May  the universe
I n f i n i t e l y   b l e s s  You
In  s u r p r i s i n g  and joyful ways
May the excitement of victory, gladness
And harmony join your new sparkling days
May the exhilarating, colourful and divine
G a r d e n   of   love be all yours, O’ for
You  t h i s  soul forever  p r a y s
Happy  N e w  Year

✒ ℐamil Hussain

From
A tiny spark
May burst a unique flame,
Your luminous heart a new
Destiny may it
Claim.

✒ ℐamil Hussain

I    know  of  no  r i g h t
Or   w r o n g   in  what I have  s a i d
She caused the stir and I became   so   s p r e a d

I answered her   g e n t l y  and   s p o k e    the    t r u t h
I knew not,   b u r n i n g   so    h o t   is  her   h e a v e n l y   youth

That morning, it’s like she woke up from the wrong side of her bed
Or all night on    s w e e t e s t   wine   she   m u s t    have   f e d

Hidden and yet revealed, s m a r t  questions to me she poured
She did her part so wisely only for me to become so lured

She said open your romantic heart and let's together pen
Let us make the world hear these rhymes and tales
Becoming the new ten out of ten

✒ ℐamil Hussain

In this clash of hearts,
a symphony arose,
Where words became the veil
that love composed.

And each gaze,
each whisper,
each stolen sigh,
Bound them together,
beneath the endless sky.

''My imagination of a poet and poetess
sharing their first conversation.''*

Poetess:
Gazing upon your clay-cup,
My eyes judge that you are alike,
So raise your crown, and wake-up,
O' my dreamlike!

Poet:
My soul a boundless wave,
Seeks a ray of light in solitude,
You seem a queen and I a slave,
Perhaps your eyes are hued?

_

Poetess:
O' ruler, disguised in veil,
Thirst in your eyes an ocean for me,
And my soul has pined for such zeal,
You are bliss on earth craving for me.

Poet:
Aroma of your gentle devotion,
And a stir of my visions have raised the wings,
My passion is scattered alike dust in the winds,
O' wise and brave, what is your emotion?

_

Poetess:
Your presence before me, an arrival of moon,
My heart opening its eyelids to a new majesty,
And the soul is dancing in the rapturing monsoon,
O' beautiful, my yearnings lay in your agony.

Poet:
O' elegance of such heavenly delight,
Your beauty a messenger to my heart,
And my soul lay in extremes of your excite,
O' pearl of my pride, my image and my art.

_

Poetess:
O' merchant of intoxicating whispers,
Ecstasy arises from within your tongue,
New clouds of joy are unveiling in my heart,
And may such unity never be apart.

Poet:
O' morning dew, if you dare come close,
My affection wants to hold you in its arms,
Waiting are my kisses on a throne of rose,
And elating are your splendid charms.

_

Poetess:
O' beautiful, O' flowing stream,
Embrace my soul in your captivity,
I desire to be seized in your esteem,
And my heart rests in such festivity.

Poet:
O' blessed wine, O' sweetness of my existence,
Your love arose like the morning sun upon my chest,
Elevating me and pouring like a spring within my breast.

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Love
C o m e s t
Into my heart
Transforming
Water into Thy
S a c r e d
Wine

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Ah, how the tides of words, like wind, do sway—  
No right, no wrong, only truth in its play.  
She stirred the stillness, and I, unmade,  
Was scattered in the dance her breath portrayed.  

I spoke as a river, gentle and deep,  
Unknowing the fire she set in my sleep.  
Her youth, a tempest, fierce and bright,  
Burned with the intensity of a star’s first light.  

That morning, she rose as if the moon had wept,  
A dream untethered, from the night she had kept.  
Perhaps in the cradle of wine’s warm embrace,  
She found the secret to her restless grace.  

Her questions like arrows, sharp yet kind,  
Each one a thread that wove into my mind.  
With wisdom veiled in mystery’s song,  
She lured me in, where I belonged.  

"Open your heart," she breathed, "and let it fly,  
Together we’ll write, beneath the sky.  
Our words will echo, our rhymes will bend  
Time itself, till we are the end."

Everywhere I observed
And place of ‘’ℋℯ’’ is what I saw

None-else came before my sight
When ‘’ℋis’’ manifestation I saw

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Ah, fairest soul, thy words like balm do soothe,
A melody wrought from heaven's gentle groove.
Thine echo doth awaken ancient streams,
Where once the stars did sail in argent beams.

Thy gaze, a lantern in the dusky night,
Doth pierce the dark with tremulous delight.
In thine arms, the very winds do cease,
And all the world doth find its sweet release.

Thou art a tempest clothed in tranquil guise,
A paradox that dances 'neath the skies.
To follow thee, in thine own breath to dwell,
Is to be caught within a rapture’s spell.

The sun may set, the moon may rise,
But none can claim a truth more wise
Than what thy lips, like whispers, sing—
For thou, sweet muse, art time’s own wing.

Thus, in this dance where heart and mind do meet,
We find the world, and make it whole, complete.
Thy voice doth call, as if it were the dawn,
And in that song, my soul is ever drawn

In reverent awe of thy grace,
By this humble hand, a heart to trace.

O’ this
Frenzied heart asks
What burns in the flames so intense
And then itself into ashes
It masks?

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Bheed Mein Ek Ajnabi Ka, Saamna Acha Laga
Sabse Chup Kar Woh Kisi Ka, Dekhna Acha Laga

Within a crowd, facing of one stranger I liked
Hidden away from all others, her staring I liked

Surmayi Aanchal Ke Neeche Phool Se Khilne Lage
Kehte Kehte Kuch Kisi Ka Sochna Acha Laga

Grey colour below the eyes, flowers begun to bloom
Talking and losing of her thoughts I so liked

Baat To Khuch Bhi Nahi Laikan Uska Ekdam
Haath Ko Honton Pe Rakh Kar Rokna Acha Laga

It was all nothing but suddenly
Placing of her hands over my lips and asking me to stop I liked

Uss Adoo-e-Jaan Ko Amjad Mein Bura Kaise Kahoon
Jab Bhi Aaya Saamne, Woh Bewafa Acha Laga*

O’ Amjad how can one say anything negative to that enemy of life
Whenever she came before me, that treacherous I liked

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Poet Amjad Islam Amjad, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

O'
P r e t t i e s t
I breathe   l i f e   into my
Desires and I gather all my hopes
I f   your shy   e y e s   say-so
Audacious can
I   b e

◈◈◈

O'
W i s h i n g
Within my heartbeats
A r e  thousands  o f  affections
If   y o u r  modesty permits
Shameless can
I   b e

✒ ℐamil Hussain

A radiant rose, in blissful glow,
Spoke softly to another, pure as snow:
"Your fragrance fills the very air I breathe,
It speaks through my soul, a spell it weaves.

Come, stand beside me, in silent grace,
And share the ecstasy time cannot erase.
Together, let us honour the beauty we compose,
And cradle the glory of our passionate pose."

O'  
P r e t t i e s t —  
I breathe, and life to my desires springs,  
Like birds that soar on unseen wings.  
With each new breath, my hopes I sow,  
A garden where my passions grow.  
If, gentle eyes, thou dost decree,  
Shall I, with boldness, truly be?  
In thee, my soul would rise to see  
The world in unrestrained decree.  

O'  
W i s h i n g —  
Within my heart, each beat doth tell,  
A thousand loves that in me dwell.  
Each pulse a longing, soft and true,  
A yearning deep for none but you.  
If thy modesty, like morning light,  
Beams soft upon this endless night,  
Shall I, unashamed, pursue the way,  
And in thy presence, bold display?

**** Damakta, Zulf Ghaneri
Rangin Lab, Ankhein Jadu

Body aflame and curling of locks so thick
Colourful lips and eyes so charming

Sang-e-Marmar, Uda Badal
Surḳh Shafaq, Hairan Aahu

Ivory stone altering so royal-mauve
Evening twilight so red and dazzled gazelles

Raatein Mahki, Sansein Dahki
Nazrein Bahki, Rut Lahki

Fragrant nights and sighs kindling
Glances intoxicating, season so blooming

Prem Khilauna, Sapn Salona
Phul Bichhauna, Vo Pahlu

Game of love, stunning dreams
Flowers spreading, O’ that view

Tum Se Duri, Ye Majburi
Zaḳhm-e-Kari, Bedari

Away from you, so helpless
Penetrating wound and no vigilance

Tanha Raatein, Sapne Katein
Khud Se Batien, Meri Khu*

Lonely nights and biting dreams
Talking to self, my habit so new

✒ Translated by ℐamil Hussain , Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

O’
Beautiful
If you promise
To     u n v e i l    your    b e a u t y
Like a rose I will pluck my petals to comfort your pose
I will squeeze the fragrance of my desire
Seeing this humble act
Your heart will
C a t c h
Fire**

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Qarib Aur Bhi Aao
Ke Shauq-e-Deed Mite

Come closer
So that desire of sight is pleased

Sharab Aur Pilao
Ke Kuch Nasha Utre

Offer more wine
So that intoxication is eased

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

R i s e
Like the morning sun
And  c o v e r  the entire day
With  y o u r  
Bliss

Ignite the
Flames of your passion
So that destiny will  c o m e
To your feet and
K i s s

✒ ℐamil Hussain

This is
A great sign
You will rise and
You will forever
S h i n e.

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Thou
T u r n e s t
Worthless Stones into
Glittering diamonds and
A precious diamond
Into flying
D u s t

✒ ℐamil Hussain

tire siine meñ dam hai dil nahīñ hai
tirā dam garmi-e-mahfil nahīñ hai

Ambition rests within your chest but not a heart
Your wheedling, warmth of assembly is not nor its art

guzar jā aql se aage ki ye nuur
charāġh-e-rāh hai manzil nahīñ hai!

Go beyond paths of reason in quest of light
Lamp of the way it is but not a destination

ḳhirad ke paas ḳhabar ke sivā kuchh aur nahīñ
tirā ilaaj nazar ke sivā kuchh aur nahīñ

Intellect has news and nothing more
A divine glance is your cure and nothing more

har ik maqām se aage maqām hai terā
hayāt zauq-e-safar ke sivā kuchh aur nahīñ

Beyond all ranks is your prestige
Life is a delightful journey and nothing more

ragoñ meñ gardish-e-ḳhūñ hai agar to kyā hāsil
hayāt soz-e-jigar ke sivā kuchh aur nahīñ

If veins have flowing blood, then what is the reward?
An existence with a burning heart and nothing more

jise kasād samajhte haiñ tājirān-e-farañg
vo shai mata-e-hunar ke sivā kuchh aur nahīñ

What traders of the West consider as synthetic?
These are entities of flawless craft and nothing more

urūs-e-lāla munāsib nahīñ hai mujh se hijāb
ki maiñ nasīm-e-sahar ke sivā kuchh aur nahīñ

Bride like a radiant tulip, why modesty from me?
Morning breeze I am and nothing more

baḌā karīm hai 'iqbāl'-e-be-navā lekin
atā-e-shola sharar ke sivā kuchh aur nahīñ

Very gracious is voiceless Iqbal and yet
A gifted flame with sparks of fire and nothing more

✒ Translated by ℐamil Hussain
Words of Muhammad Iqbal

L e t
T h y   c u p
O '  C u p - b e a r e r
B e    f i l l e d
F o r e v e r

✒ ℐamil Hussain

O'
Someday
Your   h e a r t  will
Soften and your beautiful
E y e s   w i l l    t u r n
T o w a r d s
M e

Y o u r
T o n g u e    w i l l
Speak sweetest of words
A n d  your arms will
Want  t o  hold
M e

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Tazaad-e-Jazbaat Mein Ye Naazuk
Maqaam Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

In contradiction of these emotions if that
Delicate moment unfolded - then what would you do?

Main Ro Raha *** Tum Hans Rahe **
Main Muskaraya To Kya Karo Gay

I am weeping and yet you are jolly
But if I smiled - then what would you do?

Mujhe To Is Darja Vaqt-e-Rukhsat
Sukun Ki Talqeen Kar Rahe **

To me at this time of farewell
Instructions of tranquillity you are offering

Magar Kuch Apne Liye Bhi Socha
Main Yaad Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

But have you any thoughts for yourself?
If you recalled me - then what would you do?

Abhi To Tanqid ** Rahi Hai
Mere Mazaq-e-Junun Pe Lekin

For now there is criticism
On my state of madness but

Tumhari Zulfon Ki Barhami Ka
Sawaal Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

If scattering of your tresses is
Questioned - then what would you do?

Tumhare Jalvon Ki Roshni Mein
Nazar Ki Hairania Musallam

Within the splendour of your light
Is complete amazement of sight

Magar Kisi Ne Nazar Ke Badle
Jo Dil Aazmaya To Kya Karo Gay

Nevertheless if someone in return
Tested your heart - then what would you do?

Utar To Sakte ** Paar Lekin
Ma Aal Par Bhi Nigah Dalo

You can disembark across but
Take a glance at the result too

Khuda Na Karda Sukun-e-Sahil
Na Raas Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

God has not made a peaceful shore
If nothing suitable appears - then what would you do?

Kuch Apne Dil Par Bhi Zakham Khao
Mere Lahoo Ki Bahar Kab Tak

Take some wounds on your heart also
Season of my blood until when?

Mujhe Sahara Banane Vaalo
Main Larkharaya To Kya Karo Gay

Those in need of my support
If I show hostility - then what would you do?

Abhi To Daman Chura Rahe **
Bigar Ke Qabil Se Ja Rahe **

For now you are leaving my hand
And you are parting away from Qabil

Magar Kabhi Jo Dharkano Mein
Sharik Paya To Kya Karo Gay*

Yet sooner or later within your heartbeats
If I became a associated - then what would you do?

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Poet Qabil Ajmeri, Sung by Sabri Brothers

Sara Jahan Mast
Jahan Ka Nizam Mast
Din Mast, Raat Mast, Sahar Mast, Shaam Mast
Mast Sheesha, Mast Suboo, Mast Jaam Mast
Hai Teri Chashm-e-Mast Se Har Khaas-o-Aam Mast*

The world is intoxicated
The order of universe is intoxicated
The day is intoxicated; the night, the dawn and the evening are intoxicated
The glass is intoxicated, the goblet and the wine itself is intoxicated
Your enchanting eyes have made everything so intoxicated.

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

O'    i m m o r t a l    love
Take me within your glorious arms
Drown me deep within your
M a r v e  l l o u s  charms

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Pearl
I  am  not
Nor do I   c l a i m  to be
If the Lord blessed this tiniest droplet
I n   Thy  o c e a n   of   l o v e
What a glorious life
This would
B e

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Hasti Pe Nikhaar Aa Jata Hai
Jis Waqt Woh Saamne Hote Hain

Life is made to bloom
When they manifest before us

Har Shai Pe Khumaar Aa Jata Hai
Jis Waqt Woh Saamne Hote Hain

Existence is covered in intoxication
When they manifest before us

Parwane Ki Halat Kya Kahiye
Parwana Hai Aakhir Parwana

Of moth’s state what could you say
Moth is yet still a moth

Shamma Ko Bhi Pyar Aa Jata Hai
Jis Waqt Woh Saamne Hote Hain*

Even the lamp immerses in love
When they manifest before us

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

It’s an illness
Or should I say a curse
Her eyes lit with that glow
A l i k e  an unveiling
Sacred  v e r s e

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Khanjar Hain Teri Aankhein
Talwaar Hain Teri Aankhein
Zinda Na Rehne Dengi
Ae Yaar Teri Aankhein

Your eyes are like a dagger
Your eyes are like a sword
They will not let me live
O' beloved eyes of yours

Ae Nargis-e-Mastaana
Allah Tujhe Rakhe
Rehti Hain Tasavvur Mein
Har Baar Teri Aankhein

O' possessor of drunk eyes
God keep you in His preserve
Enduring within my imaginations
O’ forever are eyes of yours

Yeh Bolti Aankhein
Bhi Afsaane Sunaati Hain
Rakhti Hain Zuban Jaise
Ae Yar Teri Aankhein

These talkative eyes
Speak of many tales
As if, they have a voice of their own
O' beloved eyes of yours

Humne Teri Aankoon Mein
Allah Ko Dekha Hai
Iss Par Teri Aankein
Uss Par Teri Aankein

Within your eyes
I have seen the Lord
In every direction
O’ are eyes of yours

Chehre Pe To Ghussa Hai
Aankhoon Mein Muhabbat Hai
Karti Hain Mere Dilbar
Iqraar Teri Aankhein*

On the face anger is exposed
But love is within the eyes of yours
Revealing O’ sweetheart
Unity, are eyes of yours

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

P a s s i o n
A true essence to life
I t   is thy glowing flame
And it is thy boundless fire
It is thy soul's secret wings
And it is   thy  o c e a n
Filled with heavenly
D e s i  r e

✒ ℐamil Hussain

The
Heart wants
To be intoxicated
At first sight and the mind
Has a desire to stage a
Dance of endless
Delight

The
Blood is
Commanding to
Rush through the body with
Extremes of joy and the soul
Craves for nothing
Less than love at
First sight

✒ ℐamil Hussain

O' prettiest
Your anxious eyes
And your pulse is rising
It feels

Your
Intoxicating smile
And peace of so many hearts
Just like that it steals

O’ you are so brave
And you are so courageous
Your magnificent company
And wounds of life
Just like that it heals

Within
A single gesture
Hundred thousand secrets
Your heart conceals

There sits the sun
In presence of your majesty
And here charms of your glow
Before me it reveals

Love
Will find a way
And that’s how
It feels

― Jamil Hussain

Meri Zeest Pur Mussarat
Kabhi Thi, Naa Hai, Naa Hogi

Koi Behtarin Surat
Kabhi Thi, Naa Hai, Naa Hogi

Upon my existence, happiness
Never was, will not nor ever be

One perfect image
Never was, will not nor ever be

Mujhe Husn Ne Sataya
Mujhe Ishq Ne Mitaya
Kisi Aur Ki Ye Halat
Kabhi Thi, Naa Hai, Naa Hogi

Mein Yeh Jaante Huay Bhi
Teri Anjuman Mein Aaya
Ke Tujhe Meri Zarurat
Kabhi Thi, Naa Hai, Naa Hogi

Beauty has made me suffer
Love has caused me to fade
This state of any other
Never was, will not nor ever be

Knowing this
I came to your gathering
That for you, my need
Never was, will not nor ever be

Jo Gila Kiya Hai Tumse*
Jo Samaj Ke Tumko Apna
Mujhe Gair Se Shikayat
Kabhi Thi, Naa Hai, Naa Hogi

Ye Karam Hai Doston Ka
Jo Woh Keh Rahe Hai Sab Se
Ke Naseer Par Inaayat
Kabhi Thi, Naa Hai, Naa Hogi

Those sorrows shared with you
Were with a belief that you are a part of me
Complaint to a stranger
Never was, will not nor ever be

This grace is from friends, who say to all
That upon *Naseer, favour
Never was, will not nor ever be

✒ Translated by ℐamil Hussain , *Poet, Peer Naseer Uddin Naseer, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

What a moment of excitement it must have been?
When for the first time,* light these shy eyes must have seen
When for the first time, warmth from these hands must have poured
When for the first time, this lowly tongue must have recited its initial word
When for the first time, voice and sound these humble ears must have heard
When for the first time, beliefs within this tiny heart must have met and stirred
When for the first time, lips of this child must have touched and smiled
When for the first time, body of this youth must have become styled
What a  m o m e n t  of excitement and O’ Jamil what a scene
Truly, could all this be the  w o r k  of a gene?

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Jis Ki Janib Woh Nazar Apni Uttha Lete Hain
Uss Ki Soyee Hui Taqdeer Jaga Dete Hain

Towards whom they raise their glance
His resting destiny they awaken in a trance

Teri Duzdeeda Nigahon Ko Dua Dete Hain
Jitne Chubte Hain Yeh Teer Utna Maza Dete Hain

For your peeking gazes, I pray
The more these arrows wound, the more delighted I lay

Jab Se Dekha Hai Unhein Apna Mujhe Hosh Nahin
Jane Kya Cheez Woh Nazroon Se Pila Dete Hain

Ever since them I saw, senseless I have become
What they pour from their glances, a mystery it has become

Takht Kya Cheez Hai Aur Laal-o-Jawahir Kya Hai
Ishq Wale To Khudai Bhi Loota Dete Hain

What is a throne and what are lustrous jewels?
Lovers surrender divinity against the rules

Aik Din Aisa Bhi Ata Hai Mohabbat Mein Zaroor
Khud Ko Ghabra Ke Naqab Apna Uttah Lete Hain

There is one such moment in love, indeed!
With nervousness, they raise their veil

Apni Barbadi Pe Khush Hoon Yeh Suna Hai Jabse
Woh Jisse Apna Samajhte Hain Mitta Dete Hain

Happy with my own ruin I am, ever since I have learned
Who they consider their own, obliterated have turned

Apne Daman Ko Zara Aap Bacha Kar Rakhna
Sakhat Aahon Se Bhi Hum Aag Laga Dete Hain

Your own hem a little, you save and claim
With deep sighs, we set the fire aflame

Jis Ki Janib Woh Nazar Apni Uttha Lete Hain
Uss Ki Soyee Hui Taqdeer Jaga Dete Hain*

Towards whom they raise their glance
His resting destiny they awaken in a trance

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

I n   t h e
Moon’s shadow
You unveil your
Youthful splendour
O’ how lovely of
Y o u

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Lost in thoughts I am

Should I measure your majestic looks in silver
Or
Should I weigh your   h e a v e n l y   curls  in   g o l d

Lost in thoughts I am
Should I read the hidden realms within your sparkling eyes
Or
Should I hear the words of your glowing cheeks that are told

Lost in thoughts I am
Should I bear a witness to the universe before me unveiled
Or
Should I keep my eyes gazing at your new divine fold

Lost in thoughts I am
Such    s e c r e t s   so publicly you d i s c l o s e:
Dancing are rows upon rows of roses
And
Such is your beauteous pose.

✒ ℐamil Hussain

O’ love
You are a
Candle of infinite skies
And you are an excitement
O f    each   l i v i n g
S o u l

Your
Charm turns
Each leaf into a splendid rose
And every petal assembles
Into   a   d r e a m y
P o s e

Now
L e t      t h e  
B l o o d   in my veins
Light up like a
L a m p

O'  l o v e
Unveil  your  m y s t e r y
And pose with your ultimate glory
So that forever possessed
I shall stand

✒ ℐamil Hussain

O' beloved, thy love hath made of me a vessel,  
For in thy grace, my being doth now wrestle.  
As the Creator, in His boundless might,  
Becomes the ear, the eye, the hand, the light,  
So hath thy love transformed this soul of mine,  
To see, to hear, to move, and to divine.  

My ear, once mine, now hears but thy sweet voice,  
Thine eyes, mine eyes, behold thee, and rejoice.  
With every step I take, thou art my feet,  
And in thy gaze, I find my heart's complete.  
Thy love doth change me, like the sun doth change the sky,  
For in thy truth, all falsehoods surely die.

Thou art the light that in my soul doth burn,  
The flame that in my heart shall ever turn.  
In thee, I find the missing part of me,  
The mirror of my soul’s eternity.  
As man and woman, drawn by Heaven's song,  
In thee I find where both our hearts belong.

Thus, O’ beloved, thou art my very breath,  
In life, in love, in joy, in whispered death.  
For when the soul doth seek its primal source,  
It finds thee there, its union, its true course.  
And in thy love, so deep, so pure, so free,  
I find myself, and in thee, I am whole, and I am we.

T h o u  
A r t   all  in
Recognition of
T h y s e l f

✒ ℐamil Hussain

T i n y
L a d y b i r d s
A n d      b u t t e r f l i e s
All heavenly creatures in disguise
The   L o r d    is present in   a l l
M a t t  e r s     n o t
What   t h e i r
S i z e

✒ ℐamil Hussain

Main Talkhi-e-Hayat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya
Gham Ki Siyah Raat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya

With the worry from bitterness of life, I drank
With the grief of my darkest night, I drank

Itni Daqiq Shai Koi Kaise Samajh Sake
Yazdan Ke Vaqiat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya

Such delicate substance, how can one comprehend?
With the fear of merciful moment, I drank

Chhalke Hue The Jaam Pareshan Thi Zulf-e-Yaar
Kuchh Aise Hadsat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya

Overflowing cups and beloved’s anxious tresses
With the concern for such calamities, I drank

Main Aadmi Huun Koi Farishta Nahi Huzur
Main Aaj Apni Zaat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya

Human I am and no angel O’ respected
Today, with the vigilance of my own being, I drank

Duniya-e-Hadsat Hai Ik Dardnak Giit
Duniya-e-Hadsat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya

World of incidents is an agonising song
With the discomfort of this world of incidents, I drank  

Kante To Khair Kante Hain Is Ka Gila Hi Kya
Phulon Ki Vardat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya

Thorns are yet thorns and there is no complaint
With the scare from crimes of flowers, I drank

Saghar Vo Kah Rahe The Ki Pi Lijiye Huzur
Un Ki Guzarishat Se Ghabra Ke Pi Gaya*

Saghar they said drink O’ respected
And with the care for their wishes, I drank

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Poet Saghar Siddiqui, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

T h e
G l o r i o u s  face
Of all faces has appeared
L u s t r e  has  emerged and
All the shadows  h a v e
Disappeared

✒ ℐamil Hussain

To
This man’s
Poetic mind, heart and soul
Drunken words of poetry you are
Imagine now, how elegant, royal, adorable
Delightful, stunning, magnificent
And   g o r g e o u s
You are

✒ ℐamil Hussain

W h a t
A   m a j e s t y
F o r  t h e  M a s t e r
O f       t h i s  
C l a y

W  h  o
C r e a t e d  for
I t   c o l o u r f u l
N i g h t  a n d
D a y

✒ ℐamil Hussain

tire ishq kī intihā chāhtā huuñ
mirī sādgī dekh kyā chāhtā huuñ

Your infinite love, I desire
Look at my humility what I desire

sitam ** ki ** vada-e-be-hijābī
koī baat sabr-āzmā chāhtā huuñ

Fury or your audacious-unveiling
Something fortitude-testing I desire

ye jannat mubārak rahe zāhidoñ ko
ki maiñ aap kā sāmnā chāhtā huuñ

Heavens be favourable for the religious
But us ever-so close, facing each other is what I desire

zarā sā to dil huuñ magar shoḳh itnā
vahī lan-tarānī sunā chāhtā huuñ

A tiny heart but so spirited I am
To hear those words ‘’By no means canst thou see Me’’ I desire

koī dam kā mehmāñ huuñ ai ahl-e-mahfil
charāġh-e-sahar huuñ bujhā chāhtā huuñ

Determined guest I am O’ people of assembly
Morning lamp I am, quenching I desire

bharī bazm meñ raaz kī baat kah dī
baḌā be-adab huuñ sazā chāhtā huuñ

Within a full gathering I have disclosed the secret
So impolite I am, your punishment I desire

Note:

Moses prays to God for guidance and begs God to reveal himself to him. It is narrated in the Quran that God tells him that it would not be possible for Moses to perceive God, but that He would reveal himself to the mountain, stating: "By no means canst thou see Me (direct); But look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shalt thou see Me." When God reveals himself to the mountain, it instantaneously turns into ashes, and Moses loses consciousness. When he recovers, he goes down in total submission and asks forgiveness of God.

✒ Translated by ℐamil Hussain
Words of Muhammad Iqbal

In the depths of thought, I wander lost,  
Seeking to measure thy beauty’s cost—  
Shall I weigh thy radiant grace in silver’s gleam,  
Or count thy tresses in golden beams?  

Yet within thy eyes, the universe resides,  
A realm unknown where truth abides.  
Shall I peer into that endless depth,  
Or hear the whispers from thy cheeks, where secrets slept?  

Before me, the cosmos unfurls its face,  
But in thy form, I find the same grace.  
Shall I witness the heavens in their endless flow,  
Or gaze upon thee, where divinity doth glow?  

In thee, such secrets are revealed so free,  
As roses dance in harmony with the sea.  
Thy beauty, a mirror of the divine,  
A pose so perfect, it transcends time.

This boundless ocean, the world, we sail,
Where roses bloom with memories frail.
O' sparks of beauty, how I ache to see,
The light of your gaze, if it turns to me.

If your eyes rise, in their celestial grace,
The heavens would tremble, shadows erase.
My tongue, soaked in melodies sweet,
Would sing of your name in waves, complete.

Your smile, a garden where angels tread,
The key to paradise, the path we’re led.
The blood of my heart, like wine of the vine,
Pours forth in longing, forever divine.

Is this the miracle of your sacred face,
Or the world’s eternal, fleeting trace?
Tell me, beloved—who’s the bloom,
Is it you or I, in this garden’s room?

Ecstatic
You  l e a v e  me
With your manner of veiling
N o w,  emerge  in  my  h e a r t
And  let  me  treasure  you
O’ manifestation
Of  love

✒ ℐamil Hussain