SECRETSOFTHESELF

INTRODUCTORYNOTE
BYIQBAL That experience should take place in finite centres and should wear the form of finite thisness is in the end inexplicable. These are the words of Prof. Bradley. But starting with these inexplicable centres of experience, he endsinaunitywhichhecallsAbsoluteandin whichthefinitecentreslosetheirfinitenessand distinctness. According to him, therefore, the finitecentreisonlyanappearance.Thetestof reality, in his opinion is allinclusiveness; and sinceallfinitenessisinfectedwithrelativity,it followsthatthelatterisamereillusion.Tomy mind, this inexplicable finite centre of experience is the fundamental fact of the universe.Alllifeisindividual;thereisnosuch thing as universal life. God himself is an individual:Heis the most uniqueindividual.1 The universe, as Dr. McTaggart says, is an association of individuals; but we must add that the orderliness and adjustment which we find in this association is not eternally achievedandcompleteinitself.Itistheresult of instinctive or conscious effort. We are graduallytravellingfromchaostocosmosand are helpers in this achievement. Nor are the members of the association fixed; new membersareevercomingtobirthtocooperate in the great task. Thus the universe is not a completed act: it is still in the course of formation. There can be no complete truth
ThisviewwasheldbytheorthodoxImamAhmad ibnHanbalinitsextreme(anthropomorphic)form.
1

abouttheuniverse,fortheuniversehasnotyet becomewhole.Theprocessofcreationisstill going on, and man too takes his share in it, inasmuch as he helps to bring order into at least a portion of the chaos. The Quran indicates the possibility of other creators than God.(Quran,ch.23.v.14:BlessedisGod,the bestofthosewhocreate.) Obviously this view of man and the universe is opposed to that of the English NeoHegelians as well as to all forms of pantheisticSufismwhichregardabsorptionin a universal life or soul as the final aim and salvationofman.Themoralandreligiousideal ofmanisnotselfnegationbutselfaffirmation, andheattainstothisidealbybecomingmore and more individual, more and more unique. The Prophet said, Takhallaqu biakhlaq Allah, Create in yourselves the attributes of God. Thusmanbecomesuniquebybecomingmore and more like the most unique Individual. What then is life? It is individual: its highest form, so far, is the ego (khudi) in which the individual becomes a selfcontained exclusive centre.Physicallyaswellasspirituallymanisa selfcontained centre, but he is not yet a complete individual. The greater his distance from God, the less his individuality. He who comesnearesttoGodisthecompletestperson. NotthatheisfinallyabsorbedinGod.Onthe contrary, he absorbs God into himself.2 The
MaulanaRumihasverybeautifullyexpressedthis idea.TheProphet,whenalittleboy,wasoncelost inthedesert.HisnurseHalimawasalmostbeside herselfwithgriefbutwhileroamingthedesertin searchoftheboysheheardavoicesaying:
2

4CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal true person not only absorbs the world of matter by mastering it; he absorbs God Himself into his ego by assimilating Divine attributes. Life is a forward assimilative movement. It removes all obstructions in its march by assimilating them. Its essence is the continualcreationofdesiresandideals,andfor the purpose of its preservation and expansion it has invented or developed out of itself certain instruments, e.g., senses, intellect, etc., which help it to assimilate obstructions. The greatest obstacle in the way of life is matter, Nature; yet Nature is not evil, since it enables theinnerpowersoflifetounfoldthemselves. The ego attains to freedom by the removal of all observations in its way. It is partly free, partlydetermined3,andreachesfullerfreedom by approaching the Individual, who is most freeGod. In one word, life is an endeavour forfreedom. Theegoandcontinuationofpersonality Inmanthecentreoflifebecomesanegoor person.Personalityisastateoftensionandcan continueonlyifthatstateismaintained.Ifthe state of tension is not maintained, relaxation will ensue. Since personality, or the state of tension, is the most valuable achievement of man,heshouldseethathedoesnotreverttoa state of relaxation. That which tends to maintainthestateoftensiontendstomakeus immortal.Thustheideaofpersonalitygivesus a standard of value: it settles the problem of goodandevil.Thatwhichfortifiespersonality is good, that which weakens it is bad. Art,4
Donotgrievehewillnotbelosttothee; Nay,thewholeworldwillbelostinhim. Thetrueindividualcannotbelostintheworld;itis theworldthatislostinhim.Igoastepfurtherand say, prefixing a new halfverse to a hemistich of Rumi:

religion, and ethics must be judged from the standpoint of personality. My criticism of Plato is directed against those philosophical systemswhichholdupdeathratherthanlifeas theiridealsystemswhichignorethegreatest obstruction to life, namely, matter, and teach ustorunawayfromitinsteadofabsorbingit. As in connexion with the question of the freedom of the ego we have to face the problemofmatter,similarlyinconnexionwith itsimmortalitywehavetofacetheproblemof time.Bergsonhastaughtusthattimeisnotan infinite line (in the spatial sense of the word line) through which we must pass whether we wish it or not. This idea of time is adulterated.Puretimehasnolength.Personal immorality is an aspiration: you can have it if youmakeanefforttoachieveit.Itdependson ouradopting,inthislifemodesofthoughtand activity which tend to maintain the state of tension. Buddhism, Persian Sufism and allied formsofethicswillnotserveourpurpose.But they are not wholly useless, because after periods of great activity we need opiates, narcotics, for some time. These forms of thought and action are like nights in the days oflife.Thus,ifouractivityisdirectedtowards themaintenanceofastateoftension,theshock of death is not likely to affect it. After death there may be an interval of relaxation, as the Quran speaks of a barzakh, or intermediate state, which, in the case of some individuals, willlastuntiltheDayofResurrection(Quran, ch.23,v.102).Onlythoseegoswillsurvivethis state of relaxation who have taken good care
besubordinatedtothisfinalpurpose,andthe valueofeverythingmustbedeterminedin referencetoitslifeyieldingcapacity.Thehighest artisthatwhichawakensourdormantwillforce andbravesustofacethetrialsoflifemanfully.All thatbringsdrowsinessandmakesusshutoureyes torealityaround,onthemasteryofwhichalone Lifedepends,isamessageofdecayanddeath. ThereshouldbenoopiumeatinginArt.The dogmaofArtforthesakeofArtisaclever inventionofdecadencetocheatusoutoflifeand power.(OurProphessCriticismofContemporary ArabianPoetryinTheNewEra,1916,p.251)

InhiswillthatwhichGodwillsbecomes lost; Howshallamanbelievethissaying?

AccordingtothesayingoftheProphet,Thetrue Faithisbetweenpredestinationandfreewill. 4TheultimateendofallhumanactivityisLife glorious,powerful,exuberant.Allhumanartmust
3

Secrets&Mysteries5 during the present life. Although life abhors repetition in its evolution, yet on Bergsons principles the resurrection of the body too, as Wildon Carr says, is quite possible. By breakinguptimeintomomentswespatialiseit and then find difficulty in getting over it. The true nature of time is reached when we look into our deeper self. Real time is life itself which can preserve itself by maintaining that. particularstateoftension(personality)whichit has so far achieved. We are subject to time so long as we look upon time as something spatial. Spatialised time is a fetter which life has forged for itself in order to assimilate the present environment. In reality we are timeless, and it is possible to realise our timelessness even in this life. This revelation, however,canbemomentaryonly. Theeducationoftheego Theegoisfortifiedbylove.Thiswordisused in a very wide sense and means the desire to assimilate, to absorb. Its highest form is the creation of values and ideals and the endeavourtorealisethem.Loveindividualises the lover as well as the beloved. The effort to realise the most unique individuality individualises the seeker and implies the individuality of the sought, for nothing else wouldsatisfythenatureoftheseeker.Aslove fortifies the ego, asking weakens it. All that is achieved without personal effort comes under asking.Thesonofarichmanwhoinheritshis fathers wealth is an asker, or beggar; so is every one who thinks the thoughts of others. Thus, in order to fortify the ego we should cultivate love, i.e. the power of assimilative action, and avoid all forms of asking, i.e. inaction. The lesson of assimilative action is given by the life of the Prophet, at least to a Mohammedan. In another part of the poem I havehintedatthegeneralprinciplesofMuslim ethicsandhavetriedtorevealtheirmeaningin connexion with the idea of personality. The ego in its movement towards uniqueness has topassthroughthreestages: (a)ObediencetotheLaw (b)Selfcontrol,whichisthehighestformof selfconsciousnessoregohood (c)Divinevicegerency Thisdivinevicegerencyisthethirdandlast stage of human development on earth. The vicegerent is the vicegerent of God on earth. He is the completest ego, the goal of humanity,5 the acme of life both in mind and body; in him the discord of our mental life becomes a harmony. This highest power is united in him with the highest knowledge. In hislife,thoughtandaction,instinctandreason, become one. He is the last fruit of the tree of humanity, and all the trials of a painful evolutionarejustifiedbecauseheistocomeat the end. He is the real ruler of mankind; his kingdomisthekingdomofGodonearth.Out of the richness of his nature he lavishes the wealth of life on others, and brings them nearer and nearer to himself. The more we advanceinevolution,thenearerwegettohim. Inapproachinghimweareraisingourselvesin thescaleoflife.Thedevelopmentofhumanity both in mind and body is a condition precedent to his birth. For the present he is a mere ideal; but the evolution of humanity is tending towards the production of an ideal race of more or less unique individuals who will become his fitting parents. Thus the Kingdom of God on earth means the democracyofmoreorlessuniqueindividuals, presided over by the most unique individual possibleonthisearth.Nietzschehadaglimpse of this ideal race, but his atheism and aristocratic prejudices marred his whole conception.6
Manalreadypossessesthegermofvicegerencyas GodsaysintheQuran(ch.2.v.28):Lo!Iwill appointakhalifa(vicegerent)ontheearth. 6NicholsonsNoteWritingofMuslim DemocracyinTheNewEra,1916,p.251,Iqbalsays: TheDemocracyofEuropeovershadowedby socialisticagitationandanarchicalfearoriginated mainlyintheeconomicregenerationofEuropean societies.Nietzsche,however,abhorsthisruleof theherdand,hopelessoftheplebeian,hebasesall highercultureonthecultivationandgrowthofan AristocracyofSupermen.Butistheplebeianso
5

6CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal

SECRETSOFTHESELF
Butyesterevealampinhand7 TheShaykhdidallthecityspan, Sickofmereghostshesoughtaman, Butcouldfindnoneinalltheland. IRustamoraHyderseek Imsickofsnails,amsick,hesaid, Theresnone,saidI.Heshookhishead, Theresnonelikethem,butstillIseek. Rumi

Prologue
Whentheworldillumingsunrushedupon Nightlikeabrigand, Myweepingbedewedthefaceoftherose. Mytearswashedawaysleepfromtheeyeof thenarcissus, Mypassionwakenedthegrassandmadeit grow. TheGardenertriedthepowerofmysong, Hesowedmyverseandreapedasword. Inthesoilheplantedonlytheseedofmy tears Andwovemylamentwiththegarden,as warpandwoof. ThoIambutamote,theradiantsunismine: Withinmybosomareahundreddawns. MydustisbrighterthanJamshidscup Itknowsthingsthatareyetunborninthe world.
absolutelyhopeless?TheDemocracyofIslamdid notgrowoutoftheextensionofeconomic opportunity;itisaspiritualprinciplebasedonthe assumptionthateveryhumanbeingisacentreof latentpower,thepossibilitiesofwhichcanbe developedbycultivatingacertaintypeof character.OutoftheplebeianmaterialIslamhas formedmenofthenoblesttypeoflifeandpower. Isnot,then,theDemocracyofearlyIslaman experimentalrefutationoftheideasofNietzsche? 7Theversifiedtranslationofthequotationfrom RumiistakenfromShaikhMahmudHusain. Strangely,Nicholsonomitteditalthoughhewas bestknownasRumistranslator.

Mythoughthunteddownandslungfromthe saddleadeer Thathasnotyetleapedforthfromthecovert ofnonexistence. Fairismygardenereyettheleavesaregreen: Unbornrosesarehiddenintheskirtofmy garment. Istruckdumbthemusicianswheretheywere gatheredtogether, Ismotetheheartstringoftheuniverse, Becausetheluteofmygeniushatharare melody: Eventocomradesmysongisstrange. Iambornintheworldasanewsun, Ihavenotlearnedthewaysandfashionsof thesky Notyethavethestarsfledbeforemy splendour, Notyetismyquicksilverastir; Untouchedistheseabymydancingrays, Untouchedarethemountainsbymycrimson hue. Theeyeofexistenceisnotfamiliarwithme; Irisetrembling,afraidtoshowmyself. FromtheEastmydawnarrivedandrouted Night, Afreshdewsettledontheroseoftheworld. Iamwaitingforthevotariesthatriseatdawn; Oh,happytheywhoshallworshipmyfire! IhavenoneedoftheearofToday, IamthevoiceofthepoetofTomorrow. Myownagedoesnotunderstandmydeep meanings, MyJosephisnotforthismarket. Idespairofmyoldcompanions, MySinaiburnsforsakeoftheMoseswhois coming. Theirseaissilent,likedew, Butmydewisstormridden,liketheocean. Mysongisofanotherworldthantheirs: Thisbellcallsothertravellerstotaketheroad. Manyapoetwasbornafterhisdeath, Openedoureyeswhenhisownwereclosed, Andjourneyedforthagainfromnothingness, Likerosesblossomingoertheearthofhis grave. Albeitcaravanshavepassedthroughthis desert,

Secrets&Mysteries7 Theypassed,asacamelsteps,withlittle sound. ButIamalover:loudcryingismyfaith TheclamourofJudgmentDayisoneofmy minions. Mysongexceedstherangeofthechord, YetIdonotfearthatmylutewillbreak. Twerebetterforthewaterdropnottoknow mytorrent, Whosefuryshouldrathermaddenthesea. NoriverwillcontainmyOman. Myfloodrequireswholeseastoholdit. Unlessthebudexpandintoabedofroses, Itisunworthyofmyspringcloudsbounty. Lightningsslumberwithinmysoul, Isweepovermountainandplain. Wrestlewithmysea,ifthouartaplain; ReceivemylightningifthouartaSinai. TheFountainofLifehathbeengivenmeto drink. Ihavebeenmadeanadeptofthemysteryof Life. Thespeckofdustwasvitalisedbymy burningsong: Itunfoldedwingsandbecameafirefly. NoonehathtoldthesecretwhichIwilltell Orthreadedapearlofthoughtlikemine. Come,ifthouwouldstknowthesecretof everlastinglife Come,ifthouwouldstwinbothearthand heaven. Heaventaughtmethislore, Icannothideitfromcomrades. OSakiariseandpourwineintothecup! ClearthevexationofTimefrommyheart ThesparklingliquorthatflowsfromZemzem Wereabeggartoworshipit,hewould becomeaking. Itmakesthoughtmoresoberandwise,it makesthekeeneyekeener, Itgivestoastrawtheweightofamountain, Andtofoxesthestrengthoflions. ItcausesdusttosoartothePleiades Andadropofwaterswelltothebreadthof thesea. ItturnssilenceintothedinofJudgmentDay, Itmakesthefootofthepartridgeredwith bloodofthehawk. Ariseandpourpurewineintomycup, Pourmoonbeamsintothedarknightofmy thought, ThatImayleadhomethewanderer Andimbuetheidlelookeronwithrestless impatience; Andadvancehotlyonanewquest Andbecomeknownasthechampionofanew spirit; Andbetopeopleofinsightasthepupiltothe eye, Andsinkintotheearoftheworld,likea voice; AndexalttheworthofPoesy Andsprinklethedryherbswithmytears. InspiredbythegeniusoftheMasterofRum. Ireherarsethesealedbookofsecretlore. Hissoulistheflamingfurnace, Iambutasthesparkthatgleamsfora moment. Hisburningcandleconsumedme,themoth; Hiswineoverwhelmedmygoblet. ThemasterofRumtransmutedmyearthto gold Andsetmyashesaflame. Thegrainofsandsetforthfromthedesert, Thatitmightwintheradianceofthesun. IamawaveandIwillcometorestinhissea, ThatImaymaketheglisteningpearlmine own. Iwhoamdrunkenwiththewineofhissong Drawlifefromthebreathofhiswords, Twasnight:myheartwouldfainlament. ThesilencewasfilledwithmycriestoGod. Iwascomplainingofthesorrowsoftheworld Andbewailingtheemptinessofmycup. Atlastmineeyecouldendurenomore, Brokenwithfatigueitwenttosleep. ThereappearedtheMaster,formedinthe mouldofTruth, WhowrotetheQuraninPersian. Hesaid,Ofrenziedlover, Takeadraughtoflovespurewine. Strikethechordsofthineheartandrousea tumultuousstrain.

8CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Dashthineheadagainstthegobletandthine eyeagainstthelancet! Makethylaughterthesourceofahundred sighs. Maketheheartsofmenbleedwiththytears Howlongwiltthoubesilent,likeabud? Sellthyfragrancecheap,liketherose! Tonguetied,thouartinpain: Castthyselfuponthefire,likerue! Likethebell,breaksilenceatlast,andfrom everylimb. Utterforthalamentation! Thouartfire:filltheworldwiththyglow! Makeothersburnwiththyburning! Proclaimthesecretsoftheoldwineseller; Bethouasurgeofwine,andthecrystalcup thyrobe! Shatterthemirroroffear, Breakthebottlesinthebazaar Likethereedflute,bringamessagefromthe reedbed GivetoMajnunamessagefromthetribeof Layla! Createanewstyleforthysong, Enrichtheassemblywiththypiercingstrains! Up,andreinspireeverylivingsoul SayArise!andbythatwordquickenthe living! Up,andsetthyfeetonanotherpath; Putasidethepassionatemelancholyofold! Becomefamiliarwiththedelightofsinging; Bellofthecaravan,awake! Atthesewordsmybosomwasenkindled Andswelledwithemotionliketheflute; Iroselikemusicfromthestring ToprepareaParadisefortheear. Iunveiledthemysteryoftheself Anddiscloseditswondroussecret. Mybeingwasanunfinishedstatue, Uncomely,worthless,goodfornothing. Lovechiselledme:Ibecameaman. Andgainedknowledgeofthenatureofthe universe. Ihaveseenthemovementofthesinewsofthe sky. Andthebloodcoursingintheveinsofthe moon. ManyanightIweptforManssake ThatImightteartheveilfromLifes mysteries. AndextractthesecretofLifesconstitution Fromthelaboratoryofphenomena. Iwhogivebeautytothisnight,likethemoon, AmasdustindevotiontothepureFaith (Islam) AFaithrenownedinhillanddale. Whichkindlesinmensheartsaflameof undyingsong: Itsowedanatomandreapedasun, ItharvestedahundredpoetslikeRumiand Attar. Iamasigh:Iwillmounttotheheavens; Iambutsmoke,yetamIsprungoffire. Drivenonwardbyhighthoughts,mypen Castabroadthesecretbehindthisveil, Thatthedropmaybecomecoequalwiththe sea AndthegrainofsandgrowintoaSahara. Poetisingisnottheaimofthismathnavi. Beautyworshippingandlovemakingisnot itsaim. IamofIndia:Persianisnotmynativetongue; Iamlikethecrescentmoon:mycupisnot full. Donotseekfrommecharmofstylein exposition. DonotseekfrommeKhansarandIsfahan. AlthoughthelanguageofHindissweetas sugar, YetsweeteristhefashionofPersianspeech. Mymindwasenchantedbyitsloveliness, MypenbecameasatwigoftheBurning Bush. Becauseoftheloftinessofmythoughts, Persianaloneissuitabletothem. OReader,donotfindfaultwiththewinecup, Butconsiderattentivelythetasteofthewine.

Secrets&Mysteries9

Showingthatthesystemoftheuniverse originatesintheselfandthatthe continuationofthelifeofallindividuals dependsonstrengtheningtheself

Theformofexistenceisaneffectoftheself, Whatsoeverthouseestisasecretoftheself. Whentheselfawoketoconsciousness, ItrevealedtheuniverseofThought. Ahundredwordsarehiddeninitsessence: Selfaffirmationbringsnotselftolight. Bytheselftheseedofoppositionissownin theworld: Itimaginesitselftobeotherthanitself Itmakesfromitselftheformsofothers Inordertomultiplythepleasureofstrife. Itisslayingbythestrengthofitsarm Thatitmaybecomeconsciousofitsown strength. ItsselfdeceptionsaretheessenceofLife; Liketherose,itlivesbybathingitselfin blood. Forthesakeofasingleroseitdestroysa hundredrosegardens Andmakesahundredlamentationsinquest ofasinglemelody. Foroneskyitproducesahundrednew moons, Andforonewordahundreddiscourses. Theexcuseforthiswastefulnessandcruelty Istheshapingandperfectingofspiritual beauty. ThelovelinessofShirinjustifiestheanguish ofFarhad. Onefragrantnaveljustifiesahundred muskdeer. Tisthefateofmothstoconsumeinflame: Thesufferingofmothsisjustifiedbythe candle. Thepenciloftheselflimnedahundred todays Inordertoachievethedawnofasingle morrow. ItsflamesburnedahundredAbrahams ThatthelampofoneMuhammadmightbe lighted. Subject,object,means,andcauses

Alltheseareformswhichitassumesforthe purposeofaction. Theselfrises,kindles,falls,glows,breathes, Burns,shines,walks,andflies. ThespaciousnessofTimeisitsarena, Heavenisabillowofthedustontheroad. Fromitsroseplantingtheworldaboundsin roses; Nightisbornofitssleep,dayspringsfromits waking. Itdivideditsflameintosparks Andtaughttheunderstandingtoworship particulars. Itdissolveditselfandcreatedtheatoms Itwasscatteredforalittlewhileandcreated sands. Thenitweariedofdispersion Andbyreunitingitselfitbecamethe mountains. Tisthenatureoftheselftomanifestitself Ineveryatomslumbersthemightoftheself. Powerthatisunexpressedandinert Chainsthefacultieswhichleadtoaction. Inasmuchasthelifeoftheuniversecomes fromthepoweroftheself, Lifeisinproportiontothispower. Whenadropofwatergetstheselfslessonby heart, Itmakesitsworthlessexistenceapearl. Wineisformlessbecauseitsselfisweak; Itreceivesaformbyfavourofthecup. Althoughthecupofwineassumesaform, Itisindebtedtousforitsmotion. Whenthemountainlosesitsself,itturnsinto sands Andcomplainsthattheseasurgesoverit; Thewave,solongasitremainsawaveinthe seasbosom, Makesitselfriderontheseasback. Lighttransformeditselfintoaneye Andmovedtoandfroinsearchofbeauty; Whenthegrassfoundameansofgrowthin itsself, Itsaspirationclovethebreastofthegarden. Thecandletooconcatenateditself Andbuiltitselfoutofatoms;

10CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Thenitmadeapracticeofmeltingitselfaway andfledfromitsself Untilatlastittrickleddownfromitsowneye, liketears. Ifthebezelhadbeenmoreselfsecureby nature, Itwouldnothavesufferedwounds, Butsinceitderivesitsvaluefromthe superscription, Itsshoulderisgalledbytheburdenof anothersname. Becausetheearthisfirmlybasedonitsself, Thecaptivemoongoesrounditperpetually. Thebeingofthesunisstrongerthanthatof theearth: Thereforeistheearthfascinatedbythesuns eye. Thegloryoftheredbirchfixesourgaze, Themountainsareenrichedbyitsmajesty Itsraimentiswovenoffire, Itsoriginisoneselfassertiveseed. WhenLifegathersstrengthfromtheself, TheriverofLifeexpandsintoanocean. Itisarestlesswaveoftheselfssea. Desireisanooseforhuntingideals, Abinderofthebookofdeeds. Negationofdesireisdeathtotheliving, Evenasabsenceofheatextinguishesthe flame. Whatisthesourceofourwakefuleye? Ourdelightinseeinghathtakenvisibleshape. Thepartridgeslegisderivedfromthe eleganceofitsgait, Thenightingalesbeakfromitsendeavourto sing. Awayfromtheseedbed,thereedbecame happy: Themusicwasreleasedfromitsprison. Whatistheessenceofthemindthatstrives afternewdiscoveriesandscalesthe heavens? Knowestthouwhatworksthismiracle? TisdesirethatenrichesLife, Andthemindisachildofitswomb. Whataresocialorganisation,customsand laws? Whatisthesecretofthenoveltiesofscience? Adesirewhichrealiseditselfbyitsown strength Andburstforthfromtheheartandtook shape. Nose,hand,brain,eye,andear, Thought,imagination,feeling,memory,and understanding AlltheseareweaponsdevisedbyLifefor selfpreservation Initsceaselessstruggle. Theobjectofscienceandartisnot knowledge, Theobjectofthegardenisnotthebudand theflower. Scienceisaninstrumentforthepreservation ofLife, Scienceisameansofinvigoratingtheself. ScienceandartareservantsofLife, Slavesbornandbredinitshouse. Rise,OthouwhoartstrangetoLifes mystery, Riseintoxicatedwiththewineofanideal: Anidealshiningasthedawn, AblazingfiretoallthatisotherthanGod;

Showingthatthelifeoftheselfcomes fromformingidealsandbringingthemto birth

Lifeispreservedbypurpose: Becauseofthegoalitscaravanbelltinkles. Lifeislatentinseeking, Itsoriginishiddenindesire. Keepdesirealiveinthyheart, Lestthylittledustbecomeatomb. Desireisthesoulofthisworldofhueand scent, Thenatureofeverythingisastorehouseof desire. Desiresetstheheartdancinginthebreast, Andbyitsglowthebreastismadebrightasa mirror. Itgivestoearththepowerofsoaring, ItisaKhizrtotheMosesofperception. Fromtheflameofdesirethehearttakeslife, Andwhenittakeslife,alldiesthatisnottrue. Whenitrefrainsfromformingdesires, Itspinionbreaksanditcannotsoar. Desirekeepstheselfinperpetualuproar:

Secrets&Mysteries11 AnidealhigherthanHeaven Winning,captivating,enchantingmens hearts, Adestroyerofancientfalsehood, Fraughtwithturmoil,andembodimentofthe LastDay. Welivebyformingideals, Weglowwiththesunbeamsofdesire! Sinaiisbutaneddyofthedustofhishouse, HisdwellingplaceisasanctuarytotheKaba itself. Eternityislessthanamomentofhistime, Eternityreceivesincreasefromhisessence. Hesleptonamatofrushes, ButthecrownofChosroeswasunderhis peoplesfeet. HechosethenightlysolitudeofMountHira, Andhefoundedastateandlawsand government. Hepassedmanyanightwithsleeplesseyes InorderthattheMuslimsmightsleeponthe throneofPersia. Inthehourofbattle,ironwasmeltedbythe fashofhissword; Inthehourofprayer,tearsfelllikerainfrom hiseye. WhenheprayedforDivinehelp,hissword answeredAmen Andextirpatedtheraceofkings. Heinstitutednewlawsintheworld, Hebroughttheempiresofantiquitytoan end. Withthekeyofreligionheopenedthedoorof thisworld: Thewomboftheworldneverborehislike. Inhissighthighandlowwereone, Hesatwithhisslaveatonetable. ThedaughterofthechieftainofTaiwastaken prisonerinbattle Andbroughtintothatexaltedpresence; Herfeetinchains,unveiled, Andherneckbowedwithshame. WhentheProphetsawthatthepoorgirlhad noveil, Hecoveredherfacewithhisownmantle. WearemorenakedthanthatladyofTai, Weareunveiledbeforethenationsofthe world. InhimisourtrustontheDayofJudgement, Andinthisworldtooheisourprotector. Bothhisfavourandhiswrathareentirelya mercy: Thatisamercytohisfriendsandthistohis foes. Heopenedthegateofmercytohisenemies,

Showingthattheselfisstrengthenedby love
Theluminouspointwhosenameistheself Isthelifesparkbeneathourdust. ByLoveitismademorelasting, Moreliving,moreburning,moreglowing. FromLoveproceedstheradianceofitsbeing. Andthedevelopmentofitsunknown possibilities. ItsnaturegathersfirefromLove, Loveinstructsittoilluminetheworld. Lovefearsneitherswordnordagger, Loveisnotbornofwaterandairandearth. Lovemakespeaceandwarintheworld, LoveistheFountainofLife,Loveisthe flashingswordofDeath. ThehardestrocksareshiveredbyLoves glance: LoveofGodatlastbecomeswhollyGod. Learnthoutolove,andseekabeloved: SeekaneyelikeNoahs,aheartlikeJobs! Transmutethyhandfulofearthintogold, KissthethresholdofaPerfectMan! LikeRumi,lightthecandle AndburnRuminthefireofTabriz! Thereisabelovedhiddenwithinthineheart: Iwillshowhimtothee,ifthouhasteyesto see. Hisloversarefairerthanthefair, Sweeterandcomelierandmorebeloved. Byloveofhimtheheartismadestrong AndearthrubsshoulderswiththePleiades. ThesoilofNajdwasquickenedbyhisgrace Andfellintoaraptureandrosetotheskies. IntheMuslimsheartisthehomeof Muhammad, Allourgloryisfromthenameof Muhammad.

12CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal HegavetoMakkahthemessage,Nopenalty shallbelaiduponyou. Wewhoknownotthebondsofcountry Resemblesight,whichisonethoughitbethe lightoftwoeyes. WebelongtotheHijazandChinaandPersia, Yetwearethedewofonesmilingdawn. Weareallunderthespelloftheeyeofthe cupbearerfromMakkah, Weareunitedaswineandcup. Heburntcleanawaydistinctionsoflineage, Hisfireconsumedthistrashandrubble. Wearelikearosewithmanypetalsbutwith oneperfume: Heisthesoulofthissociety,andheisone Wearethesecretconcealedinhisheart: Hespakeoutfearlessly,andwewere revealed. Thesongofloveforhimfillsmysilentreed, Ahundrednotesthrobinmybosom. HowshallItellwhatdevotionheinspires? Ablockofdrywoodweptatpartingfrom him. TheMuslimsbeingiswherehemanifestshis glory: ManyaSinaispringsfromthedustonhis path. Myimagewascreatedbyhismirror, Mydawnrisesfromthesunofhisbreast. Myreposeisaperpetualfever, Myeveninghotterthanthemorningof JudgmentDay: HeistheAprilcloudandIhisgarden, Myvineisbedewedwithhisrain. ItsowedmineeyeinthefieldofLove Andreapedaharvestofvision. ThesoilofMedinaissweeterthanboth worlds: Oh,happythetownwheredwellthe Beloved! IamlostinadmirationofthestyleofMulla Jami: Hisverseandprosearearemedyformy immaturity. Hehaswrittenpoetryoverflowingwith beautifulideas; Andhasthreadedpearlsinpraiseofthe Master Muhammadistheprefacetothebookofthe universe: Alltheworldsareslavesandheisthe Master. FromthewineofLovespringmanyspiritual qualities: AmongsttheattributesofLoveisblind devotion. ThesaintofBistam,whoindevotionwas unique, Abstainedfromeatingawatermelon. Bealoverconstantindevotiontothy beloved, Thatthoumaystcastthynoseandcapture God. SojournforawhileontheHiraoftheheart. AbandonselfandfleetoGod. StrengthenedbyGod,returntothyself AndbreaktheheadsoftheLatandUzzaof sensuality. BythemightofLoveevokeanarmy RevealthyselfontheFaranofLove, ThattheLordoftheKabamayshowthee favour Andmaketheetheobjectofthetext,Lo,I willappointavicegerentontheearth.

Showingthattheselfisweakenedby asking
Othouwhohastgatheredtaxesfromlions, Thyneedhathcausedtheetobecomeafoxin disposition. Thymaladiesaretheresultofindigence: Thisdiseaseisthesourceofthypain. Itisrobbingthinehighthoughtsoftheir dignity Andputtingoutthelightofthynoble imagination. Quaffrosywinefromthejarofexistence! SnatchthymoneyfromthepurseofTime! LikeOmar,comedownfromthycamel! Bewareofincurringobligations,beware! Howlongwiltthousueforoffice Andridelikechildrenonareed? Anaturethatfixesitsgazeonthesky Becomesdebasedbyreceivingbenefits.

Secrets&Mysteries13 Byasking,povertyismademoreabject; Bybegging,thebeggarismadepoorer. Askingdisintegratestheself AnddeprivesofilluminationtheSinaibush oftheself. Donotscatterthyhandfulofdust; Likethemoon,scrapefoodfromthineown side! Albeitthouartpoorandwretched Andoverwhelmedbyaffliction, Seeknotthydailybreadfromthebountyof another, Seeknotwaterfromthefountainofthesun, LestthoubeputtoshamebeforetheProphet OntheDaywheneverysoulshallbestricken withfear. Themoongetssustenancefromthetableof thesun Andbearsthebrandofhisbountyonher heart. PrayGodforcourage!WrestlewithFortune! Donotsullythehonourofthepurereligion! Hewhoswepttherubbishofidolsoutofthe Kaba SaidthatGodlovesamanthatearnshis living. Woetohimthatacceptsbountyfrom anotherstable Andletshisneckbebentwithbenefits! Hehathconsumedhimselfwiththelightning ofthefavoursbestowedonhim, Hehathsoldhishonourforapaltrycoin. Happythemanwhothirstinginthesun DoesnotcraveofKhizracupofwater! Hisbrowisnotmoistwiththeshameof beggary; Heisamanstill,notapieceofclay, Thatnobleyouthwalksunderheaven Withhisheaderectlikethepine. Arehishandsempty?Themoreishemaster ofhimself. Dohisfortuneslanguish?Themorealertis he. Awholeocean,ifgainedbybeggingisbuta seaoffire; Sweetisalittledewgatheredbyonesown hand. Beamanofhonour,andlikethebubble Keepthecupinvertedeveninthemidstofthe sea!

Showingthatwhentheselfis strengthenedbyloveitgainsdominion overtheoutwardandinwardforcesofthe universe

WhentheselfismadestrongbyLove Itspowerrulesthewholeworld. TheHeavenlySagewhoadornedtheskywith stars Pluckedthesebudsfromtheboughoftheself. ItshandbecomesGodshand, Themoonissplitbyitsfingers. Itisthearbitratorinallthequarrelsofthe world, ItscommandisobeyedbyDariusand Jamshid. IwilltelltheeastoryofBuAli, WhosenameisrenownedinIndia, Himwhosangoftheancientrosegarden Anddiscoursedtousaboutthelovelyrose: Theairofhisflutteringskirt MadeaParadiseofthisfireborncountry. Hisyoungdisciplewentonedaytothe bazaar ThewineofBuAlisdiscoursehadturnedhis head. Thegovernorofthecitywascomingalongon horseback, Hisservantandstaffbearerrodebesidehim. Theforerunnershouted,Osenselessone, Donotgetinthewayofthegovernors escort! Butthedervishwalkedonwithdrooping head, Sunkintheseaofhisownthoughts. Thestaffbearer,drunkenwithpride, Brokehisstaffontheheadofthedervish. Whosteppedpainfullyoutofthegovernors way. Sadandsorry,withaheavyheart. HecametoBuAliandcomplained Andreleasedthetearsfromhiseyes. Likelightningthatfallsonmountains,

14CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal TheShaykhpouredforthafierytorrentof speech. Heletloosefromhissoulastrangefire, Hegaveanordertohissecretary: Takethypenandwritealetter Fromadervishtoasultan! Say,Thygovernorhasbrokenmyservants head; Hehascastburningcoalsonhisownlife. Arrestthiswickedgovernor, OrelseIwillbestowthykingdomonanother. TheletterofthesaintwhohadaccesstoGod Causedthemonarchtotrembleineverylimb. Hisbodywasfilledwithaches, Hegrewaspaleastheeveningsun. Hesoughtoutahandcuffforthegovernor AndentreatedBuAlitopardonthisoffence. Khusrau,thesweetvoicedeloquentpoet, Whoseharmoniesflowfromthemind Andwhosegeniushaththesoftbrillianceof moonlight, Waschosentobethekingsambassador. WhenheenteredBuAlispresenceand playedhislute, Hissongmeltedthefakirssoullikeglass. OnestrainofPoesyboughtthegrace Ofakingdomthatwasfirmasamountain. Donotwoundtheheartofdervishes, Donotthrowthyselfintoburningfire! Thosefiercetigersbeatthedrumof sovereignty, Theydeprivedthesheepoffreedom. Forasmuchastigersmusthavetheirprey, Thatmeadowwascrimsonedwiththeblood ofthesheep. Oneofthesheepwhichwascleverandacute, Oldinyears,cunningasaweatherbeaten wolf, Beinggrievedatthefateofhisfellows Andsorelyvexedbytheviolenceofthetigers, MadecomplaintofthecourseofDestiny Andsoughtbycrafttorestorethefortunesof hisrace. Theweak,inordertopreservethemselves, Seekdevicefromskilledintelligence. Inslavery,forthesakeofrepellingharm, Thepowerofschemingbecomesquickened. Andwhenthemadnessofrevengegains hold, Themindoftheslavemeditatesrebellion. Oursisahardknot,saidthissheepto himself, Theoceanofourgriefshathnoshore, Byforcewesheepcannotescapefromthe tiger: Ourlegsaresilver,hispawsaresteel. Tisnotpossible,howevermuchoneexhorts andcounsels. Tocreateinasheepthedispositionofawolf. Buttomakethefurioustigerasheepthatis possible: Tomakehimunmindfulofhisnaturethatis possible. Hebecameasaprophetinspired, Andbegantopreachtothebloodthirsty tigers. Hecriedout,Oyeinsolentliars, Whowotnotofadayofillluckthatshall continueforever! Iampossessedofspiritualpower, IamanapostlesentbyGodforthetigers. Icomeasalightfortheeyethatisdark, Icometoestablishlawsandgive commandments. Repentofyourblameworthydeeds! Oplottersofevil,bethinkyourselvesofgood! Whosoisviolentandstrongismiserable:

Ataleofwhichthemoralisthatnegation oftheselfisadoctrineinventedbythe subjectracesofmankindinorderthatby thismeanstheymaysapandweakenthe characteroftheirrulers

Hastthouheardthatinthetimeofold Thesheepdwellinginacertainpasture Soincreasedandmultiplied Thattheyfearednoenemy? Atlast,fromthemaliceofFate, Theirbreastsweresmittenbyashaftof calamity. Thetigerssprangforthfromthejungle Andrusheduponthesheepfold. Conquestanddominionaresignsofstrength, Victoryisthemanifestationofstrength.

Secrets&Mysteries15 Lifessoliditydependsonselfdenial. Thespiritoftherighteousisfedbyfodder: ThevegetarianispleasinguntoGod. Thesharpnessofyourteethbringsdisgrace uponyou Andmakestheeyeofyourperceptionblind. Paradiseisfortheweakalone, Strengthisbutameanstoperdition. Itiswickedtoseekgreatnessandglory, Penuryissweeterthanprincedom. Lightningdoesnotthreatenthecornseed: Iftheseedbecomeastack,itisunwise. Ifyouaresensible,youwillbeamoteofsand, notaSahara, Sothatyoumayenjoythesunbeams. Othouthatdelightestintheslaughterof sheep, Slaythyself,andthouwilthavehonour! Lifeisrenderedunstable Byviolence,oppression,revenge,andexercise ofpower. Thoughtroddenunderfoot,thegrassgrows uptimeaftertime Andwashesthesleepofdeathfromitseye againandagain. Forgetthyself,ifthouartwise! Ifthoudostnotforgetthyself,thouartmad. Closethineeyes,closethineears,closethy lips, Thatthythoughtmayreachtheloftysky! Thispasturageoftheworldisnaught,naught: Ofool,donottormentthyphantom! Thetigertribewasexhaustedbyhard struggles, Theyhadsettheirheartsonenjoymentof luxury. Thissoporificadvicepleasedthem, Intheirstupiditytheyswallowedthecharm ofthesheep. Hethatusedtomakesheephisprey Nowembracedasheepsreligion. Thetigerstookkindlytoadietoffodder: Atlengththeirtigerishnaturewasbroken. Thefodderbluntedtheirteeth Andputouttheawfulflashingsoftheireyes. Bydegreescourageebbedfromtheirbreasts, Thesheendepartedfrommirror. Thatfrenzyofuttermostexertionremained not, Thatcravingafteractiondweltintheirhearts nomore. Theylostthepowerofrulingandthe resolutiontobeindependent, Theylostreputation,prestige,andfortune. Theirpawsthatwereasironbecame strengthless; Theirsoulsdiedandtheirbodiesbecame tombs. Bodilystrengthdiminishedwhilespiritual fearincreased; Spiritualfearrobbedthemofcourage. Lackofcourageproducedahundred diseases Poverty,pusillanimity,lowmindedness. Thewakefultigerwaslulledtoslumberby thesheepscharm HecalledhisdeclineMoralCulture.

TotheeffectthatPlato,whosethoughthas deeplyinfluencedthemysticismand literatureofIslam,followedthesheeps doctrine,andthatwemustbeonour guardagainsthistheories

Plato,theprimeasceticandsage Wasoneofthatancientflockofsheep. HisPegasuswentastrayinthedarknessof idealism Anddroppeditsshoeamidsttherocksof actuality. Hewassofascinatedbytheinvisible Thathemadehand,eye,andearofno account. Todie,saidhe,isthesecretofLife: Thecandleisglorifiedbybeingputout. Hedominatesourthinking, Hiscupsendsustosleepandtakesthe sensibleworldawayfromus. Heisasheepinmansclothing, ThesouloftheSufibowstohisauthority. Hesoaredwithhisintellecttothehighest heaven Andcalledtheworldofphenomenaamyth.

16CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Twashisworktodissolvethestructureof Life AndcuttheboughofLifesfairtreeasunder. ThethoughtofPlatoregardedlossasprofit, Hisphilosophydeclaredthatbeingis notbeing. Hisnaturedrowsedandcreatedadream Hismindseyecreatedamirage. Sincehewaswithoutanytasteforaction, Hissoulwasenrapturedbythenonexistent. Hedisbelievedinthematerialuniverse AndbecamethecreatorofinvisibleIdeas. Sweetistheworldofphenomenatotheliving spirit, DearistheworldofIdeastothedeadspirit: Itsgazelleshavenograveofmovement, Itspartridgesaredeniedthepleasureof walkingdaintily. Itsdewdropsareunabletoquiver, Itsbirdshavenobreathintheirbreasts, Itsseeddoesnotdesiretogrow, Itsmothsdonotknowhowtoflutter. Ourreclusehadnoremedybutflight: Hecouldnotendurethenoiseofthisworld. Hesethisheartontheglowofaquenched flame Anddepictedawordsteepedinopium. Hespreadhiswingstowardsthesky Andnevercamedowntohisnestagain. Hisfantasyissunkinthejarofheaven: Iknownotwhetheritisthedregsorbrickof thewinejar. Thepeopleswerepoisonedbyhis intoxication: Heslumberedandtooknodelightindeeds. DesireisLovesmessagetoBeauty. Whereforedothdesireswellcontinuously ThebassandtrebleofLifessong? Whatsoeverisgoodandfairandbeautiful Isourguideinthewildernessofseeking. Itsimagebecomesimpressedonthineheart, Itcreatesdesiresinthineheart. Beautyisthecreatorofdesiresspringtide, DesireisnourishedbythedisplayofBeauty. TisinthepoetsbreastthatBeautyunveils, TisfromhisSinaithatBeautysbeamsarise. Byhislookthefairismadefairer, ThroughhisenchantmentsNatureismore beloved. Fromhislipsthenightingalehathlearnedher song, Andhisrougehathbrightenedthecheekof therose. Tishispassionburnsintheheartofthemoth, Tishethatlendsglowinghuestolovetales. Seaandlandarehiddenwithinhiswaterand clay, Ahundrednewworldsareconcealedinhis heart. Eretulipsblossomedinhisbrain Therewasheardnonoteofjoyorgrief. Hismusicbreathesoerusawonderful enchantment, Hispendrawsamountainwithasinglehair. Histhoughtsdwellwiththemoonandthe stars, Hecreatesbeautyandknowsnotwhatis ugly. HeisaKhizr,andamidsthisdarknessisthe FountainofLife: Allthingsthatexistaremademorelivingby histears. Heavilywego,likerawnovices, Stumblingonthewaytothegoal. Hisnightingalehathplayedatune Andlaidaplottobeguileus. ThathemayleadusintoLifesParadise, AndthatLifesbowmaybecomeafullcircle. Caravansmarchatthesoundofhisbell Andfollowthevoiceofhispipe; Whenhiszephyrblowsinourgarden, Itslowlystealsintothetulipsandroses. HiswitcherymakesLifedevelopitself

Concerningthetruenatureofpoetryand reformofIslamicliterature
Tisthebrandofdesiremakesthebloodof manrunwarm, Bythelampofdesirethisdustisenkindled. BydesireLifescupisbrimmedwithwine, SothatLifeleapstoitsfeetandmarches brisklyon. Lifeisoccupiedwithconquestalone, Andtheonecharmforconquestisdesire. Lifeisthehunteranddesirethesnare,

Secrets&Mysteries17 Andbecomeselfquestioningandimpatient. Heinvitesthewholeworldtohistable; Helavisheshisfireasthoughitwerecheapas air. Woetoapeoplethatresignsitselftodeath Andwhosepoetturnsawayfromthejoyof living! Hismirrorshowsbeautyasugliness, Hishoneyleavesahundredstingsinthe heart. Hiskissrobstheroseoffreshness, Hetakesawayfromthenightingalesheart thejoyofflying. Thesinewsarerelaxedbyhisopium, Thoupayestforhissongwiththelife. Hebereavesthecypressofdelightinits beauty, Hiscoldbreathmakesapheasantofthemale falcon. Heisafish.andfromthebreastupwarda man, LiketheSirensintheocean. Withhissongheenchantsthepilot Andcaststheshiptothebottomofthesea. Hismelodiesstealfirmnessfromthineheart, Hismagicpersuadestheethatdeathislife. Hetakesfromthysoulthedesireofexistence, Heextractsfromthyminetheblushingruby. Hedressesgaininthegarbofloss, Hemakeseverythingpraiseworthyblameful, Heplungestheeinaseaofthought Andmakestheeastrangertoaction. Heissick,andbyhiswordsoursicknessis increased Themorehiscupgoesround,themoresick aretheythatquaffit. TherearenolightningrainsinhisApril, Hisgardenisamirageofcolourandperfume. HisbeautyhathnodealingswithTruth, Therearenonebutflawedpearlsinhissea. Slumberhedeemedsweeterthanwaking: Ourfirewasquenchedbyhisbreath. Bythechantofhisnightingaletheheartwas poisoned: Underhisheapofroseslurkedasnake. Bewareofhisdecanterandcup! Bewareofhissparklingwine! Othouwhomhiswinehathlaidlow Andwholooksttohisglassforthyrising dawn, Othouwhosehearthathbeenchilledbyhis melodies, Thouhastdrunkdeadlypoisonthroughthe ear! Thywayoflifeisaproofofthydegeneracy, Thestringsofthineinstrumentareoutof tune, Tispamperedcasehathmadetheeso wretched, AdisgracetoIslamthroughouttheworld. Onecanbindtheewiththeveinofarose, Onecanwoundtheewithazephyr. Lovehathbeenputtoshamebythywailing, Hisfairpicturehathbeenfouledbythy brush. Thyillnesshathpaledhischeek, Thecoldnesshathtakentheglowfromhis fire. Heisheartsickfromthyheartsicknesses, Andenfeebledbythyfeeblenesses. Hiscupisfullofchildishtears, Hishouseisfurnishedwithdistressfulsighs. Heisadrunkardbeggingattaverndoors, Stealingglimpsesofbeautyfromlattices, Unhappy,melancholy,injured, Kickedwellnightodeathbythewarder; Wastedlikeareedbysorrows, Onhislipsastoreofcomplaintsagainst Heaven. Flatteryandspitearethemettleofhismirror, Helplessnesshiscomradeofold; Amiserablebasebornunderling Withoutworthorhopeorobject, Whoselamentationshavesuckedthemarrow fromthysoul Anddrivenoffgentlesleepfromthy neighbourseyes. Alasforalovewhosefireisextinct, AlovethatwasbornintheHolyPlaceand diedinthehouseofidols! Oh,ifthouhastthecoinofpoesyinthypurse, RubitonthetouchstoneofLife! Clearseeingthoughtshowsthewaytoaction, Asthelightningflashprecedesthethunder.

18CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Itbehovestheetomeditatewellconcerning literature, ItbehovestheetogobacktoArabia: Thoumustneedsgivethinehearttothe SalmaofAraby, ThatthemornoftheHijazmayblossomfrom thenightofKurdistan. Thouhastgatheredrosesfromthegardenof Persia AndseenthespringtideofIndiaandIran: Nowtastealittleoftheheatofthedesert, Drinktheoldwineofthedate! Laythineheadforonceonitshotbreast. Yieldthybodyawhiletoitsscorchingwind! Foralongtimethouhastturnedaboutona bedofsilk: Nowaccustomthyselftoroughcotton! Forgenerationsthouhastdancedontulips Andbathedthycheekindew,liketherose: Nowthrowthyselfontheburningsand AndplungeintothefountainofZamzam! Howlongwiltthoufainlamentlikethe nightingale? Howlongmakethineabodeingardens? Othouwhoseauspicioussnarewoulddo honourtothePhoenix, Buildanestonthehighmountains, Anestembosomedinlightningandthunder, Loftierthaneagleseye, ThatthoumaystbefitforLifesbattle, ThatthybodyandsoulmayburninLifes fire! Hecarriesrider,baggage,andlitter: Hetrotsonandontothejourneysend, Rejoicinginhisspeed, Morepatientintravelthanhisrider, Thou,too,donotrefusetheburdenofDuty: Sowiltthouenjoythebestdwellingplace, whichiswithGod. Endeavourtoobey,Oheedlessone! Libertyisthefruitofcompulsion. Byobediencethemanofnoworthismade worthy; Bydisobediencehisfireisturnedtoashes. Whosowouldmasterthesunandstars, LethimmakehimselfaprisonerofLaw! Theairbecomesfragrantwhenitis imprisonedintheflowerbud; Theperfumebecomesmuskwhenitis confinedinthenavelofthemuskdeer. Thestarmovestowardsitsgoal Withheadbowedinsurrendertoalaw. Thegrassspringsupinobediencetothelaw ofgrowth: Whenitabandonsthat,itistrodden underfoot. Toburnunceasinglyisthelawofthetulip. Andsothebloodleapsinitsveins Dropsofwaterbecomeaseabythelawof union, AndgrainsofsandbecomeaSahara. SinceLawmakeseverythingstrongwithin, Whydostthouneglectthissourceofstrength? Othouthatartemancipatedfromtheold Custom, Adornthyfeetoncemorewiththesamefine silverchain! DonotcomplainofthehardnessoftheLaw, DonottransgressthestatutesofMuhammad! 2.SelfControl Thysoulcaresonlyforitself,likethecamel: Itisselfconceited,selfgoverned,and selfwilled. Beaman,getitshalterintothinehand, Thatthoumaystbecomeapearlalbeitthou artapottersvessel. Hethatdoesnotcommandhimself Becomesareceiverofcommandsfromothers. Whentheymouldedtheeofclay,

Showingthattheeducationoftheselfhas threestages:obedience,selfcontrol,and divinevicegerency

1.Obedience Serviceandtoilaretraitsofthecamel, Patienceandperseverancearewaysofthe camel. Noiselesslyhestepsalongthesandytrack, Heistheshipofthosewhovoyageinthe desert. Everythicketknowstheprintofhisfoot: Heeatsseldom,sleepslittle,andisinuredto toil.

Secrets&Mysteries19 Loveandfearweremingledinthymaking: Fearofthisworldandoftheworldtocome, fearofdeath, Fearofallthepainsofearthandheaven; Loveofrichesandpower,loveofcountry, Loveofselfandkindredandwife. Man,inwhomclayismixedwithwater,is fondofease, Devotedtowickednessandenamouredof evil. SolongasthouholdstthestaffofThereis nogodbutHe, Thouwiltbreakeveryspelloffear. OnetowhomGodisasthesoulinhisbody, Hisneckisnotbowedbeforevanity. Fearfindsnowayintohisbosom, heartisafraidofnonebutAllah. WhosodwellsintheworldofNegation Isfreedfromthebondsofwifeandchild. HewithdrawshisgazefromallexceptGod Andlaystheknifetothethroatofhisson. Thoughsingle,heislikeahostinonset: Lifeischeaperinhiseyesthanwind. TheprofessionofFaithistheshell,andprayer isthepearlwithinit: TheMoslemsheartdeemsprayeralesser pilgrimage. IntheMuslimshandprayerislikeadagger Killingsinandforwardnessandwrong. Fastingmakesanassaultuponhungerand thirst. Andbreachesthecitadelofsensuality. Thepilgrimageenlightensthesoulofthe Faithful: Itteachesseparationfromoneshomeand destroysattachmenttoonesnativeland; Itisanactofdevotioninwhichallfeel themselvestobeone, Itbindstogethertheleavesofthebookof religion. Almsgivingcausesloveofrichestopassaway Andmakesequalityfamiliar; Itfortifiestheheartwithrighteousness, Itincreaseswealthanddiminishesfondness forwealth. Allthisisameansofstrengtheningthee: Thouartimpregnable,ifthyIslambestrong. DrawmightfromthelitanyOAlmighty One! Thatthoumaystridethecamelofthybody. 3.DivineVicegerency Ifthoucanstrulethycamel,thouwiltrulethe world Andwearonthineheadthecrownof Solomon. Thouwiltbethegloryoftheworldwhilstthe worldlasts, Andthouwiltreigninthekingdom incorruptible. TissweettobeGodsvicegerentintheworld Andexerciseswayovertheelements. Godsvicegerentisasthesouloftheuniverse, HisbeingistheshadowoftheGreatestName. Heknowsthemysteriesofpartandwhole, HeexecutesthecommandofAllahinthe world. Whenhepitcheshistentinthewideworld, Herollsupthisancientcarpet. Hisgeniusaboundswithlifeanddesiresto manifestitself: Hewillbringanotherworldintoexistence. Ahundredworldslikethisworldofpartsand wholes Springup,likeroses,fromtheseedofhis imagination. Hemakeseveryrawnatureripe, Heputstheidolsoutofthesanctuary. Heartstringsgiveforthmusicathistouch, HewakesandsleepsforGodalone. Heteachesagethemelodyofyouth Andendowseverythingwiththeradianceof youth. Tothehumanracehebringsbothaglad messageandawarning, Hecomesbothasasoldierandasamarshal andprince. HeisthefinalcauseofGodtaughtAdamthe namesofallthings, HeistheinmostsenseofGlorytoHimthat transportedHisservantbynight. Hiswhitehandisstrengthenedbythestaff, Hisknowledgeistwinedwiththepowerofa perfectman. Whenthatboldcavalierseizesthereins,

20CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal ThesteedofTimegallopsfaster. HisawfulmienmakestheRedSeadry, HeleadslsraeloutofEgypt. Athiscry,Arise,thedeadspirits Riseintheirbodilytomb,likepinesinthe field. Hispersonisanatonementforalltheworld, Byhisgrandeurtheworldissaved. Hisprotectingshadowmakesthemote familiarwiththesun, Hisrichsubstancemakespreciousallthat exists. Hebestowslifebyhismiraculousactions, Herenovatesoldwaysoflife. Splendidvisionsrisefromtheprintofhis foot, ManyaMosesisentrancedbyhisSinai. HegivesanewexplanationofLife, Anewinterpretationofthisdream. HishiddenlifeisbeingLifesmystery, TheunheardmusicofLifesharp. Naturetravelsinbloodforgenerations Tocomposetheharmonyofhispersonality. Ourhandfulofearthhasreachthezenith, Forthatchampionwillcomeforthfromthis dust! Theresleepsamidsttheashes,ofourToday Theflameofaworldconsumingmorrow. Ourbedenfoldsagardenofroses, Oureyesarebrightwithtomorrowsdawn. Appear,OriderofDestiny! Appear,OlightofthedarkrealmofChange! Illuminethesceneofexistence, Dwellintheblacknessofoureyes! Silencethenoiseofthenations, Imparadiseourearswiththymusic! Ariseandtunetheharpofbrotherhood, Giveusbackthecupofthewineoflove! Bringoncemoredaysofpeacetotheworld, Giveamessageofpeacetothemthatseek battle! Mankindarethecornfieldandthouthe harvest, ThouartthegoalofLifescaravan. TheleavesarescatteredbyAutumnsfury: Oh,dothoupassoverourgardensasthe Spring! Receivefromourdowncastbrows Thehomageoflittlechildrenandofyoung menandold! Itistotheethatweoweourdignity Andsilentlyundergothepainsoflife.

Settingforththeinnermeaningofthe namesofAli
AliisthefirstMuslimandtheKingofmen, InLoveseyesAliisthetreasureoftheFaith. Devotiontohisfamilyinspiresmewithlife SothatIamasashiningpearl. Likethenarcissus,Iamenrapturedwith gazing: Likeperfume,Iamstrayingthroughhis pleasuregarden. Ifholywatergushesfrommyearth,heisthe source; Ifwinepoursfrommygrapes,heisthecause. Iamdust,buthissunhathmademeasa mirror: Songcanbeseeninmybreast. FromAlisfacetheProphetdrewmanyafair omen, Byhismajestythetruereligionisglorified HiscommandmentsarethestrengthofIslam: AllthingspayallegiancetohisHouse. TheApostleofGodgavehimthenameBu Turab; GodintheKorancalledhimtheHandof Allah. EveryonethatisacquaintedwithLifes mysteries Knowswhatistheinnermeaningofthe namesofAli. Thedarkclay,whosenameisthebody Ourreasoniseverbemoaningitsiniquity. Onaccountofitourskyreachingthought plodsovertheearth; Itmakesoureyesblindandourearsdeaf. Ithathinitshandatwoedgedswordoflust: Travelersheartsarebrokenbythisbrigand. Ali,theLionofGod,subduedthebodysclay Andtransmutedthisdarkearthtogold. Murtaza,bywhoseswordthesplendourof Truthwasrevealed, IsnamedBuTurabfromhisconquestofthe body.

Secrets&Mysteries21 Manwinsterritorybyprowessinbattle, Buthisbrightestjewelismasteryofhimself. WhosoeverintheworldbecomesaBuTurab Turnsbackthesunfromthewest; Whosoeversaddlestightlytheseedofthe body Sitslikethebezelonthesealofsovereignty: HerethemightofKhyberisunderhisfeet, Andhereafterhishandwilldistributethe waterofKauthar. Throughselfknowledge,heactsasGods Hand, AndinvirtueofbeingGodsHandhereigns overall. Hispersonisthegateofthecityofthe sciences: Arabia,China,andGreecearesubjecttohim. Ifthouwouldstdrinkclearwinefromthine owngrapes, Thoumustneedswieldauthorityoverthine ownearth. Tobecomeearthisthecreedofamoth: Beaconquerorofearth;thataloneisworthy ofaman. Thouartsoftasarose.Becomehardasa stone, Thatthoumaystbethefoundationofthewall ofthegarden! BuildthyclayintoaMan, BuildthyManintoaWorld! Unlessfromthineownearththoubuildthine ownwallordoor, Someoneelsewillmakebricksofthineearth. Othouwhocomplainestofthecrueltyof Heaven, Thouwhoseglasscriesoutagainstthe injusticeofthestone, Howlongthiswailingandcryingand lamentation? Howlongthisperpetualbeatingofthy breast? ThepithofLifeiscontainedinaction, TodelightincreationisthelawofLife. Ariseandcreateanewworld! Wrapthyselfinflames,beanAbraham! Tocomplywiththisworldwhichdoesnot favourthypurposes Istoflingawaythybuckleronthefieldof battle. Themanofstrongcharacterwhoismasterof himself WillfindFortunecomplaisant. Iftheworlddoesnotcomplywithhis humour, HewilltrythehazardofwarwithHeaven; Hewilldigupthefoundationsoftheuniverse Andcastitsatomsintoanewmould. HewillsubvertthecourseofTime Andwrecktheazurefirmament. Byhisownstrengthhewillproduce Anewworldwhichwilldohispleasure. Ifonecannotliveintheworldasbeseemsa man, Thenitisbettertodielikethebrave. Hethathathasoundheart Willprovehisstrengthbygreatenterprises. Tissweettouseloveinhardtasks And,likeAbraham,togatherrosesfrom flames. Thepotentialitiesofmenofaction Aredisplayedinwillingacceptanceofwhatis difficult. Meanspiritshavenoweaponbutresentment. Lifehasonlyonelaw. Lifeispowermademanifest, Anditsmainspringisthedesireforvictory. MercyoutofseasonisachillingofLifes blood, AbreakintherhythmofLifesmusic. Whoeverissunkinthedepthsofignominy Callshisweaknesscontentment. WeaknessistheplundererofLife, Itswombisteemingwithfearsandlies. Itssoulisemptyofvirtues, Vicesfattenonitsmilk. Omanofsoundjudgment,beware! Thisspoilerislurkinginambush Benotitsdupe,ifthouartwise: Chameleonlike,itchangescolourevery moment. Evenbykeenobserversitsformisnot discerned: Veilsarethrownoveritsface. Nowitismuffledinpityandgentleness, Nowitwearsthecloakofhumanity.

22CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Sometimesitisdisguisedascompulsion, Sometimesasexcusability. Itappearsintheshapeofselfindulgence Androbsthestrongmansheartofcourage. StrengthisthetwinofTruth; Ifthouknowestthyself,strengthisthe Truthrevealingglass. Lifeistheseed,andpowerthecrop: Powerexplainsthemysteryoftruthand falsehood. Aclaimant,ifhebepossessedofpower, Needsnoargumentforhisclaim. Falsehoodderivesfrompowertheauthority oftruth, Andbyfalsifyingtruthdeemsitselftrue. Itscreativewordtransformspoisoninto nectar; Itsaystogood,Thouartbad,andGood becomesEvil. Othouthatartheedlessofthetrust committedtothee, Esteemthyselfsuperiortobothworlds! GainknowledgeofLifesmysteries! Beatyrant!IgnoreallexceptGod! Omanofunderstanding,openthineeyes, ears,andlips! IfthenthouseestnottheWayofTruth,laugh atme! ThehouseofFalsehoodfellinruinsathis gaze. ThedustofthePunjabwasbroughttolifeby hisbreath, Ourdawnwasmadesplendidbyhissun. Hewasalover,andwithal,acourierofLove: ThesecretsofLoveshoneforthfromhis brow. Iwilltellastoryofhisperfection Andencloseawholerosebedinasinglebud. Ayoungman,cypresstall, CamefromthetownofMervtoLahore. Hewenttoseethevenerablesaint, Thatthesunmightdispelhisdarkness. Iamhammedin,hesaid,byfoes; Iamasaglassinthemidstofstones. Dothouteachme,Osireofheavenlyrank, Howtoleadmylifeamongstenemies! ThewiseDirector,inwhosenature Lovehadalliedbeautywithmajesty, Answered:ThouartunreadinLifeslore, Carelessofitsendanditsbeginning. Bewithoutfearofothers! Thouartasleepingforce:awake! Whenthestonethoughtitselftobeglass, Itbecameglassandgotintothewayof breaking. Ifthetravellerthinkshimselfweak, Hedelivershissouluntothebrigand. Howlongwiltthouregardthyselfaswater andclay? CreatefromthyclayaflamingSinai! Whybeangrywithmightymen? Whycomplainofenemies? Iwilldeclarethetruth:thineenemyisthy friend; Hisexistencecrownstheewithglory. Whosoeverknowsthestatesoftheself Considersapowerfulenemytobeablessing fromGod. TotheseedofMantheenemyisasa raincloud: Heawakensitspotentialities. Ifthyspiritbestrong,thestonesinthyway areaswater: Whatwrecksthetorrentoftheupsand downsoftheroad?

StoryofayoungmanofMervwhocame tothesaintAliHajwiri(godhavemercy onhim)andcomplainedthathewas oppressedbyhisenemies

ThesaintofHajwirwasveneratedbythe peoples, AndPiriSanjarvisitedhistombasapilgrim. Witheasehebrokedownthemountain barriers AndsowedtheseedofIslaminIndia. TheageofOmarwasrestoredbyhis godliness, ThefameoftheTruthwasexaltedbyhis words, Hewasaguardianofthehonourofthe Koran.

Secrets&Mysteries23 Theswordofresolutioniswhettedbythe stonesintheway Andputtoproofbytraversingstageafter stage. Whatistheuseofeatingandsleepinglikea beast? Whatistheuseofbeing,unlessthouhave strengthinthyself? Whenthoumakstthyselfstrongwithself, Thouwiltdestroytheworldatthypleasure. Ifthouwouldstpassaway,becomefreeof self; Ifthouwouldstlive,becomefullofself! Whatisdeath?Tobecomeoblivioustoself. Whyimaginethatitisthepartingofsouland body? Abideinself,likeJoseph! Advancefromcaptivitytoempire! Thinkofselfandbeamanofaction! BeamanofGod,bearmysterieswithin! Iwillexplainthematterbymeansofstories, Iwillopenthebudbythepowerofmy breath. Tisbetterthataloverssecret Shouldbetoldbythelipsofothers. Andturnedawayfromthesparklingstone. Disappointmentswelledinhisbreast, Thesonginhisthroatbecameawail. Uponarosetwigadropofdew Gleamedlikethetearinanightingaleseye: Allitsglitterwasowingtothesun, Itwastremblinginfearofthesun Arestlessskybornstar Thathadstoppedforamoment,fromdesire tobeseen; Oftdeceivedbybudandflower, IthadgainednothingfromLife. Thereithung,readytodrop, Likeatearontheeyelashesofaloverwho hathlosthisheart. Thesorelydistressedbirdhoppedunderthe rosebush, Thedewdroptrickledintohismouth. Othouthatwouldstdeliverthysoulfrom enemies. IasktheeArtthouadropofwaterora gem? Whenthebirdmeltedinthefireofthirst, Itappropriatedthelifeofanother. Thedropwasnotsolidandgemlike; Thediamondhadabeing,thedrophadnone. Neverforaninstantneglectselfpreservation: Beadiamond,notadewdrop! Bemassiveinnature,likemountains, Andbearonthycrestahundredcloudsladen withfloodsofrain! Savethyselfbyaffirmationofself, Compressthyquicksilverintosilverore! Produceamelodyfromthestringofself, Makemanifestthesecretsofself!

Storyofthebirdthatwasfaintwiththirst
Abirdwasfaintwiththirst, Thebreathinhisbodywasheavinglike wavesofsmoke. Hesawadiamondinthegarden: Thirstcreatedavisionofwater. Deceivedbythesunbrightstone Thefoolishbirdfanciedthatitwaswater. Hegotnomoisturefromthegem: Hepeckeditwithhisbeak,butitdidnotwet hispalate. Othrallofvaindesire,saidthediamond, Thouhastsharpenedthygreedybeakonme; ButIamnotadewdrop,Igivenodrink, Idonotliveforthesakeofothers. Wouldstthouhurtme?Thouartmad! Alifethatrevealstheselfisstrangetothee. Mywaterwillshiverthebeaksofbirds Andbreakthejewelofmanslife. Thebirdwonnothisheartswishfromthe diamond

Storyofthediamondandthecoal
NowIwillopenonemoregateofTruth, Iwilltelltheeanothertale. Thecoalintheminesaidtothediamond, Othouentrustedwithsplendoursevelasting, Wearecomrades,andourbeingisone; Thesourceofourexistenceisthesame, YetwhileIdiehereintheanguishof worthlessness, Thouartsetonthecrownsofemperors.

24CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal MystuffissovilethatIamvaluedlessthan earth, Whereasthemirrorsheartisrentbythy beauty. Mydarknessilluminesthechafingdish, Thenmysubstanceisincineratedatlast. Everyoneputsthesoleofhisfootonmyhead Andcoversmystockofexistencewithashes. Myfatemustneedsbedeplored; Dostthouknowwhatisthegistofmybeing? Itisacondensedwaveletofsmoke, Endowedwithasinglespark; Bothinfeatureandnaturethouartstarlike, Splendoursrisefromeverysideofthee. Nowthoubecomestthelightofamonarchs eye, Nowthouadornestthehaftofadagger. Osagaciousfriend!saidthediamond, Darkearth,whenhardened,becomesin dignityasabezel. Havingbeenatstrifewithitsenvironment, Itisripenedbythestruggleandgrowshard likeastone. Tisthisripenessthathasendowedmyform withlight Andfilledmybosomwithradiance. Becausethybeingisimmature,thouhast becomeabased; Becausethybodyissoft,thouartburnt. Bevoidoffear,grief,andanxiety; Behardasastone,beadiamond! Whosoeverstriveshardandgripstight, Thetwoworldsareilluminedbyhim. AlittleearthistheoriginoftheBlackStone WhichputsforthitsheadintheKabah: ItsrankishigherthanSinai, Itiskissedbytheswarthyandthefair. InsolidityconsiststhegloryofLife; Weaknessisworthlessnessandimmaturity.

StoryoftheShaykhandtheBrahmin, followedbyaconversationbetween GangesandHimalayatotheeffectthatthe continuationofsociallifedependsonfirm attachmenttothecharacteristictraditions ofthecommunity

AtBenareslivedavenerableBrahmin, WhoseheadwasdeepintheoceanofBeing andNotbeing. Hehadalargeknowledgeofphilosophy Butwaswelldisposedtotheseekersafter God. Hismindwaseagertoexplorenewproblems, Hisintellectmovedonalevelwiththe Pleiades; HisnestwasashighasthatoftheAnka; Sunandmoonwerecast,likerue,onthe flameofhisthought. Foralongtimehelabouredandsweated, Butphilosophybroughtnowinetohiscup Althoughhesetmanyasnareinthegardens oflearning, HissnaresnevercaughtaglimpseoftheIdeal bird; Andnotwithstandingthatthenailsofhis thoughtweredabbledwithblood, TheknotofBeingandNotbeingremained untied. Thesighsonhislipsborewitnesstohis despair, Hiscountenancetoldtalesofhisdistraction. OnedayhevisitedanexcellentShaykh, Amanwhobadinhisbreastaheartofgold. TheBrahminlaidthesealofsilenceonhislips AndlenthiseartotheSagesdiscourse. ThensaidtheShaykh:Owandererinthe loftysky! Pledgethyselftobetrue,foralittle,tothe earth; Thouhastlostthywayinwildernessesof speculation, Thyfearlessthoughthathpassedbeyond Heaven. Bereconciledwithearth,Oskytraveller! Donotwanderinquestoftheessenceofthe stars!

Secrets&Mysteries25 Idonotbidtheeabandonthineidols. Artthouanunbeliever?Thenbeworthyof thebadgeofunbelief! Oinheritorofancientculture, Turnnotthybackonthepaththyfathers trod; Ifapeopleslifeisderivedfromunity, Unbelieftooissourceofunity. Thouthatartnotevenaperfectinfidel, Artunfittoworshipattheshrineofthespirit. Webotharefarastrayfromtheroadof devotion: ThouartfarfromAzar,andIfromAbraham. OurMajnunhathnotfallenintomelancholy forhisLaylassake: Hehathnotbecomeperfectinthemadnessof love. Whenthelampofselfexpires, Whatistheuseofheavensurveying imagination? Onceonatime,layingholdoftheskirtofthe mountain, GangessaidtoHimalaya: Othoumantledinsnowsincethemornof creation, Thouwhoseformisgirdledwithstreams, Godmadetheeapartnerinthesecretsof heaven, Butdeprivedthyfootofgracefulgait. Hetookawayfromtheethepowertowalk: Whatavailsthissublimityandstateliness? Lifespringsfromperpetualmovement: Motionconstitutesthewaveswhole existence, Whenthemountainheardthistauntfromthe river, Hepuffedangrilylikeaseaoffire, Andanswered:Thywidewatersaremy lookingglass; Withinmybosomareahundredriverslike thee. Thisgracefulgaitofthineisaninstrumentof death: Whosogoethfromselfismeettodie. Thouhastnoknowledgeofthineowncase, Thouexultestinthymisfortune:thouarta fool! Obornofthewomboftherevolvingsky, Afalleninbankisbetterthanthou! Thouhastmadethineexistenceanofferingto theocean, Thouhastthrowntherichpurseofthylifeto thehighwayman. Beselfcontainedliketheroseinthegarden, Donotgotothefloristinordertospreadthy perfume! Toliveistogrowinthyself Andgatherrosesfromthineownflowerbed. Ageshavegonebyandmyfootisfastin earth: DostthoufancythatIamfarfrommygoal? Mybeinggrewandreachedthesky, ThePleiadessanktorestundermyskirts; Thybeingvanishesintheocean, Butonmycrestthestarsbowtheirheads. Mineeyeseesthemysteriesofheaven, Mineearisfamiliarwithangelswings. SinceIglowedwiththeheatofunceasingtoil, Iamassedrubies,diamonds,andothergems. Iamstonewithin,andinthestoneisfire: Watercannotpassovermyfire! Artthouadropofwater?Donotbreakat. thineownfeet, Butendeavourtosurgeandwrestlewiththe sea. Desirethewaterofajewel,becomeajewel! Beaneardrop,adornabeauty! Oh,expandthyself!Moveswiftly! Beacloudthatshootslightningandshedsa floodofrain! Lettheoceansueforthystormsasabeggar, Letitcomplainofthestraitnessofitsskirts Letitdeemitselflessthanawave Andglidealongatthyfeet!

ShowingthatthepurposeoftheMuslims lifeistoexaltthewordofAllah,andthat thejihad(waragainstunbelievers),ifitbe promptedbylandhunger,isunlawfulin thereligionofIslam

ImbuethineheartWiththetinctureofAllah, GivehonourandglorytoLove!

26CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal TheMuslimsnatureprevailsbymeansof love: TheMuslim,ifhebenotloving,isaninfidel. UponGoddependshisseeingandnotseeing, Hiseating,drinking,andsleeping. InhiswillthatwhichGodwillsbecomeslost Howsmallamanbelievethissaying? HeencampsinthefieldofThereisnogodbut Allah; Intheworldheisawitnesstomankind. HishighestateisattestedbytheProphetwho wassenttomenandJinn Themosttruthfulofwitnesses. Leavewordsandseekthatspiritualstate, ShedthelightofGodoerthedarknessofthy deeds! Albeitcladinkinglyrobe,liveasadervish, LivewakefulandmeditatingonGod! Whateverthoudost,letitbethineaimtherein todrawnightoGod, Thathisglorymaybemademanifestbythee. Peacebecomesanevil,ifitsobjectbeaught else; WarisgoodifitsobjectisGod. IfGodbenotexaltedbyourswords, Wardishonoursthepeople. TheholyShaykhMiyanMirWali, Bythelightofwhosesouleveryhiddenthing wasrevealed Hisfeetwerefirmlyplantedonthepathof Muhammad, Hewasaflutefortheimpassionedmusicof love. Histombkeepsourcitysafefromharm Andcausesthebeamsoftruereligiontoshine onus. Heavenstoopeditsbrowtohisthreshold, TheEmperorofIndiawasoneofhisdisciples. Now,thismonarchhadsowntheseedof ambitioninhisheart Andwasresolvedonconquest. Theflamesofvaindesirewerealightinhim, Hewasteachinghisswordtoask,Isthere anymore? IntheDeccanwasagreatnoiseofwar, Hisarmystoodonthebattlefield. HewenttotheShaykhofheavenhighdignity Thathemightreceivehisblessing: TheMuslimturnsfromthisworldtoGod Andstrengthenspolicywithprayer. TheShaykhmadenoanswertotheEmperors speech, Theassemblyofdervisheswasallears, Untiladisciple,inhishandasilvercoin, Openedhislipsandbrokethesilence, Saying,Acceptthispoorofferingfromme, Oguideofthemthathavelostthewayto God! Mylimbswerebathedinsweatoflabour BeforeIputawayadirheminmyskirt. TheShaykhsaid:Thismoneyoughttobe giventoourSultan, Whoisabeggarwearingtheraimentofa king. Thoughheholdsswayoversun,moonand stars, OurEmperoristhemostpennilessof mankind. Hiseyeisfixedonthetableofstrangers, Thefireofhishungerhathconsumedawhole world. Hisswordisfollowedbyfamineandplague, Hisbuildinglayswidelandwaste. Thefolkarecryingoutbecauseofhis indigence, Hisemptyhandednesscauseshimtoplunder theweak. Hispowerisanenemytoall: Humankindarethecaravanandhethe brigand. Inhisselfdelusionandignorance Hecallspillagebythenameofempire. Boththeroyaltroopsandthoseoftheenemy Areclovenintwainbytheswordofhis hunger. Thebeggarshungerconsumeshisownsoul, ButtheSultanshungerdestroysstateand religion. Whososhalldrawtheswordforanything exceptAllah, Hisswordissheathedinhisownbreast.

Secrets&Mysteries27

PreceptswrittenfortheMuslimsofIndia byMirNajatNakshband,whois generallyknownasBabaSahrai

Othouthathastgrownfromearth,likearose, Thoutooartbornofthewombofself! Donotabandonself!Persisttherein! Beadropofwateranddrinkuptheocean Glowingwiththelightofselfasthouart, Makeselfstrong,andthouwiltendure. Thougettstprofitfromthetrade, Thougainstrichesbypreservingthis commodity. Thouartbeing,andartthouafraidof notbeing? Dearfriend,thyunderstandingisatfault. SinceIamacquaintedwiththeharmonyof Life., IwilltelltheewhatisthesecretofLife Tosinkintothyselflikethepearl, Thentoemergefromthineinwardsolitude; Tocollectsparksbeneaththeashes, Andbecomeaflameanddazzlemenseyes. Go,burnthehouseoffortyyearstribulation, Moveroundthyself!Beacirclingflame! WhatisLifebuttobefreedfrommoving roundothers AndtoregardthyselfastheHolyTemple? Beatthywingsandescapefromtheattraction ofEarth: Likebirds,besafefromfalling. Unlessthouartabird.,thouwiltdowisely Nottobuildthynestonthetopofacave. Othouthatseekesttoacquireknowledge, IsayoertotheethemessageoftheSageof Rum: Knowledge,ifitlieonthyskin,isasnake; Knowledge,ifthoutakeittoheart,isa friend. HastthouheardhowtheMasterofRum GavelecturesonphilosophyatAleppo? Fastinthebondsofintellectualproofs, Driftingoerthedarkandstormyseaof understanding; AMosesunilluminedbyLovesSinai, IgnorantofLoveandofLovespassion.

HediscoursedonScepticismand Neoplatonism, Andstrungmanyabrilliantpearlof metaphysics. Heunravelledtheproblemsofthe Peripatetics, Thelightofhisthoughtmadeclearwhatever wasobscure. Heapsofbookslayaroundandinfrontof him, Andonhislipswasthekeytoalltheir mysteries. ShamsiTabriz,directedbyKamal, SoughthiswaytothecollegeofJalauddin Rumi Andcriedout,Whatisallthisnoiseand babble? Whatareallthesesyllogismsandjudgements anddemonstrations? Peace,Ofool!exclaimedtheMaulvi, Donotlaughatthedoctrinesofthesages. Gettheeoutofmycollege! Thisisargumentanddiscussion;whathast thoutodowithit? Mydiscourseisbeyondthyunderstanding. Itbrightenstheglassofperception! Thesewordsincreasedtheangerof ShamsiTabriz Andcausedafiretoburstforthfromhissoul. Thelightningofhislookfellontheearth, Andtheglowofhisbreathmadethedust springintoflames. Thespiritualfireburnedtheintellectualstack Andcleanconsumedthelibraryofthe philosopher. TheMaulvi,beingastrangertoLoves miracles AndunversedinLovesharmonies, Cried,Howdidstthoukindlethisfire, Whichhathburnedthebooksofthe philosophers? TheShaykhanswered,Ounbelieving Muslim, Thisisvisionandecstasy:whathastthouto dowithit? Mystateisbeyondthythought, MyflameistheAlchemistselixir.

28CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal Thouhastdrawnthysubstancefromthe snowofphilosophy, Thecloudofthythoughtshedsnothingbut hailstones. Kindleafireinthyrubble, Fosteraflameinthyearth! TheMuslimsknowledgeisperfectedby spiritualfervour, ThemeaningofIslamisRenouncewhatshall passaway. WhenAbrahamescapedfromthebondageof thatwhichsets, Hesatunhurtinthemidstofflames. ThouhastcastknowledgeofGodbehindthee Andsquanderedthyreligionforthesakeofa loaf. Thouarthotinpursuitofantimony, Thouartunawareoftheblacknessofthine owneye. SeektheFountainofLifefromtheswords edge, AndtheRiverofParadisefromthedragons mouth, DemandtheBlackStonefromthedoorofthe houseofidols, Andthemuskdeersbladderfromamad dog, ButdonotseektheglowofLovefromthe knowledgeoftoday, DonotseekthenatureofTruthfromthis infidelscup! LonghaveIbeenrunningtoandfro, LearningthesecretsoftheNewKnowledge: Itsgardenershaveputmetothetrial Andhavemademeintimatewiththeirroses. Roses!Tulips,rather,thatwarnonenotto smellthem Likepaperroses,amirageofperfume. Sincethisgardenceasedtoenthrallme IhavenestedontheParadisaltree. Modernknowledgeisthegreatestblind Idolworshipping,idolselling,idolmaking! Shackledintheprisonofphenomena, Ithasnotoverleapedthelimitsofthesensible. Ithasfallendownincrossingthebridgeof Life, Ithaslaidtheknifetoitsownthroat. Itsfireiscoldastheflameofthetulip; Itsflamesarefrozenlikehail. Itsnatureremainsuntouchedbytheglowof Love, Itiseverengagedinjoylesssearch. LoveisthePlatothathealsthesicknessesof themind. Themindsmelancholyiscuredbyitslancet. ThewholeworldbowsinadorationtoLove, LoveistheMahmudthatconquersthe Somnathofintellect. Modernsciencelacksthisoldwineinitscup, Itsnightsarenotloudwithpassionateprayer. Thouhastmisprizedthineowncypress Anddeemedtallthecypressofothers. Likethereed,thouhastemptiedthyselfofself Andgiventhinehearttothemusicofothers. Othouthatbeggstmorselsfromanothers table, Wiltthouseekthineownkindinanothers shop? TheMuslimsassemblyplaceisburnedupby thelampsofstrangers, Hismosqueisconsumedbythesparksof monasticism. Whenthedeerfledfromthesacredterritory ofMakkah, Thehuntersarrowpiercedherside. Theleavesoftherosearescatteredlikeits scent: Othouthathasfledfromtheself,comeback toit! OtrusteeofthewisdomoftheQuran, Findthelostunityagain! We,whokeepthegateofthecitadelofIslam, Havebecomeunbelieversbyneglectingthe watchwordofIslam. TheancientSakisbowlisshattered, ThewinepartyoftheHijazisbrokenup. TheKabaisfilledwithouridols, InfidelitymocksatourIslam. OurShaykhhathgambledIslamawayfor loveofidols. Andmadearosaryofthezunnar. Ourspiritualdirectorsowetheirranktotheir whitehairs

Secrets&Mysteries29 Andarethelaughingstockofchildreninthe street; TheirheartsbearnoimpressoftheFaith Buthousetheidolsofsensuality. Everylonghairedfellowwearsthegarbofa dervish Alasforthesetraffickersinreligion! Dayandnighttheyaretravelingaboutwith disciples, InsensibletothegreatneedsofIslam. Theireyesarewithoutlight,likethe narcissus, Theirbreastsdevoidofspiritualwealth. PreachersandSufis,allworshipworldliness alike; Theprestigeofthepurereligionisruined. Ourpreacherfixedhiseyesonthepagoda AndthemuftioftheFaithsoldhisverdict. Afterthis,Ofriends,whatarewetodo? Ourguideturnshisfacetowardsthe winehouse. Look,OthouenthralledbyYesterdayand Tomorrow, Beholdanotherworldinthineownheart! Thouhastsowntheseedofdarknessinthe clay, ThouhastimaginedTimeasaline: ThythoughtmeasureslengthofTime Withthemeasureofnightandday. Thoumakstthislineagirdleonthineinfidel waist; Thouartanadvertiseroffalsehood,likeidols. ThouwerttheElixir,andthouhastbecomea Peckofdust; ThouwertborntheconscienceofTruth,and thouhastbecomealie! ArtthouaMuslim?Thencastoffthisgirdle! Beacandletothefeastofthereligionofthe free! KnowingnottheoriginofTime, ThouartignorantofeverlastingLife. Howlongwiltthoubeathrallofnightand day? LearnthemysteryofTimefromthewordsI haveatimewithGod. PhenomenaarisefromthemarchofTime, LifeisoneofTimesmysteries. ThecauseofTimeisnottherevolutionofthe sun Timeiseverlasting,butthesundoesnotlast forever. Timeisjoyandsorrow,festivalandfast, Timeisthesecretofmoonlightandsunlight. ThouhastextendedTime,likeSpace, AnddistinguishedYesterdayfrom Tomorrow. Thouhastfled,likeascent,fromthineown garden; Thouhastmadethyprisonwiththineown hand. OurTime,whichhasneitherbeginningnor end, Blossomsfromtheflowerbedofourmind. Toknowitsrootquickensthelivingwithnew life: Itsbeingismoresplendidthanthedawn. LifeisofTime,andTimeisofLife: DonotabuseTime!wasthecommandof theProphet.

Timeisasword
GreenbetheholygraveofShafii, Whosevinehathcheeredawholeworld! Histhoughtpluckedastarfromheaven: Henamedtimeacuttingsword. HowshallIsaywhatisthesecretofthis sword? Initsflashingedgethereislife. Itsownerisexaltedabovehopeandfear, HishandiswhiterthanthehandofMoses. Atonestrokethereofwatergushesfromthe rock Andtheseabecomeslandfromdearthof moisture. Mosesheldthisswordinhishand, Thereforehewroughtmorethanmanmay contrive. HeclovetheRedSeaasunder Andmadeitswaterslikedryearth. ThearmofAli,theconquerorofKhaibar, Drewitsstrengthfromthissamesword. Therevolutionoftheskyisworthseeing, Thechangeofdayandnightisworth observing.

30CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal [TranslatedbyA.R.Nicholson] NowIwilltellyouapointofwisdomas brilliantasapearl,8 Thatyoushouldrealizethedifference betweenaslaveandafreeman! Aslaveislostinthemagicofdaysandnights, ButTime,withallitsexpansion,islostinthe heartofafreeman! Aslaveweavestheshroudforhimselfbyhis times, Andcovershimselfwiththesheetofdaysand nights! Butafreemankeepshimselfabovetheearth Andattackstheworldwithallhismight! Aslaveiscaughtinthesnareofdaysand nightslikeabird, Andthepleasureofflightisforbiddentohis soul! Butthequickbreathingbreastofafreeman BecomesacagefortheBirdofTime! Toaslave,Natureisameaninglessword, Andthereisnothingrareintheimpressions ofhissoul! Owingtohisheavinessandlazinesshisabode isalwaysthesame, Andthecriesofhismornandevearealways thesame! Buttheattemptofafreemancreatesnew thingseverymoment Andhisstringcontinuouslyproducesnew tunes! Hisnatureisnotobligedtoanysortof repetition, Becausehispathisnotlikethecirclecaused bycompasses! ToaslaveTimeisbutachain, Andhealwayscomplainsagainstthefate! Butthecourageofafreemangives instructionstohisfate Andthegreatrevolutionsoftheworldare causedbyhispowerfulhand! Thepastthefuturearedissolvedinhispreset
Thisstanzawasaddedinalatereditionofthe originalandhenceitisnotfoundinNicholsons translation.WeareusingA.R.Tariqstranslationof theselinesbutgivinguphislinebreaksfora smootherreadingofeachcouplet.
8

Andallthedelayedplansareobservedbyhis quickaction! Thesewordsofminearebeyondsound, beyonddiscussion, Fortheirmeaningcantbeunderstoodeasily! AlthoughIhaveexpressedmyviewsabout Timeyetmyshallowwordsareashamedof themeaning; Andthemeaningitselfhasacomplaint: WhathaveItodowiththewords? Infact,alivingmeaningwhenexpressedin words,diesout; Yourverybreathsextinguishitsfire! Nevertheless,thepointofAbsenceand Presenceisinthedepthofourheart; ThemysteryofTimeanditsmotionisinthe depthofourheart! ThemusicalinstrumentofTimehasitsown silenttunes: Oh,divedeepintoyourheartthatyoumay realizethesecretofTime! [TranslatedbyA.R.Tariq] Oh,thememoryofthosedayswhenTimes sword Wasalliedwiththestrengthofourhands! Wesowedtheseedofreligioninmenshearts AndunveiledthefaceofTruth; Ournailstoreloosetheknotofthisworld, Ourbowinginprayergaveblessingstothe earth. FromthejarofTruthwemaderosywine gushforth, Wechargedagainsttheancienttaverns. Othouinwhosecupisoldwine, Awinesohotthattheglassiswellnigh turnedtowater, Wiltthouinthyprideandarroganceand selfconceit Tauntuswithouremptiness? Ourcup,too,hathgracedthesymposium Ourbreasthathownedaspirit. Thenewagewithallitsglories Hathrisenfromthedustofourfeet. OurbloodhathwateredGodsharvest, AllworshippersofGodareourdebtors. Thetakbirwasourgifttotheworld, Kabaswerebuiltofourclay.

Secrets&Mysteries31 BymeansofusGodtaughttheKoran, FromourhandHedispensedHisbounty. Althoughcrownandsignethavepassedfrom us., Donotlookwithcontemptonour beggarliness! Inthineeyeswearegoodfornothing, Thinkingoldthoughts,despicable. WehavehonourfromThereisnogodbut Allah, Wearetheprotectorsoftheuniverse. Freedfromthevexationoftodayandto morrow, WehavepledgedourselvestoloveOne. WearetheconsciencehiddeninGodsheart, WearetheheirsofMosesandAaron. Sunandmoonarestillbrightwithour radiance, Lightningflashesstilllurkinourcloud. InouressenceDivinityismirrored: TheMuslimsbeingisoneofthesignsofGod. Theyfellintoahundredmazes. Wearedispersedlikestarsintheworld; Thoughofthesamefamily,wearestrangeto oneanother. Bindagainthesescatteredleaves, Revivethelawoflove! Takeusbacktoservetheeasofold, Committhycausetothemthatlovethee! Wearetravellers:giveusresignationasour goal! GiveusthestrongfaithofAbraham! MakeusknowthemeaningofThereisno god, Makeusacquaintedwiththemysteryof exceptAllah! Iwhoburnlikeacandleforthesakeofothers Teachmyselftoweeplikethatcandle. OGod!atearthatisheartenkindling, Passionful,wrungforthbypain,peace consuming, MayIsowinthegarden,andmayitgrow intoafire Thatwashesawaythefirebrandfromthe tulipsrobe! Myheartiswithyestereve,myeyeison tomorrow: AmidstthecompanyIamalone. Everyonefanciesheismyfriend, Butnoneeversoughtthesecretswithinmy soul. Oh,whereinthewideworldismycomrade? IamtheBushofSinai:whereismyMoses? Iamtyrannous,Ihavedonemanyawrongto myself, Ihavenourishedaflameinmybosom, Aflamethatburnttoashesthewaresof understanding, Castfireontheskirtofdiscretion, Lessenedwithmadnesstheproudreason, Andinflamedtheverybeingofknowledge: Itsblazeenthronesthesuninthesky Andlightningsencircleitwithadorationfor ever. Mineeyefelltoweeping,likedew, SinceIwasentrustedwiththathiddenfire. Itaughtthecandletoburnopenly,

Aninvocation
Othouthatartasthesoulinthebodyofthe universe, Thouartoursoulandthouarteverfleeing fromus. ThoubreathestmusicintoLifeslute; LifeenviesDeathwhendeathisforthysake. Oncemorebringcomforttooursadhearts, Oncemoredwellinourbreasts! Oncemoredemandfromusthesacrificeof nameandfame, Strengthenourweaklove. Weareoftcomplainingofdestiny, Thouartofgreatpriceandwehavenaught. Hidenotthyfairfacefromtheemptyhanded! SellcheaptheloveofSalmanandBilal! Giveusthesleeplesseyeandthepassionate heart, Giveusagainthenatureofquicksilver! Showuntousoneofthymanifestsigns, Thatthenecksofourenemiesmaybebowed! Makethischaffamountaincrestedwithfire, BurnwithoutfireallthatisnotGod! WhenthepeopleofIslamletthethreadof Unitygofromtheirhands,

32CollectedPoeticalWorksofIqbal WhileImyselfburnedunseenbytheworlds eye. Aslastflamesburstforthfromeveryhairof me, Firedroppedfromtheveinsofmythought: Mynightingalepickedupthegrainsofspark Andcreatedafiretemperedsong. Thebreastofthisageiswithoutaheart, MajnunquiverswithpainbecauseLaylas howdahisempty. Itisnoteasyforthecandletothrobalone: Ah,istherenomothworthyofme? HowlongshallIwaitforonetosharemy grief? HowlongmustIsearchforaconfidant? OThouwhosefacelendslighttothemoon andthestars, WithdrawThyfirefromthesoul! TakebackwhatThouhastputinmybreast, Removethestabbingradiancefrommy mirror, Orgivemeoneoldcomrade Tobethemirrorofmineallburninglove! Intheseawavetossessidebysidewithwave: Eachhathapartnerinitsemotion. Inheavenstarconsortswithstar, Andthebrightmoonlaysherheadonthe kneesofNight. MorningtouchesNightsdarkside, AndTodaythrowsitselfagainstTomorrow. Oneriverlosesitsbeinginanother, Awaftofairdiesinperfume. Thereisdancingineverynookofthe wilderness, Madmandanceswithmadman. BecauseinthineessenceThouartsingle, ThouhastevolvedforThyselfawholeworld. Iamasthetulipofthefield, InthemidstofacompanyIamalone. IbegofThygraceasympathisingfriend, Andadeptinthemysteriesofmynature, Afriendendowedwithmadnessand wisdom, Onethatknowethnotthephantomofvain things, ThatImayconfidemylamenttohissoul Andseeagainmyfaceinhisheart. HisimageIwillmouldofmineownclay, Iwillbetohimbothidolandworshipper. [TranslatedbyR.A.Nicholson]