
Trembleswithinhisnestwhendawnblows
chill,
Soinmyfleshshiveredmyheedlesssoul;
TheLaylaofmypatiencenownomore
Rodepeacefullythelitterofmyheart.
Andthenmyfatherspoke:Uponthatmorn
ThepeopleoftheBestofMessengers
AregatheredupbeforetheLordofAll,
WarriorsofhisPureCommunity
AndguardiansofhisWisdomsloveliness,
MartyrswhoprovedtheFaithalltheselike
stars
Shallshinewithinthatpeopledfirmament;
Asceticstoo,andtheythatlovedtheirGod
Withanguishedhearts,andscholarserudite,
AndshamefastrebelsagainstGods
commands.
Theninthemidstofthatgreatcompany
Thissufferingbeggarscriesshallmounton
high.
Othoucondemnedtotreadanarduousroad
Unmounted,footsore,whatamItosay
WhenthistheProphetasksme:Godtothee
CommittedayoungMuslim,andhewon
Noportionofinstructionfrommyschool;
What,wasthislabourtoo,toohardforthee,
Sothatthatheapofclaybecamenotman?
Sogentlewasmynoblesiresreproof
ThatIwastornbyshameandhopeandfear:
Reflectalittle,son,andbringtomind
ThelastgreatgatheringoftheProphetsfold;
Lookonceagainonmywhitehairs,andsee
HownowItremblebetweenfearandhope;
Donotthyfatherthisfoulinjury,
OputhimnottoshamebeforehisLord!
ThouartabudburstfromMuhammads
branch;
Breakintobloombeforethegenialbreeze
OfhiswarmSpring;wintheethescentand
hue
Ofthatsweetseason;strivetogainforthee
Somefragmentofhischaractersublime.
WellsaidgreatRumi,guideinwhoseshrunk
drop
Anoceanofdeepwisdomslumbereth:
Snapnotthethreadofthybriefdaysfrom
him
WhowastheSealofProphets;littletrust
Inthypoorcraftandfalteringfootsteps
place.
ThenatureoftheMuslimthroughand
through
Islovingkindness;withbothhandand
tongue
Hestrivestobeamercyintheworld,
Ashewhosefingerssplitthemoonintwain
Embracesinhismercyallmankind.
Noblewashe,ineveryattribute;
Thouartnomemberofourcompany
Iffromhisstationthoudepartestfar.
Birdofourgarden,oneinsongandtongue
Withus,ifthoudostownamelody
Carolitnotalone,norletitsoar
Butonabranchthatinourgardengrows.
Whateverthinghascapitaloflife
Diesinanuncongenialelement
Artthouanightingale?Flyinthemead,
20CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Andwiththyfellowminstrelsmediate
Thysong.Artthouaneagle?Donotlive
Atoceansbottom;inthesolitude
Oftheunpeopleddesertmakethyhome.
Artthouastar?Shineinthyfirmament,
Norsetthyfootbeyongthyproperbounds.
IfthouwilttakeadropofAprilshower
Andnurtureitwithinthegardensclose
Till,likethedewoftheaboundingSpring,
Arosebudtakesittoitsnearembrace,
Then,intheraysofheavenglitteringdawn
Whosemagicknotstheblossomsonthe
branch,
Thoushaltdrawoutthelucentelement
Withinitssubstance,alltheecstasy
Ofleapinginitstremblingparticles.
Whatisthyjewel?Butawaterywave;
Whatisthyeffort?Naughtsaveamirage.
Hurlittoocean,thatitmaybecome
Ajewelgleaminglikeatremulousstar.
TheAprilraindrop,banishedfromthesea,
Diesonthecornstalkwiththemorningdew.
ThepureclayoftheMuslimisagem;
Itslustreanditsradiancederive
OutoftheProphetsocean.Comethou,then,
BriefAprilshower,comeintohisbreast,
Andissuefromhismightysea,apearl!
Outshinethesunuponthisshadowyworld,
Andglowforeverinimmortallight.
Thatthelifeofthecommunityrequiresa
visiblefocus,andthatthefocusofthe
IslamiccommunityisMakkahssacred
house
NowIwillloosefortheetheknottedcord
ThatisLifesriddle,andrevealtothee
Lifesmysteries;itstrade,fromselftoleap
Swiftasaphantom,nimblytoescape
FromtheconstrictionofDimensionsgrasp.
ThenhowcomesLifeintothisworldoflate
Andsoon?Howdoesitsinstanttimegive
birth
Toyesterdaysandmorrows?Lookupon
Thyself,ifthoupossessesteyestosee;
Fool,artthouaughtbutconstantlyaleap?
So,todisplayitsglowinvisible
Lifestorchcontrivedacurtainofitssmoke,
Andthatitsmotionmightbeseenatpeace,
Itswavewasinthegemimmobilized.
Lifesfurnacedrewitsbreath,forthwith
became
Atulip,andburstbloomingfromthebranch.
Thythoughtisimmature,lame,slowtorise,
Ifthousupposethemortalfloweritself
Thefleetingcolour.Lifeisnotabird
Abuildingnests;tisbutawingofhue
Andwhollyflight;imprisonedinthecage,
Yeteverfree;lamentethasitsings;
Washetheachmomentfromitswingthewill
Tofly,yeteverseeksnewstratagems
Itselfdevising;bindethknotonknot
Itsownaffairs,yetwithconsummateease
Resolvethallitsproblems.SwiftpacedLife
Standsrootedinthemire,thatitmayfeel
Pulsingadoubledjoytowalkabroad.
Anthemsunheardliedormantinitsflame;
Tomorrow,yesterday,thechildrenare
Ofitstoday.Eachmomentitcreates
Freshdifficulties,passingfreelythrough;
Thus,instantlyitstaskisevernew.
Thoughlikeasentitisallwilltoleap,
Wheninthebreastitmakethitsabode
Itisabreath.Uponitselfitspins
Itsthreads,becomesaskein,andknotsitself.
Theseed,thatholdethknottedinitsgrain
Theleafandfruit,ingoodtimeopeneth
Itseyesuponitself,andisatree;
Creatingoutofwaterandofclay
Agarmentitrevealethhandandfoot,
Eye,yea,andheart.Lifechoosethtoconfine
Itselfwithinthebodyssolitude,
AndLifecreatethmightycompanies.
Suchisthelawthatgoverneththebirth
Ofnations,lifegatherethonapoint
Offocuswhich,relatedtothering,
Isasthespirithiddenintheflesh,
Thetrackofthecircumferenceconcealed
Withinthecentre.Peopleswintheirbond
Andorderfromafocus,andthatsame
Perpetuatesthenationssumofdays.
TheSacredHouseatonceoursecretis
Andguardianofoursecret,ourheartsfire
Andinstrumentwhereonourpassionplays.
Secrets&Mysteries21

Weareabreathnurturedwithinitsbreast;
Thebodywe,andittheprecioussoul.
Ourgardenglittersjoyousinitsdew,
Ourfieldsarewateredfromitsholywell.
Itsdancingmotesgivelustretothesun
Plungingintoitsfirmanentprofound.
Wearetheproofthatjustifiesitsclaim,
AttestorswitnessingforAbraham.
Thismadeourvoicesloudupontheearth,
StitchedupwithTimeourPreeternity;
Incircumambulationofitsshrine
Ourpurecommunitydrawscommonbreath,
Dawnssunencaged;byitsarithmetic
Themanycountasone,andinthattie
Ofonenessthyselfmasterywaxesstrong.
Thoulivestbyasanctuarysbond
Andshaltendure,solongasthoughshaltgo
Abouttheshrinethereof.Uponthisearth
Bycongregationlivesapeoplessoul,
Andcongregationisthemystery
OfMakkahspower.Takeheedonceagain,
EnlightenedMuslim,bythetragicfate
OfMosespeople,who,whentheygaveup
Theirfocusfromtheirgrasp,thethreadwas
snapped
Thatboundtheircongregationeachtoeach.
Thatnation,nurturedupuponthebreast
OfGodsapostles,andwhereofthepart
Wasprivytothesecretsofthewhole,
SuddenlysmittenbythehandofTime
Pouredoutitslifebloodinslowagony.
Thetendrilsofitsvinearewitherednow,
Norevenanywillowweepinggrows
Morefromitssoil;exilehasrobbeditstongue
Ofcommonspeech;bothnestandbirdsong
gone;
Thecandleout;deadthelamentingmoth
Mypoordusttremblesatthehistory.
Othou,sorewoundedbytheswordofFate,
Prisonerofconfusion,doubt,dismay,
Wraptheeinpilgrimrobes;unshroudthe
dawn
Ofnightsdarkdust.Plunge,asthyforebears
did,
Intoprostration;losethyself,until
Thouartentireprostration.Longago
TheMuslimfashionedmeekhumility,
Andthencedevelopedaworldshakingpride;
UponGodspaththethornpointspiercedhis
feet;
Heworearosebowerinhisturbansfold.
Thattruesolidarityconsistsinadoptinga
fixedcommunalobjective,andthatthe
objectiveoftheMuhammadancommunity
isthepreservationandpropagationof
Unitarianism
AndnowIwillimparttotheethetongue
Ofallthingsthathavebeing;inthisspeech
Thelettersandarticulatedsounds
Arelifesactivities.Whenlifeisbound
Infirmattachmenttoanaimprofessed
Theopeningverserisesspontaneously;
Andifthatpurposeservesusforagoad,
Swiftasthetempestgallopethoursteed.
Thegoalavowedisthetruemystery
Oflifescntinuance,thatfocuses
Therestlessflowofitsmercurialpowers.
Whenlifeisconsciousofapurposedaim,
Allmeansmaterialyieldtoitscontrol;
Itmakesitsselfthefollowerofthatgoal,
Foritssolesakecollects,selects,rejects.
Thehelmsmanshorewardboundresolvesto
sail
Thefloodingmain;thedestinationfar
Determinestheselectionofthepaths.
Themothsheartbearsthebrandofthe
delight
Ofburning,forwhichjoyitfluttersstill
Aboutthecandle.IfthemadmanQais
Waswandererinthewilderness,hisaim
WasthehighlitterwhereinLaylarode.
NowbeourLaylabutfamiliar
Withcities,nevershallweliftourtread
Tospanthedesert.Intheenterprise
Thepurposeliesashiddenasthesoul
Withinthebody,andfromthisalone
Eachlabourtakesitsqualityandsize.
Thebloodthatcirculatethinourveins
Thenimblermoveth,havingthedesire
Toreachagoal;lifesselfconsumesitself
Inthatbrightflame,aglowwithtulipfire.
TheGoalisasaplectrum,thatawakes
Thehiddenmusicintheinstrument
22CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Ofhighambition,anattractivepoint
Whereuntomovesallcentripetalforce;
Thisstirsapeopleshandsandfeettomove
Invitalunison,onevisionclear
Bestowingonahundredseveralsights.
Bethemadloveroftheloveliness
Ofnoblepurpose;flutterlikeamoth
Aboutthisardentlamp.Sweetwastheair
Qumsmusicmakersang,thesilkenstrings
Sweepingresponsivetohispulsingthought:
Whileyetthetravellerbendstopluckthe
thorn
Thatprickshisfoot,thelittervanishes.
Ifthouartheedlessbutforonebriefbreath,
Ahundredleaguesthoustrayestfromthy
stage.
Thisancientcreature,thatmencalltheworld,
Outoftheminglingoftheelements
Deriveditsbody;ahundredreedbedssowed
Thatonelamentmightburgeon;bathedin
blood
Ahundredmeads,toyieldonetulipbloom.
Manytheshapesitfetchedandcastandbroke
TograveuponLifestabletthydesign;
Manylamentsitsowedinthesoulstilth
Tillsprangthemusicofonecalltoprayer
Awhileitbattledsternlywiththefree,
Andhadmuchtrafficwithfalselords,atlast
Tostrewtheseedoffaithintheheartssoil
AndonthetonguetocryThereisoneGod.
NoothergodbutGodthisisthepoint
Onwhichtheworldconcentricallyturns,
Thistheconclusionoftheworldsaffairs.
Fromthisthespherederivesitsstrengthto
wheel,
Thesunitsconstancyandbrilliance,
Theseahergems,createdofitsglow,
Thatsettheoceansbillowsquivering.
Thisisthebreezethatfanstheearthtobloom,
Thisrapturousglowafewpoorfeathers
flames
Intothenightingale;andthissamefire
Runslikeatorchalongthevineyardsveins
Andglitterscrimsoninthedustybowl.
InBeingsinstrumentitsmelodies
Lifehidden;Omusician,Beingslute
Seekethforthee;withinthybodyflow
Ahundredsongs,asfreelyinthyveins
Thelifebloodpulses;rise,andsmitethe
strings!
AllahuAkbar!Thisthesecretholds
Ofthyexistence;whereforeletitbe
Thypurposetopreserveandpropagate
Noothergod.IfthouaMuslimart,
TillalltheworldproclaimstheNameofGod
Thoucanstnotrestonemoment.Knowest
thounot
TheverseinHolyScripture,callingthee
Tobeapeoplejust,Godswitnesses?
Thouarttheglowandgloryofthedays,
Andmadetotestifytoallmankind;
Toallwhocomprehendtheweightofwords
Makegeneralproclamation,andimpart
ThelearnedgospelofGodsMessenger.
UnletteredwasHe,innocentofguile
Thewordsheuttered,thatelucidate
ThemysteryHedidnotgoastray.
Yet,whenheheldthepulseoflivingthings,
ThesecretsofLifesconstitutionhe
Forthwithrevealed,andcleansedofancient
blight
Thegarmentofthetulipsofthismead.
LifeherebelowisboundupwithhisFaith
Norcansurvive,saveguardedbyhisLaw.
HavinghisBookbeneaththyarm,strideout
Withgreaterboldnesstothebattlefield
Ofworks;forhumanthought,idolatrous
Andidolfashioning,isallthetime
Inquestofsomenewimage;inthesedays
ItfollowsonceagainoldAzarstrade,
Andmancreatesanevernovelgod
Whosejoyissheddingblood,whosehallowed
name
IsColour,Fatherland,BloodBrotherhood.
Humanityisslaughteredlikeasheep
Beforethisworthlessidol.Thou,whoselips
HavetouchedthesacredbowlofAbraham,
Whosebloodisardentwithhisholywine,
Againstthisfalsehood,garmentedastruth,
LiftnowthebladethereisnotaughtbutGod
Andsmite!Thedaysareshroudedallinmirk;
Displaythylight,andletthethinginthee
Perfectedshineoerallhumanity.
Itrembleforthyshame,whenontheDay
OfReckoningthatGloryofalltime
Secrets&Mysteries23

Shallquestionthee:Thoutookestfrommy
lips
ThewordofTruth,andwhereforehastthou
failed
Topassmymessageontoothermen?
Thattheexpansionofcommunallife
dependsuponcontrollingtheforcesof
worldorder
Thou,whohastmadewiththeInvisible
Thycovenant,andburstforthlikeaflood
Fromtheshoresbondage,asasaplingrise
Outofthisgardenssoil;attachthyheart
TotheUnseen,yeteverwiththeseen
Wageconflict,sincethisbeingvisible
Interpretsthatunviewed,andpreludeis
Totheoermasteryofhiddenpowers.
Allothernessisonlytosubdue,
Itsbreastatargetforthewellwingedshaft;
GodsfiatBe!madeothermanifest
Sothatthyarrowsmightbesharptopierce
Thesteelyanvil.Trulyitrequires
Atightlyknottedcord,towhetandprove
Thewitoftheresolver.Artthouabud?
Interpretinthyselftheflowerymead;
Artthouadewdrop?Dominatethesun!
Ifthouartequaltotheboldemprise,
Meltthouthissnowlionwithonetorrid
breath!
Whoeverhathsubduedthethingsperceived
Canofoneatomreconstructaworld,
Andhewhoseshaftwouldpiercetheangels
breast
FirstfastensAdamtohissaddlebow;
Hefirstresolvestheknotphenomena
And,masteringBeing,proveshisloftypower.
Mountainandwilderness,riverandplain,
Alllandandseathesearethescholarsslate
Onwhichthemanofvisionlearnstoread.
Othouwhoslumberest,bydullopiates
drugged,
Andnamestmeanthisworldmaterial,
Riseup,andopenthybesottedeyes!
CallthounotmeanthyworldbyLaw
compelled;
ItspurposeistoenlargetheMuslimssoul,
Tochallengehispotentialities;
Thebodyitassaultswithfortunessword
Thatthoumayestseeiftherebebloodwithin;
Dashthouthybreastagainstitsjaggedrock
Untilitpiercethyflesh,andprovethybone.
Godcountsthisworldtheportionofgood
men,
Commitsitssplendourtobelieverseyes;
Itisaroadthecaravanmustpass,
Atouchstonethebelieversgoldtoassay;
Seizethouthisworld,thatitmaynotseize
thee
Andinitspitcherswallowtheelikewine.
Thestallionofthythoughtisparrotswift,
Stridingthewholewideheavensinabound;
Urgedeveronwardsbytheneedsoflife,
Raiseduptorovetheskies,though
earthboundstill;
That,havingwonthemasteryofthepowers
Ofthisworldorder,thoumayest
consummate
Theperfectingofthyingeniouscrafts.
ManisthedeputyofGodonearth,
Andoertheelementshisruleisfixed;
Onearththynarrownessreceivethbreadth,
Thytoiltakesonfairshape.Ridethouthe
wind;
Putbridleonthatswiftpaceddromedary.
Dabblethyfingersinthemountainsblood;
Drawupthelustrouswatersofthepearl
Fromoceansbottom;inthissinglefield
Ahundredworldsarehidden,countlesssuns
Veiledinthesedancingmotes.Thisglittering
ray
Shallbringtovisiontheinvisible,
Discloseuncomprehendedmysteries.
Takesplendourfromtheworldinflaming
sun,
Thearchilluminglevinfromthestorm;
Allstarsandplanetsdwellinginthesky,
Thoselordstowhomtheancientpeoples
prayed,
Allthose,mymaster,waituponthyword
Andareobedientservantstothywill.
Inprudenceplanthequest,tomakeitsure,
Thenmastereveryspirit,alltheworld.
Openthineeyes,andintoallthingsgaze;
Beholdtheraptureveiledwithinthewine.
24CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Theweak,endowedwithknowledgeofthe
power
Ofnaturalthings,takestributefromthe
strong.
TheoutwardformofBeingisnotbare
Ofinwardmeaning;thisoldinstrument
Stillkeepsitspitch,stilllightninginitssong
Ifplayedwithcunning,selfagainstthestrings
Forplectrumstriking.Thou,whomGod
designed
Saying,Behold!Whytravellestthouthisway
Likeblindmen?Lo,thyselfenkindleddrop
Beingintimatewithmysteries,islikewine
Withinthetendril,dewupontherose;
Letflowintotheocean,itbecomes
Apearl,itssubstanceglitteringasastar.
Fannottherosespetalslikethebreeze,
Butpungeintothemeaningofthebower;
Whosohathspunaboutphenomena
Theknottednoose,hathmasteredforhis
mount
Thelightningandtheheat.Hemakesthe
word
Winglikeabirdinflight,theinstrument
Singofitselfwithouttheplectrumstouch.
Thyassislame,becausethewayoflife
Wasarduous,andthoutooignorant
Oflifeshardcombat;whilealreadynow
Thyfellowtravellershavereachedthegoal,
BornefromherlitterLayla,thedivine
AndlovelyTruth;likeQaisthouwanderest
Distractedinthedesert,weary,sore.
YetAdamsglorywasthathepossessed
Theknowledgeofthenames,andbeingwise
Innaturalken,wastherebyfortified.
Thattheperfectionofcommunallifeis
attainedwhenthecommunity,likethe
individual,discoversthesensationofself;
andthatthepropagationandperfectingof
thissensationcanberealizedthrough
guardingthecommunaltraditions
Othouofgazeintent,hastthounotseen
Aninfant,unacquaintedwithitsself,
Sounawareofwhatisfar,whatnear
Thatitaspirestoreintheverymoon?
Toallastranger,motherworshipping,
Drunkenwithweepingandwithmilkand
sleep,
Hisearcannotdistinguishlafrommi,
Hismusicsthemerejanglingofachain.
Simpleandvirginarehisthoughtsasyet,
Pureasapearlhisspeech;tosearchand
search
Hismeditationssum,asonhislips
SpringeverWhyandWhenandHowand
Where;
Receptivetoallimageshismind,
Hisoccupationothertopursue,
Othertosee.Letanytakehiseyes
Creepingbehindhisback,andhowdistressed
Hislittlesoulbecomes!Soimmature
Histhoughtsareyetthatlikethenewsprung
hawk
Fluttersitswings,totrytheworldswideair;
Heletsthemslip,tohuntandseizetheirprey,
Thencallsthemhomeagainuntohimself.
Litbythepyrotechnicsofthemind
Therocketofhisfancyfillsthesky
Withcoruscatingembers.Atthelast
Hiseyeprehensilelightsuponhimself;
Hislittlehandclutchedtohisbreast,hecries
I!Sohismemorymakethhimaware
Ofhisownself,andkeepssecurethebond
Linkingtomorrowwithhisyesterday;
Uponthisgoldenthreadhisdaysarestrung
Likejewelsonanecklace,onebyone.
Though,everybreath,everdiminishes,
Everaugmentshisflesh,Iamthesame
AsIhaveeverbeen,hisheartdeclares.
ThisnewbornItheinceptionisoflife,
Thisthetruesongoflifesawakinglute.
Liketoachildisacommunity
Newborn,aninfantinitsmothersarms;
Allunawareofself;ajewelstained
Bytheroadsdust;unboundtoitstoday
Isitstomorrow,fetterednotitsfeet
Bythesuccessivelinksofnightandday.
ItisthepupillodgedinBeingseye,
Otherbeholding,lostuntoitself;
Ahundredknotsareinitscordtoloose
Ereitcanreachtheendofselfhoodsthread
Butwhenwithenergyitfallsupon
Secrets&Mysteries25

Theworldsgreatlabours,stablethen
becomes
Thisnewwonconsciousness;itraisesup
Athousandimages,andcaststhemdown;
Soitcreatethitsownhistory.
Yet,whentheindividualhassnapped
Thebondthatjoinshisdays,aswhenacomb
Sheddethitsteeth,sohisperceptionis.
Therecordofthepastilluminates
Theconscienceofapeople;memory
Ofpastachievementsmakesitselfaware;
Butifthatmemoryfades,andisforgot,
Thefolkagainislostinnothingness.
Know,then,tistheconnectingthreadofdays
Thatstitchesupthylifesloosemanuscript;
Thisselfsamethreadsewsusashirttowear,
Itsneedletheremembranceofoldyarns.
Whatthingishistory,Oselfunware?
Afable?Oralegendarytale?
Nay,tisthethingthatmakeththeeaware
Ofthytrueself,alertuntothetask,
Aseasonedtraveller;thisisthesource
Ofthesoulsardour,thisthenervesthatknit
Thebodyofthewholecommunity.
Thiswhetstheelikeadaggeronitssheath,
Todashtheeinthefaceofalltheworld.
Ah,howdelightfulisthisinstrument
Andhowinspiring,thatwithinitsstrings
Imprisonsthosedepartedmemories!
Seetheextinguishedsplendourblazeanew!
Beholdallyesterdaysintheembrace
Ofitstoday!Itscandleisastar
Tolightthepeoplesfortunes,andillume
Tonightandyesternightinequalshine.
Theskilfulvisionthatbeholdsthepast
Canrecreatebeforethywonderinggaze
Thepastanew;wineofahundredyears
Thatbowlcontains,anancientdrunkenness
Flamesinitsjuice;acunningfowlerit
Tosnarethebirdthatfromourgardenflew.
Preservethishistory,andsoabide
Unshaken,vitalwithdepartedbreaths.
Fixinfirmbondtodaywithyesterday;
Makelifeabirdaccustomedtothehand.
Drawtothyhandthethreadofallthedays,
Elsethouartblindbyday,night
worshipping.
Thypresentthrustsitsheadupfromthepast,
Andfromthypresentshallthyfuturestem.
Ifthoudesiresteverlastinglife,
Breaknotthethreadbetweenthepastand
now
Andthefarfuture.Whatislife?Awave
Ofconsciousnessofcontinuity,
Agurglingwinethatflamestherevellers.
Thatthecontinuanceofthespeciesderives
frommotherhood,andthatthe
preservationandhonouringof
motherhoodisthefoundationofIslam
Theinstrumentofmansingsmelodies
Whenstruckbywomansplectrum;hissouls
pride
Swellsofherdeference.Thewomanclothes
Thenakednessofman;theloveliness
Ofthebelovedagarmentweavesforlove.
TheloveofGodisnourishedatherbreast,
Alovelyairstruckfromhersilenthand;
Andheinwhomallbeingsmaketheirboast
Declaredhelovedthreethingssweet
perfume,prayer,
Andwomankind.WhatMuslimreckonsher
Aservant,nothingmore,noparthaswon
OftheBookswisdom.Ifthoulookestwell,
Motherhoodisamercy,beinglinked
Bycloseaffinitytoprophethood,
Andhercompassionistheprophetsown.
Formothersshapethewaythatmenshallgo;
Maturer,bythegraceofMotherhood,
Thecharacterofnationsis,thelines
Thatscorethatbrowdetermineourestate.
Ifthouartlearnedtoattainthetruth
Behindtheform,ourwordcommunity
Hath,inthePersian,manysubtleties.
He,forwhosesakeGodsaidLettherebelife,
DeclaredthatParadiseliesatthefeet
Ofmothers.Inthehonouringofthewomb
Thelifecommunalisalonesecured,
Elseisliferawandbrutish.Motherhood
Quickensthepaceoflife,themysteries
Ofliferevealing;tortuouslytwists
Thecurrentofourstream,sothatitflows
Bubblingandwhirlingonitsrapidcourse.
Takeanypeasantwoman,ignorant,
26CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Squatfigured,fat,uncomely,unrefined,
Unlettered,dimofvision,simple,dumb;
Thepangsofmotherhoodhavetornherheart,
Dark,tragicringshaveunderscoredhereyes;
Iffromherbosomthecommunity
ReceiveoneMuslimzealousfortheFaith,
Godsfaithfulservant,allthepainsshebore
Havefortifiedourbeing,andourdawn
Glowsradiantinthelustreofherdusk.
Nowtaketheslenderfigure,bosomless,
Closecosseted,ariotinherglance,
HerthoughtsresplendentwiththeWestern
light;
Inoutwardguiseawoman,inwardly
Nowomanshe;shehathdestroyedthebonds
Thatholdourpurecommunitysecure;
Hersacredcharmsareallunloosedand
spilled;
Boldeyedherfreedomis,provocative,
Andwhollyignorantofmodesty;
Herlearningisinadequatetobear
Thechargeofmotherhood,andonthedusk
Andeveningofherdaysnotonestarshines;
Betteritwerethisrosehadnevergrown
Withinourgarden,betterwereherbrand
Washedfromtheskirtofthecommunity.
StarswithoutnumberwhisperingNogod
ButGod,ungleaminginthedarkoftime
Andnotyetrisenfromnonentity,
Stillwaitwithouttheboundedterritories
Ofqualityandquantity,beinghid
Withintheshadowsofourpatentlife,
Theseourepiphaniesstillunbeheld;
Dewnotdescendedontherosesbloom,
Budsnotyettornbythelasciviousbreeze.
Thisgardenofpotentialities,
Theseunseentulipsblossomfromthebower
OffertileMotherhood.Apeopleswealth
Restsnot,myprudentfriend,inlinenfine
Ortreasuredhoardsofsilverandofgold;
Itsrichesareitssons,cleanlimbedandstrong
Ofbody,supplebrained,hardlabouring,
Healthyandnimbletohighenterprise.
MotherspreservetheclueofBrotherhood,
ThestrengthofScriptureandCommunity.
ThattheLadyFatimaistheperfect
patternofMuslimwomanhood
Maryishallowedinonelinealone,
ThatsheboreJesus;Fatimainthree.
Forthatshewasthesweetdelightofhim
Whocameamercytoalllivingthings,
Leaderofformerasoflattersaints,
Whobreathednewspiritintothisdeadworld
AndbroughttobirththeageofaNewLaw.
Hisladyshe,whoseregaldiadem
GodswordsadornHaththerecomeanytime,
Thechosenone,resolverofallknots
Andhardperplexities,theLionofGod,
Anemperorwhosepalacewasahut,
Accoutredwithonesword,onecoatofmail.
Andshehismother,uponwhomrevolves
Lovescompasses,theleaderofLovestrain,
Thatsinglecandleinthecorridor
Ofsanctityresplendent,guardian
Oftheintegrityofthatbestrace
OfallGodspeoples;who,thatthefierce
flame
Ofwarandhatredmightextinguishedbe,
Trodunderfootthecrownandroyalring.
Hismothertoo,thelordofallearthssaints
Andstrongrightarmofeveryfreebornman,
Husain,thepassioninthesongoflife,
TeacheroffreedomtoGodschosenfew.
Thecharacter,theessentialpurity
Ofholychildrenfromtheirmotherscome.
Shewastheharvestofthewellsownfield
Ofselfsurrender,toallmothersshe
Theperfectpattern,Fatimathechaste.
Herheartsogrieved,becauseonecamein
need,
ShestrippedhercloakandsoldittoaJew;
Thoughcreaturesall,oflightalikeandfire,
Obeyedherbidding,yetshesankherwill
Inhergoodconsortspleasure.Fortitude
Andmeeknesswereherschooling;whileher
lips
ChantedtheBook,shegroundthehomely
mill.
Nopillowneededshetocatchhertears,
Butweptcontritionsofferingofpearls
Upontheskirtofprayer;whichGabriel
stooped
Secrets&Mysteries27

Togather,astheyglistenedinthedust,
AndrainedlikedewupontheThroneofGod.
GodsLawafetterlocksaboutmyfeet
ToguardsecuretheProphetshighbehest,
ElsehadIsurelygoneabouthertomb
Andfallenprostrate,worshippingherdust.
AddresstotheveiledladiesofIslam
Othou,whosemantleisthecovering
Thatguardsourhonour,whoseeffulgence
Ourcandlescapital,whosenaturepure
Tousamercy,ourreligionsstrength,
Foundationofourtruecommunity!
Ourchildrenslips,beingsuckledatthy
breast,
FromtheefirstlearntolispNogodbutGod.
Thyloveitis,thatshapesourlittleways,
Thylovethatmouldsourthoughts,our
words,ourdeeds.
Ourlightningflash,thatslumberedinthy
cloud,
Glittersuponthemountain,sweepstheplain.
OguardianoftheblessingsofGodsLaw,
ThoufromwhosebreaththeFaithofGod
drawsfire,
Coxcombandcraftyisthepresentage,
Itscaravanahighwayman,wellarmed
ToseizeandspoilFaithsriches;blindits
brain,
ThatknowethnaughtofGod;ignoblethey
Whoarethecaptivesofitstwistedchains;
Boldisitseye,andreckless;swifttosnatch
Thetalonsofitslashes;itspoorprey
Callsitselffree,itsvictimvauntsitlives!
Thineisthehandthatkeepethfreshand
green
TheyoungtreeofourCommonwealth,as
thou
Guardestinviolatethecapital
OfourCommunity.Fretnotthyself
Tocalculatetheprofitandtheloss,
Beingcontenttotreadthewellwornpath
Ourfatherswentbefore.Bewaryof
Timesdepredations,andtothybroadbreast
Gatherthychildrenclose;thesemeadow
chicks,
Unfledgedasyetcofly,havefallenfar
Fromtheirwarmnest.High,highthe
cravingsare
Thatwrestlewiththysoul;beconsciousstill
Andeverofthymodel,Fatima,
SothatthybranchmaybearanewHusain,
OurgardenblossomwiththeGoldenAge.
Summaryofthepurportofthepoemin
exegesisoftheSurahofPureFaith
Say:HeisGod,One
IdreamedonenightIlookeduponSiddiq
Andpluckedarosethatblossomedathisfeet

He,thatmostgenerouswasofallmankind
UntoourMaster,hethatstoodthefirst
LikeMosesontheSinaiofourFaith,
Whosezealwasasacloudthatshoweredrain
Uponthetilthofourcommunity,
SecondtoownIslam,tosharetheCave,
Badr,andtheTomb. OchosenofLoves
choice,
Icriedtohim,whoseloveisthefirstline
InthecollectedpoetryofLove,
Whosehandestablishedonafirmerbase
Aremedyforourimmediatewoes.
Howlong,saidhe,wiltthoubeprisoner
Tobasedesire?Getlustre,andnewlight
Tolightthee,fromtheSurahofPureFaith.
Thisonebreath,windinginahundred
breasts,
IsbutonesecretoftheUnity;
Gettheeitscolour,tobeliketoit,
Reflectivetoitsbeautyintheworld.
He,whobestowedthisMuslimnameonthee,
DrewtheetoOnenessfromDuality;
TisthouthyselfhastcalledtheeAfghan,Turk

Ah,thouremainestasthoueverwert!
Delivernowthenamedfromallthenames;
Havedonewithcups;allytheetothejar!
Thouhastbecomeascandaltothyname,
Aleafthatfelluntimelyfromthytree;
AttunetheeuntoOneness;bethougone
FromTwoness;nordissectthyUnity.
ThouwhoartservantuntoOne,ifthou
28CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Artthou,howlongwiltthoutoschoolof
Two?
Lo,thouhastshutthydooruponthyself;
Taketothyheartthatwhichthylipsimbibed.
Ahundrednationsthouhastraisedfromone,
Onthyownfortmadetreacherousassault.
Beone;makevisiblethyUnity;
Letactionturntheunseenintoseen;
Activityaugmentsthejoyoffaith,
Butfaithisdeadthatissuesnotindeeds.
God,theSelfSubsistent
IfthouhastboundthyfaithfulheartonGod
TheSelfsubsistent,thouhastoverlept
Therimofthingsmaterial.Noslave
TothingsmaterialGodsservantis;
Lifeisnoturningofawaterwheel.
IfthoubeMuslim,benotsuppliant
Ofotherssuccour;betheembodiment
Ofgoodtoalltheworld.Makenotcomplaint
Ofscurvyfortunetothefortunate,
Norfromthysleevereachoutabeggars
hand.
LikeAli,becontentwithbarleybread;
BreakMarhabsneck,andcaptureKhybers
fort.
Whybearthefavourofthebountiful,
Whyfeelthelancetoftheirnayandyea?
Takenotthesustenancefrommean,base
hands;
ThouartaJoseph;countthyselfnotcheap.
Andifthoubeanant,andlackestwings
Andfeathers,gonotuntoSolomon
Topleadthywant.Theroadisarduous;
Golightaccoutred,ifthouwouldstattain;
Unfetteredlivethydays,unfettereddie.
CountoertherosaryofTakethouless
Ofthisworldsgoods,andthoushaltricheswin
Inlivingfree.Sofarasintheelies
BecomethatStoneofthephilosophers,
Notthebasedross;abenefactorbe,
Notapetitionerforothersalms.
ThouknowestwellbuAliseminence,
Acceptfrommethisdraught,drawnfromhis
cup
TrampleKaiKausthronebeneaththyfoot;
Yieldupthylife,butnotthyselfrespect!
Thetaverndoorstandsopenofitself
Tothosewhosebowlsareempty,whose
needsnone.
HarunRashid,thatcaptainoftheFaith
WhosebladetoNicephorofByzanceproved
Adeadlypotion,untoMalikspoke
Uponthisfashion:Masterofmyfolk,
Thedustbeforewhosedoorilluminates
Mypeoplesbrow,melodiousnightingale
Carollingmidtherosesofgoodwords,
Iamdesiroustobetaughtbythee
Thesecretsofthosewords.Howlongartthou
ContentinYementoconcealtheglow
Ofthybrightrubies?Rise,andpitchthytent
Here,inthehomesteadoftheCaliphate.
Howfairthebrightnessoftheshiningday,
ThecaptivatingbeautyofIraq!
TheFountofKhizergushesfromitsvines,
ItsearthishealingforthewoundsofChrist.
IamtheProphetsservant,Maliksaid,
AndonlyhimIlove,withallmyheart.
Boundtohissaddlebow,Iwillnotquit
Hisholysanctuary.Bythekiss
OfYathribsdustIlive;mynighttome
IsfairerthatIraqspellucidday.
Lovesays,Obeymyordinance;signnot
Thearticlesofserviceeventokings.
Thouwouldstbecomemymaster,overlord
OfthisfreedslaveofGod,thatIshouldwait
Uponthydoortoteachthee,andnomore
Servethecommunity,beingboundtothee.
Beitthywishsomeportiontoattain
Ofgodlyknowledge,inmycirclesit
Andstudywiththerest.Indifference
Toworldlyneedsengendersfinedisdain,
Andholypridetakesmanysplendidshapes.
Godlyindifferenceistoputon
ThehueofGod,andfromthyrobetowash
Thedyeofotherness.Butthouhastlearned
Theroteofothers,takingthatforstore,
Analienrougetobeautifythyface;
Inthoseinsigniathoutakestpride,
UntilIknownotifthoubethyself
Orartanother.Fannedbyforeignblasts
Thysoilisfallensilent,andnomore
Fertileinfragrantrosesandsweetherbs.
Desolatenotthytilthwiththyownhand;
Makeitnotbegforrainfromalienclouds.
Secrets&Mysteries29

Thymindisprisonertoothersthoughts,
Anothersmusicthrobswithinthythroat,
Thyveryspeechisborrowed,andthyheart
Dilateswithaspirationsnotthineown.
Thesongthyringdovessing,theleafygowns
Thatdeckthycypresses,aremeanlybegged;
Thoutakestwinefromothersinabowl
Itselffromotherstakenuponloan.
Ifhe,whoseglancecontainsthemystery
Errednotthesightifheshouldcomeagain
Untohispeople,hewhosecandleflame
Knowsitsownmoth,whocandistinguish
well
Hisownfromstrangersstandingatthegate,
Ourmasterwoulddeclare,Thouartnotmine.
Woe,woe,alasforusuponthatday!
Howlongwiltthoucontentthyselftolive
Thelifeofstars,thatintherisenmorn
Losealltheirbeing?Thouhastbeendeceived
Bythefalsedawn,packedupthygoodsand
gone
Fromthebroadfirmament.Thouartthesun;
Lookonthyselfalittle;purchasenot
Someshredsofradiancefromothersstars!
Thouhastengravedthyheartwithalien
shapes,
Gambledthealchemyandgainedthedross;
Howlongthisglitteringwithothersshine?
Shakeoffheavyfumesforforeigngrapes!
Howlongthisflutteringabouttheflame
Ofpartylanterns?Ifthouhastaheart
Withinthybreast,withthineownardour
burn!
Belikethegaze,wrappedroundinthyown
veils;
Riseonthewing,buteverwheelbackhome;
Bubblelikebarthylittleprivacy
Againsttheintruder,ifthouwouldstbewise.
Nomantoindividuality
Everattained,savethatheknewhimself,
Nonationcametonationhood,except
Itspurnedtosuitthewhimofothermen.
ThenofourProphetsmessagebeapprised,
Andhavethoudonewithotherlordsbut
God.
Hebegatnot,neitherwasHebegotten
Loftierthanhueandbloodthypeopleare,
AndgreaterworthoneNegrooftheFaith
Thanareahundredredskininfidels.
AsingledropofwaterQanbartook
Forhisablutionsismorepreciousfar
ThanallthebloodofCaesar.Takenocount
Offather,mother,uncle;callthyself
AnoffspringofIslam,asSalmandid.
See,mybravecomrade,inthehoneyedcells
Thatconstitutethehiveasubtletruth;
Onedropfromaredtulipisdistilled,
Onefromabluenarcissus;noneproclaims,
Iamofjasmine,oflilyI!
Soourcommunitythebeehiveis
OfAbrahamwhosehoneyisourFaith.
Ifthouhastmadeofourcommunity
Lineageapartessential,thouhastrent
ThefabricoftrueBrotherhood;thyroots
Havestrucknotinoursoil,thywayof
thought
RunscountertoourMuslimrectitude.
IbniMasud,thatlanternbrightofLove,
BodyandspiritblazinginLovesflame,
Beingdistresseduponabrothersdeath
Dissolvedintears,amirrorliquefied,
Noranytermtohislamentingssaw
Butinhisgrief;asofherchildbereaved
Amotherweeps,souncontrollably
Hesobbed:Ah,scholarofhumility,
Alas,mycomradeintheschoolsofprayer!
Mytallyoungcypress,fellowtraveller
UponthepathwayoftheProphetslove!
Ogrief,thatheisnowdeniedthecourts
OfGodsApostle,whilemineeyesarebright
WithgazingfondlyontheProphetsface!
ThebondofTurkandArabisnotours,
Thelinkthatbindsusisnofetterschain
Ofancientlineage;ourheartsarebound
TothebelovedProphetofHijaz,
Andtoeachotherarewejoinedthroughhim.
Ourcommonthreadissimpleloyalty
Tohimalone;theraptureofhiswine
Aloneoureyesentrances;fromwhattime
Thisgladintoxicationwithhislove.
Racedinourblood,theoldissetablaze
30CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Innewcreation.Asthebloodthatflows
Withinapeoplesveins,soishislove
Solesubstanceofoursolidarity.
Lovedwellswithinthespirit,lineage
Thefleshinhabits;strongerfarthanrace
AndcommonancestryisLovesfirmcord.
Trueloverhoodmustoverleapthebounds
Oflineage,transcendArabia
AndPersia.Lovescommunityislike
ThelightofGod;whateverbeingwe
Possess,fromitsexistenceisderived.
NoneseekethwhenorwhereGodslight
wasborn;
Whatneedofwarpandwoof,Godsrobeto
spin?
Whosufferethhisfoottowearthechains
Ofclimeandancestry,isunaware
HowHebegatnot,neitherwasbegot.
AndthereisnotanyequaluntoHim
WhatistheMuslim,thathathclosedhiseyes
Againsttheworld?Thisheartattachedto
God,
Whatisitsnature?Onamountaintop
Atulipblowing,thathathneverseen
Thetrailingborderofthegatherersskirt;
Theflameiskindledinhisardentbreast
Fromthefirstbreathsofdawn;heavensuffers
not
Toloosehimfromherbosom,deeminghim
Astarsuspended;theuprisingsun
Toucheshislipswithdawnsfirstray,the
dew
Bathesfromhiswakingeyesthedustofsleep.
FirmmustthebondbetiedwithThereisnone
Ifthouwouldstanunequalledpeoplebe.
HewhoisEssenceOne,unpartneredis;
Hisservanttoonopartnercanendure;
AndwhosointheHighestoftheHigh
Believeth,cannotsufferanypeer
Inhishighjealousy.Wraptroundhisbreast
TherobeofDonotgrieve,borneonhisbrow
ThecrownYearethehighest,hetransports
Onhisbroadbacktheburdenofbothworlds,
Protectsbothlandandseainhisembrace;
Hisearattentivetothethundersroar,
Hisshouldersbaredtotakethelightnings
scourge,
Againstthefalseheisasword,ashield
Beforethetruth;evilandgoodareproved
Uponthetouchstoneofhisordinance
Andprohibition.Knottedinhiscoals
Ahundredconflagrationslurk;lifesself
Derivesperfectionfromhisessencepure.
Throughthebroadspacesofthisclamorous
world
Nomusicsoundsbuthistriumphantsong,
HisloudAllahuAkbar.Greatishe
Onjustice,clemency,benevolence;
Noblehistemper,eveninchastisement.
Atfestivalhislyredelightsthemind;
Steelmeltsbeforehisardourinthefight.
Whererosesblossom,withthenightingales
Hissweetsongmingles;inthewilderness
Nofalconismoreswiftupontheprey.
Hisheartuntranquilscornstotakerepose
Beneaththeheavens;inthespreadingskies
Hemakeshisdwellings,asonsoaringwing
Herisesfarbeyondyonancienthoop
Thatspansourfirmament,towhethisbeak
Againstthegleaningstars.
Thou,withthyfrail
Unspreadpinion,tentativetofly,
Artlikesomechrysalis,thatinthedust
Stillslunmberson;rejectingtheQuran,
Howmeanlythouhastsunk,basecaviller
ProtestingoftheturnofFortuneswheel!
Yet,lyingabjectasthescattereddew,
ThouhastwithinthygripalivingBook;
Howlingshallearthcontenttheeforthy
home?
Lifeupthybaggage;hurlittotheskies!
Theauthorsmemorialtohimwhoisa
mercytoalllivingbeings
Othou,whosemanifestingwastheyouth
Ofstrenuouslife,whosebrightepiphany
Toldtheinterpretationoflifesdreams,
Earthattainedhonour,havingheldthycourt,
Andheavenglory,havingkissedthyroof.
Thyfaceillumesthesixdirectionedworld;
Turk,Tajik,Araballthyservantsare.
Whateverthingshavebeing,findinthee
Secrets&Mysteries31

Trueexaltation,andthypoverty
Istheirabundantriches.Inthisworld
Thoulitstthelampoflife,asthoudidstteach
Godsservitorsagodlymastery.
Withoutthee,whatsoeverformindwelt
Thishabitatofwaterandofclay
Wasputtoshameinutterbankruptcy;
Till,whenthybreathdrewfirefromthecold
dust
AndAdammadeofearthsdeadparticles,
Eachatomcaughttheskirtsofsunandmoon,
Suddenlyconsciousofitsinwardstrength.
Sincefirstmygazealightedonthyface
Dearerthanfatheranddearmotherthou
Artgrowntome.Thylovehathlitaflame
Withinmyheart;ah,letitworkatease.
Forallmyspiritisconsumedinme,
Andmysolechattelisareedlikesigh,
Thelanternflickeringinmyruinedhouse.
Itisnotpossiblenottodeclare
Thishiddengrief;itisnotpossible
Toveilthewineinthetranslucentcup.
ButnowtheMuslimisestrangedanew
UntotheProphetssecret;nowoncemore
Godssanctuaryisanidolsshrine;
ManatandLat,HubalandUzzaeach
Carriesanidoltohisbosomclasped;
OurshaykhnoBrahmanissoinfidel,
SeekinghisSomnathstandswithinhishead.
Arabiadeserted,heisgone
Withallhisbeingsbaggage,slumberous
TodrowseinPersiaswinevault.Persias
sleet
Hassethislimbsashiver;histhinwine
Runecolderthanhistears.Astimorous
Ofdeathasanyinfidel,hisbreast
Ishollow,emptyofalivingheart.
Iborehimlifelessfromthedoctorshands
AndbroughthimtotheProphetspresence;
dead
Hewas;ItoldhimoftheFountofLife,
Ispokewithhimuponamystery
OtheQuran,ataleoftheBeloved
OfNajd;Ibroughttohimaperfumesweet
PressedfromtherosesofArabia.
TheCandleofmymusiclitthethrong;
Itaughtthepeoplelifesenigma;still
Hecriedagainstme,TheseareEuropes
spells
Heweavestobinduswith,thepsaltery
OfEuropethathestrikesintoourears.
Othou,thattoBusirigavestaCloak
AndtomyfingersyieldedSalmaslute,
Grantnowtohim,whosethoughtsareso
astray
Thathecannomorerecognizehisown,
Perceptionofthetruth,andjoytherein.
Belusterlessthemirrorofmyheart,
OrbemywordsbyaughtbuttheQuran
Informed,Othouwhosesplendouristhe
dawn
Ofeveryageandtime,whosevisionsees
Allthatisinmensbreasts,rendnowtheveil
Ofmythoughtsshame;sweepcleanthe
avenue
Ofmyoffendingthorns;chokeinmybreast
Thenarrowbreathoflife;thypeopleguard
Againstthemischiefofmywickedness;
Nursenottoverduremyuntimelyseed,
Grantmenoportionofspringsfecund
showers,
Witherthevintageinmyswellinggrapes
Andscatterpoisoninmysparklingwine;
DisgracemeontheDayofReckoning,
Tooabjecttoembracethyholyfeet.
ButifIeverthreadedonmychain
ThepearloftheQuranssweetmysteries,
ItotheMuslimsIhavespokentrue,
Othouwhosebountyraisestheobscure
Untosignificance,oneprayerfromthee
Isampleguerdonformywordsdesert;
PleadthoutoGodmycause,andletmylove
Belockedintheembraceofgodlydeeds.
Thouhastaccordedmeacontritesoul,
Apartofholylearning;establishme
Morefirminaction,andmyAprilshower
Converttopearlsofgreatandglitteringprice.
SincefirstIcastthebaggageofmysoul
Inthisworldscaravanserai,onemore
DesireIevernourished,likemyheart
Dwellingwithinmybreast,mineintimate
Fromlifesdawn;sincefirstIlearnedthy
name
Frommysireslips,theflameofthatdesire
32CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

Kindledandglowedinme.Myrollofdays
Asheavenlengthens,inlifeslottery
Markingmeloser,everlustiergrows
Theyouthofmydesire;thisancientwine
Gainsgreaterbodywiththepassingyears.
Thisyearningisgembeneathmydust,
Asinglestarilluminingmynight.
AwhilewithrosychecksdidIconsort,
Playedlovewithtwistedtresses,tastedwines
Withlustrousbrows,thelampofgodlypeace
Rudelyextinguished;lightningsdancedabout
Myharvest;myheartsstoreofmerchandise
Byhighwaymenwasplundered.Yetthis
draught
Wasspillednotfromthegobletofmysoul,
Thisgoldrefinednotscatteredfrommyskirt.
Myreasondiabolicalresolved
ToweartheMagiangirdle;itsimpress
Stampedoermyspiritsfurrows.Manyyears
Iwasdoubtsprisoner,inseparable
Frommytooaridbrain.Ihadnotread
Oneletteroftrueknowledge,andabode
Stillinphilosophysconjectureland;
Mydarknesswasastrangertothelight
OfGod,myduskknewnottheglowofdawn.
Andyetthisyearningslumberedinmyheart,
Closeshroudedasthepearlwithintheshell;
Butlastlyfromthegobletofmineeye
Itslowlytrickled,andwithinmymind
Createdmelodies.Andnowmysoul
Isemptiedofallmemoriesbutthee;
Iwillbeboldtospeakofmydesire,
Ifthouwiltgivemeleave.Mylifehathbeen
Unfurnishedingoodworks,andthereforeI
Mightnotaspiretoworthinessofthis,
WhichtorevealIamtoomuchashamed;
Yetthycompassionmakethmemorebold.
Thehoneyofthymercycomforteth
Thewholeroundworld;andthismyyearning
is,
ThatIbegrantedinHijaztodie!
AMuslim,strangertoallelsebutGod
Howlongshallhetheheathengirdlewear
Andkeepthetemple?Othebittershame
If,whenhisearthlydaysareatanend,
Apaganshrinereceiveshismortalbones.
Iffromthydoormyscatteredpartsarise,
Woetothisday,thatmorrowhowsublime!
Ohappycitythatthydwellingwas,
Thriceblessedearthwhereinthoudost
repose!
Myfriendsabode,thecityofmyking
Truepatriotism,theloverscreed.
Givetomystaranevenwakefuleye,
Andintheshadowofthewallaplace
Toslumber,thatmyspiritsquicksilver
Bestilled;thatImaysayuntotheskies,
Beholdme,tranquil;yewholookedupon
Myfirstbeginning,witnessnowmyclose.
[TranslatedbyA.J.Arberry]