Recitation
بند ٤١
جسکی ہر سانس ہواک ولولہٰ خیرِ انام
نیند جسکی ہو غریبوں کی محبت میں حرام
جادہٰ خدمتِ اِنساں پہ جو ہو گرمِ خرام
اِس اُلوہی بشریت پہ دُرود اور سلام
حاملِ اوجِ اُلوہیتِ اِنساں تھے حسین
ہاں اِسی جادہٰ خدمت پہ خراماں تھے حسین
بند ٤٢
قافلے دھوپ میں جس وقت کہ چکراتے تھے
ہائے کیا دِل تھا اِنھیں چھاوٗں میں لے آتے تھے
داد احسان کی ملتی تھی تو شرماتے تھے
تشنہ لب دیکھ کے دُشمن کو تڑپ جاتے تھے
دشتِ بے آب میں کوثر کی روانی تھے حسین
کِشتِ اِنساں پہ برستا ہوا پانی تھے حسین
بند ٤٣
چشمہٗ بذل و سخا، دجلہٰ جود و احساں
مصلحِ وضعِ جہاں، عزّتِ نوعِ اِنساں
لنگرِ کشتیِ حق، ناشرِ حکمِ یزداں
خادمِ خستہ دلاں، ہادمِ قصر سلطاں
خاورِ صدق و صفا، داورِ ایثار حسین
کلُ جہاں قافلہ و قافلہ سالار حسین
بند ٤٤
چشمِ نمناک میں تھا پرتوِ روِ بے شیر
سانس لیتے تھے تو چبھتا تھا جگر میں اک تیر
برقِ جوّالہ کی تھی موجِ ہوا میں تا ثیر
اور اِس تقطہ حدّت پہ کھڑے تھے شبیرّ
کہ جہاں دھوپ کچھ اِس طور سے برماتی تھی
سینہِ برف سے بھی آنچ نکل آ تی تھی
بند ٤٥
پھر بھی ماتھے کا پسینہ جو گرا دیتے تھے
پل میں دہکے ہوے سورج کو بجھا دیتے تھے
چاندنی دھوپ کے آنگن میں کِھلادیتے تھے
لوُ پہ رکھتے تھے قدم پھول بنا دیتے تھے
رُخ پہ اک آنچ سی جب پیاس میں لہراتی تھی
جھر جھری کوثر و تسنیم کو آجاتی تھی
بند ٤٦
اِتنی حدّت میں بھی آہنگِ زمستاں تھے حسین
آب و رنگِ چمن و ابرِ بہاراں تھے حسین
کشتِ آئینِ رِسالت کے نگہباں تھے حسین
فرق سے تا بہ قدم موسمِ باراں تھے حسین
جھوم کر چرخ پہ قبلہ سے گھٹا آتی تھی
بات کرتے تھے تو جنت کی ہوا آتی تھی
بند ٤٧
بزمِ اجمال میں تفسیرِ مفصل تھے حسین
طاعتِ متصل و حمدِ مسلسل تھے حسین
شاہدِ گل بدنِ حجلہِ مقتل تھے حسین
ہادیِ پختہ و اِنسانِ مکمل تھے حسین
سایہِ تیغ میں بھی درسِ وفا دیتے تھے
اِنتہا یہ ہے کہ قاتل کو دعا دیتے تھے
بند ٤٨
مصرِ مقتل میں جوابِ مہِ کنعاں تھے حسین
طرفہ اک زمزمہ نوحہ بداماں تھے حسین
صبح افسردگیِ شامِ غر یباں تھے حسین
کوثرِ تشنہ دہاں، خندہٗ گریاں تھے حسین
دشتِ فریاد میں گل بانگِ ترنم تھے حسین
لیلیِ آہ کے ہونٹوں کا تبسم تھے حسین
بند ٤٩
نازشِ نوعِ بشر، فخرِ ابّ و جد تھے حسین
مفردو مستندو اشرف و امجد تھے حسین
سجدہ کرتا تھا جدھر کعبہ وہ معبد تھے حسین
نقطہِ پختگیِ فکرِ محمد تھے حسین
یہ نہ ہوتے تو یقیں صیدِ گماں ہو جاتا
آخری شعلہِ پیغام دھواں ہو جاتا
بند ٥٠
جگرِ ختمِ رسل، جانِ علی، شمع بتول
خاورِ جود و کرم، داورِ اقدار و اُصول
موت کو گردِ قدم مِل نہ سکی وہ مقتول
خاتمِ حق کے نگیں، دینِ شہادت کے رسول
مثلِ شبیر جنہیں پاسِ وفا ہوتا ہے
ایسے بندوں کے ہی پردے میں خدا ہوتا ہے
بند ٥١
بہرِ شادابی و رنگینیِ گلزارِ انام
طاقِ حجت میں جلانے کو چراغِ ا تمام
اِس تمناّ میں کہ ڈس لیں نہ یقیں کو اوہام
خیمہ پاک سے جس وقت کہ نکلے تھے اِمام
میرِ آفاق بصد زینت و زین آتے ہیں
دور تک شور بپا تھا کے حسین آتے ہیں
بند ٥٢
آپ کیا آئے کہ پیغامِ بہاراں آیا
دشتِ پرُ خار میں زہرا کا گلستاں آیا
مردہ ذرّوں کی طرف چشمہ حیواں آیا
اُفقِ مصر پہ گویا مہ کنعاں آیا
سورمارن میں بصد شانِ تفاخر آئے
جن کی عادت ہے شہادت وہ بہادر آئے
بند ٥٣
آپ کیا آے کہ میدان بنا باغِ نعیم
آ ئی ہر سمت سے پھولوں کی شمیم
جھک گئے انفس و آفاق برائے تسلیم
اپنے سینے سے لگانے کو بڑھے اِبراہیم
ہاتھ پھیلائے ہوئے بادِ بہاری آئی
جھوم اُٹھے خار کہ پھولوں کی سواری آئی
بند ٥٤
بزمِ ارواح میں پہنچی جو حسینی آواز
تو زمیں پر اُتر آئے جو نبی تھے ممتاز
مصطفے جھک گئے سجدے میں بہ اِفراطِ گداز
فاطمہ نے یہ صدا دی کے تیری عمر دراز
ہل گئی عرشِ معلیٰ وہ تلاطم آیا
لبِ قدرت پہ اک افسردہ تبسم آیا
बन्द ४१
जिसकी हर सांस हो एक वलवला ए ख़ैर ए अनाम
नीन्द जिसकी हो ग़रीबों की मोहब्बत में हराम
जादा ए ख़िदमत ए इन्सां पे जो हो गर्म ए ख़राम
इस उलूही बशरिअत पे दुरूद और सलाम
हामिल ए औज ए उलूहियत थे हुसैन
हां इसी जादा ए ख़िदमत पे ख़रामां थे हुसैन
बन्द ४२
क़ाफ़िले धूप में जिस वक़्त के चक्राते थे
हाए क्या दिल था इन्हें छाओं में ले आते थे
दाद एहसान की मिलती थी तो शरमाते थे
तिश्ना लब देख के दुश्मन को तड़प जाते थे
दश्त ए बे आब में कौसर की रवानी थे हुसैन
किश्त ए इन्सां पे बरसता हुआ पानी थे हुसैन
बन्द ४३
चश्मा ए बुज़्ल ओ सख़ा, दजला ए जूद ओ एहसां
मस्लह ए वज़ा’ ए जहाँ, इज़्ज़त ए नौ ए इन्सां
लंगर ए किश्ती ए हक़, नाशिर ए हुक्म ए यज़दां
ख़ादिम ए ख़स्ता दिलां, हादिम ए क़स्र ए सुल्तां
ख़ावर ए सिद्क़ ओ सफ़ा, दावर ए ईसार हुसैन
कुल जहाँ क़ाफ़िला ओ क़ाफ़िला सालार हुसैन
बन्द ४४
चश्म ए नमनाक में था परतव ए रू ए बे शीर
सांस लेते थे तो चुभता था जिगर में एक तीर
बर्क़ ए जव्वाला की थी मौज ए हवा में तासीर
और इस नुक़ता ए हिद्दत पे खड़े थे शब्बीर
के जहाँ धूप कुछ इस तौर से बरमाती थी
सीना ए बर्फ़ से भी आंच निकल आती थी
बन्द ४५
फिर भी माथे का पसीना जो गिरा देते थे
पल में दहके हुए सूरज को बुझा देते थे
चांदनी धूप के आँगन में खिला देते थे
लौ पे रखते थे क़दम फूल बना देते थे
रुख़ पे एक आंच सी जब प्यास में लहराती थी
झुरझुरी कौसर ओ तसनीम को आ जाती थी
बन्द ४६
इतनी हिद्दत में भी आहंग ए ज़मिस्तां थे हुसैन
आब ओ रंग ए चमन ओ अब्र ए बहारां थे हुसैन
किश्त ए आईन ए रिसालत के निगहबां थे हुसैन
फ़र्क़ से ता बा क़दम मौसम ए बारां थे हुसैन
झूम कर चरख़ पे क़िब्ले से घटा आती थी
बात करते थे तो जन्नत की हवा आती थी
बन्द ४७
बज़्म ए अजमाल में तफ़सीर ए मुफ़्फ़सिल थे हुसैन
ता’अत ए मुत्तसिल ओ हम्द ए मुसलसिल थे हुसैन
शाहेद ए गुल बदन ए हुज्ला ए मक़्तल थे हुसैन
हादी ए पुख़्ता ओ इंसान ए मुक्कमिल थे हुसैन
साया ए तेग़ में भी दरस ए वफ़ा देते थे
इन्तेहा ये है के क़ातिल को दुआ देते थे
बन्द ४८
मिस्र ए मक़्तल में जवाब ए मह ए कन’आं थे हुसैन
तुर्फ़ा एक ज़म्ज़मा ए नौहा बदामां थे हुसैन
सुबह अफ़्सुर्दगि ए शाम ए गरीबां थे हुसैन
कौसर ए तिश्ना दहां, ख़न्दा ए गिरियाँ थे हुसैन
दश्त ए फ़र्याद में गुल बांग ए तरन्नुम थे हुसैन
लैली ए आह के होंटों का तब्बस्सुम थे हुसैन
बन्द ४९
नाज़िश ए नौ ए बशर, फ़ख़र ए अब्ब ओ जद थे हुसैन
मुफ़्रिद ओ मुस्तनिद ओ अश्रफ़ ओ अमजद थे हुसैन
सिजदा करता था जिधर का’बा वो मो’बिद थे हुसैन
नुक़ता ए पुख़्तगी ए फ़िक्र ए मुहम्मद थे हुसैन
ये न होते तो यक़ीं सैद ए गुमां हो जाता
आख़री शो’ला ए पैग़ाम धुआं हो जाता
बन्द ५०
जिगर ए ख़त्म ए रुसल, जान ए अली, शमा’ ए बतूल
ख़ावर ए जूद ओ करम, दावर ए इक़्दार ओ उसूल
मौत को गर्द ए क़दम मिल न सकी वो मक़तूल
ख़ातम ए हक़ के नगीं, दीन ए शहादत के रसूल
मिस्ल ए शब्बीर जिन्हें पास ए वफ़ा होता है
ऐसे बन्दों के ही परदे में ख़ुदा होता है
बन्द ५१
बहर ए शादाबी ओ रंगीनी ए गुलज़ार ए अनाम
ताक़ ए हुज्जत में जलाने को चिराग़ ए इत्माम
इस तमन्ना में के डस लें न यकीं को औहाम
ख़ैमा ए पाक से जिस वक़्त के निकले थे इमाम
मीर ए आफ़ाक़ बसद ज़ीनत ओ ज़ैन आते हैं
दूर तक शोर बपा था के हुसैन आते हैं
बन्द ५२
आप क्या आए के पैग़ाम ए बहारां आया
दश्त ए पुर ख़ार में ज़हरा का गुलिस्तां आया
मुर्दा ज़र्रों की तरफ़ चश्मा ए हैवां आया
उफ़क़ ए मिस्र पे गोया मह ए कन’आं आया
सूरमा रन में बसद शान ए तफ़ाख़िर आए
जिन की आदत है शहादत वो बहादुर आए
बन्द ५३
आप क्या आए के मैदान बना बाग़ ए न’ईम
आई हर सिम्त से फूलों की शमीम
झुक गए अन्फ़स ओ आफ़ाक़ बरा ए तस्लीम
अपने सीने से लगाने को बढ़े इब्राहीम
हाथ फैलाये हुए बाद ए बहारी आई
झूम उठे ख़ार के फूलों की सवारी आई
बन्द ५४
बज़्म ए अरवाह में पहुंची जो हुसैनी आवाज़
तो ज़मीं पर उतर आए जो नबी थे मुमताज़
मुस्तफ़ा झुक गए सिजदे में बा इफ़रात ए गुदाज़
फ़ातिमा ने ये सदा दी के तेरी उम्र दराज़
हिल गई अर्श ए मुअल्ला वो तलातुम आया
लब ए क़ुद्रत पे एक अफ़्सुर्दा तबस्सुम आया
Click here for overall comments and on any stanza for meanings and discussion. In the following collection of stanzas Josh launches into an unabashed praise of Husain. The language is beautiful and the idea of “husainiyat” is put on a pedestal.
Stanza 41
jiski har saaNs ho ek valvala1 e Khair e anaam2
neend jiski ho GhariboN ki mohabbat meN haraam
jada3 e Khidmat e insaan pe jo ho garm e Kharaam4
is uloohi bashariat5 pe durood aur salaam
haamil6 e auj7 e uloohiyat8 the husain
haN isi jada e Khidmat pe KharamaaN9 the husain1.enthusiasm, wave 2. well being of creation 3. path 4. happily walking 5. divine personality 6. pregnant, full of 7. height 8. godliness 9. walking
He whose every breath was a wave of blessing for all, whom the love of the poor kept awake all night, who walked the path of service to humanity, my salaams and respects to this divine man. Husain was brimming with waves of divinity, treading the path of service to humanity.
Stanza 42
qaafile1 dhoop meN jis vaqt ke chakrate2 the
hae kya dil tha inheN chhaaoN meN le aate the
daad3 ehsaan4 ki milti thi to sharmaate the
tishna lab5 dekh ke dushman ko taRap jaate the
dasht6 e be aab7 meN kausar8 ki ravaani9 the husain
kisht10 e insaaN pe barasta hua paani the husain1.caravan 2. swoon 3. praise, thanks 4. benvolence, kindness 5. dry lip, thirsty 6. desert 7. waterless, dry 8. a spring in paradise 9. flow 10. agriculture, field
When caravans swooned in the relentless sun, it was his kindness that brought them into the shade. He would turn away from praise for his generosity. Pained by the thirst of even the enemy. In the waterless desert, Husain was the flow of Kauser. Husain was like gentle rain on the harvest of humanity. A small contingent of Yazid’s army was sent in advance of the main force to intercept and slow Husain and his party down. By the time this advance contingent caught up with Husain, they were exhausted and thirsty (desert travel). Husain gave them shelter and water. The leader of this advance contingent, a man by the name of Hur, was to later change sides and join Husain and his party, because of this generosity.
Stanza 43
chashma1 e buzl2 o saKha3, dajla e jood4 o ehsaaN5
maslah6 e vaza’ e jahaN7, izzat8 e nau e insaaN9
langar10 e kishti e haq11, naashir12 e hukm e yazdaN13
Khadim14 e Khasta dilaN15, hadim16 e qasr17 e sultaN18
Khavar19 e sidq o safa20, davar21 e eesar22 husain
kul23 jahaN qafila24 o qafila salar25 husain1.spring, source 2. kindness 3. generosity 4. benevolence 5. favours 6. reformer 7. ways of the world 8. respect 9. humanity 10. anchor 11. truthfulness 12. declare/explain 13. word/law of god 14. servant, helper 15. broken hearted 16. destroyer 17. castle 18. king – used here for tyrant 19. sun 20. truth and purity 21. lord 22. self denial, unselfish 23. all 24. caravan 25. caravan leader/guide
The spring of kindness and generosity, the river of benevolence. The reformer of the ways of the world, pride of humanity. The anchor of the ship of justice, exponent of the word of god. Helper of the broken hearted, destroyer of monarchs. The sun of Truth and Purity, exemplar of unselfishness. The world is a caravan and Husain the leader.
Stanza 44
chashm e namnak1 meN tha partav2 e roo3 e be-shir4
saaNs lete the to chubhta tha jigar5 meN ek tir
barq e javvala6 ki thi mauj e hava7 meN taseer8
aur is nuqta e hiddat9 pe khaRe the shabbir10
ke jahaN dhoop kuchh is taur se barmati11 thi
seena e barf se bhi aaNch nikal aati thi1.tearful eye 2, reflection 3. face 4. “without milk” …refers to Husain’s infant son, Asghar in Karbala who died without milk and even water 5. literally liver (considered as the seat of life) 6. lightning 7. gust of wind 8. effect 9. point of excess heat 10. another name of Husain 11. drill through
In his tearful eye, the image of his infant son, every breath hurting like a piercing arrow, the heat of lightning in every gust of wind, Husain stood at the point of extreme heat where the sun drilled through, such that even the heart of ice would be set aflame.
Stanza 45
phir bhi maathe ka pasina jo gira dete the
pal meN dahke hue1 suraj ko bujha dete the
chandni dhoop ke aaNgan meN khila dete the
lau2 pe rakhte the qadam phool bana dete the
ruKh pe ek aanch si jab pyaas meN lahrati thi
jhurjhuri3 kauser o tasnim4 ko aa jaati thi1.flaming 2. flame 3. shivers/trembling 4. legendary rivers in paradise
Even in this condition, every drop of sweat from his brow could extinguish the burning sun. It could bring soothing moonlight into the field of heat. Every step on the flaming desert would make flowers bloom. And when his face showed the pain of thirst Kauser and Tasnim in heaven would tremble in pain.
Stanza 46
itni hiddat1 meN bhi aahaNg2 e zamistaN3 the husain
aab o rang4 e chaman o abr e baharaaN5 the husain
kisht6 e aaiin e risalat7 ke nigahbaaN8 the husain
farq9 se ta10 ba qadam mausam e baaraN11 the husain
jhoom kar charKh12 pe qible13 se ghaTa14 aati thi
baat karte the to jannat ki hava aati thi1.excessive heat 2. rhythm, music/ soothing 3.winter, cool 4. brilliance and color/beauty 5. rain bearing cloud 6. cultivated field, 7. traditions of prophethood/Mohammed 8. caretaker 9. head 10. until, to 11. rainy season 12. sky 13. direction of the Kaa’ba (house of god) – used here to say “from god” 14. cloud
Even in this extreme heat, Husain was a soothing relief like a colourful garden, like rain clouds in spring. The protector of the of traditions of Mohammed, Husain was the personification of benevolent rain. Gentle clouds from the Ka’aba would roll over the sky and a heavenly breeze would blow, whenever he spoke.
Stanza 47
bazm e ajmal1 meN tafseer e muffasil2 the husain
ta’at3 e muttasil4 o hamd5 e musalsil6 the husain
shahed7 e gul badan8 e hujla e maqtal9 the husain
haadi10 e puKhta11 o insaan e mukkamil12 the husain
saya e teGh13 meN bhi dars14 e vafa15 dete the
inteha16 ye hai ke qaatil ko dua dete the1.assembly of incomplete knowledge 2. detailed explanation 3. submission/allegiance (to god) 4. continuous 5. praise (of god) 6. continuous 7. normally witness but also beautiful 8. flower bodied 9. chamber of killing (assassination) 10. guide 11. mature/wise 12. complete/perfect human 13. sword 14. lesson 15. faith, truth 16. limit
In this confused world, Husain was/is the perfect exemplar (of the Qura’an). Constant submission to god’s will, continuous praise to god Husain brought beauty to the slaughterhouse. Infallible guide, perfect human being, preaching truth even in the shadow of the sword. Even praying for the well being of his killers.
Stanza 48
misr1 e maqtal2 meN javab e mah e kanaaN3 the husain
turfa4 ek zamzama5 e nauha badamaaN6 the husain
subah afsurdagi e shaam e GharibaaN7 the husain
kauser8 e tishna dahaN9, Khanda10 e giriyaN11 the husain
dasht12 e faryad13 meN gul baang14 e tarannum15 the husain
laili e aah16 ke hoNToN ka tabassum17 the husain1.Egypt 2. slaughter house, battlefiled 3. literally, moon of the Canaan tribe Joseph (reputed to be handsome) 4. enchanting 5. gurgling of the spring of zam zam (metaphor for music) 6. bearing “nauha”-mourning 7. melancholy morning after an evening of desolation 9. thirsty mouth 10. merriment, laughter 11. mourning 12. wilderness 13. wailing 14. declaration 15. music (used for joy) 16. personification of sorrow 17. smile
As Joseph in Egypt, so was Husain in the battlefield carrying an enchanting tune of lamentation the melancholy morning after the night of desolation. A slaking river for the thirsty and joy for the sorrowful. In the wilderness of lament the song of joyful music. The smile on the lips of the Laila of sorrow. This has reference to the Biblical/Quranic story of Joseph. In the bazaar of Egypt, when Joseph came out, he was the center of attention because he was so handsome. Joseph is also called “mah e kanaaN” – the moon of the tribe of Canaan. In Shia tradition, the same good looks are attributed to Husain. Josh is portraying Husain as an enchanting combination of joy and sorrow, of defiant and victorious and yet a victim.
Stanza 49
naazish e nau e bashar1, faKhr2 e abb o jad3 the husain
mufrid4 o mustanid5 o ashraf6 o amjad7 the husain
sijda8 karta tha jidhar ka’aba vo mo’bid9 the husain
nuqta10 e puKhtagi11 e fikr12 e mohammed the husain
ye na hote to yaqeeN13 saed14 e gumaaN15 ho jata
aaKhri sho’la e paiGham16 dhuaN ho jata171.pride of humanity 2. pride 3. forebears 4. unique 5. genuine 6. noble 7. respected 8. prostrate in prayer 9. object of prayer offering 10. point/peak 11. maturity, wisdom 12. reason, thought, philosophy 13. faith 14. prey, victim 15. doubt, superstition 16. last flame of the message (of god) – for Muslims Mohammed was the last messenger of god 17. flame put out
The joy of humanity, the pride of forebears. Unique, genuine, noble and respected. Husain is the one towards whom the Ka’aba bows. The peak of the wisdom of the teachings of Mohammed. Had he not been, faith would have fallen victim to superstition. The light of the last message (of god) would have disappeared in smoke. The musicality is completely lost in the translation, making it read as an awkward combination of words. So be it. Islamic namaz is offered towards the Ka’aba. Here Josh turns the tables and says that the Ka’aba bows towards Husain.
Stanza 50
jigar1 e Khatm e rusl2, jaan e ali3, shama’ e batul4
Khaavar5 e jood o karam6, daavar7 e iqdar o usool8
maut ko gard e qadam mil na saki9 vo maqtool10
Khatam11 e haq12 ke nagiN13, deen e shahadat14 ke rasul15
misl16 e shabbir17 jinheN paas e vafa18 hota hai
aise bandoN19 ke hi parde meN Khuda hota hai1.liver (in urdu poetry used for seat of life/heart) 2. last messenger, Mohammed 3. Husain’s father 4. another name for Husain’s mother 5. sun 6. kindness and benevolence 7. lord 8. values and principles 9. could not even get the dust of fee (completely vanquished by) 10. one who is killed 11. ring, seal 12. righteousness 13. jewel 14. faith of martyrdom 15. prophet 16. example, like 17. another name of Husain 18. regard for faith 19. servants (of god).
The life/soul of the last prophet, the love of Ali, the lamp of Batul, the sun of benevolence, the lord of principles, who considered death less than the dirt beneath his feet. The jewel of the ring of righteousness, the exemplar of the way of martyrdom. Those who have regard for faith like Husain, in their person is Divinity reflected.
Stanza 51
bahr1 e shaadabi2 o rangini e gulzaar e anaam3
taaq e hujjat4 meN jalane ko chiraGh e itmam5
is tamanna6 meN ke Das leN na yaqeeN7 ko auham8
Khaima e paak se jis vaqt ke nikle the imam9
mir e aafaq10 basad11 zeenat o zain12 aate haiN
duur tak shor bapa tha ke husain aate haiN1.ocean 2. verdant, fertile 3. garden of creation (for world) 4. alcove of reason 5. finality 6. desire 7. certainty, faith 8. plural of vahm(superstitions) 10. leader (here Husain) 11. leader of the skies 12. with a hundred, many, great 13. grandeur, pomp and glory
The ocean of freshness and colour/beauty of the garden of creation. The last lamp to light the alcove of reason. Desiring that faith not be stung by superstition when he stepped out of his tent for battle it was as if the lord of the horizons/skies emerged with great grandeur. A cry went around that that Husain arrives.
Stanza 52
aap kya aaye ke paiGham e baharaaN aaya
dasht1 e pur Khaar2 meN zahra3 ka gulistaaN aaya
murda zarroN4 ki taraf chashma e haivaaN5 aaya
ufaq6 e misr7 pe goya mah e kan’aaN8 aaya
soorma9 run10 meN basad shaan11 e tafaKhir12 aaye
jin ki a’adat hai shahadat13 vo bahadur aaye1.wilderness, desert 2. thorny 3. yet another name of Husain’s mother 4. particles 5. river of life – haivaaN means animal, synonym for life 6. horizon 7. Egypt 8. moon of the Kanaan tribe =Joseph, liberater of slaves of Egypt – used as a parallelism for Husain 9. braves 10. battle 11. with a hundred glories 12. pride 13. martyrdom
His coming brought the message of spring. In the thorny desert, the garden of Zahra emerged. Lifeless particles found the water of life as if Joseph appeared on the horizon of Egypt. Braves came to battle with glory and pride. Those intent on martyrdom stepped forward. The parallelism with Joseph this time may not be for his good looks, but for his liberation of slaves.
Stanza 53
aap kya aaye ke maidan1 banaa baaGhe na’eem2
aaii har simt3 se phooloN ki shamim4
jhuk gaye anfas o aafaq5 bara e taslim6
apne seene se lagane ko baRhe ibrahim7
haath phailaye hue baad e bahari8 aaii
jhoom uThe Khaar9 ke phooloN ki savaari aaii1.field, field of battle 2. garden of blessing, paradise 3. direction 4. fragrant breeze 5. living things, earth and sky (all creation) 6. to pay respects 7. Abraham (here to represent all prophets) 8. spring breeze 9. thorns, dry brush
When he emerged, the battlefied turned to paradise. From all direction the fragrance of flowers blew in. The earth and the sky bowed in respect. Abraham came forward to embrace him. The spring of breeze came hand held out begging. Thorny brush swayed with joy that spring flowers came. Abraham here is representative of all earlier prophets come to show their love for Husain. The implication is that all the messages of all prophets is now going to be given a new life.
Stanza 54
bazm e arvaah1 meN pahunchi jo husaini aavaz
to zamiN par utar aaye jo nabi2 the mumtaz3
mustafa4 jhuk gaye sijde meN ba afraat5 e gudaz6
fatima7 ne ye sada di ke teri umr daraz8
hil gayee a’rsh e mu’alla9 vo talatum10 aaya
lab e qudrat11 pe ek afsurda12 tabassum13 aaya1.asembly of spirits/souls 2. prophet 3. distinguished 4. another name of Mohammed 5. excess of 6. gentle/soft 7. Husain’s mother 8. long life 9. high heaven 10. tumult 11. lips of nature or god 12. weak/faint 13. smile
When Husain’s cry reached the heavens all dinstinguished prophets came down to earth. Mohammed bowed down in exuberance of love. Fatima called out blessings for long life. Heavens shook at the tumult. A faint smile played on the lips of god.
In the following collection of stanzas Josh launches into an unabashed praise of Husain. The language is beautiful and the idea of “husainiyat” is put on a pedestal.
Stanza 41
jiski har saaNs ho ek valvala1 e Khair e anaam2
neend jiski ho GhariboN ki mohabbat meN haraam
jada3 e Khidmat e insaan pe jo ho garm e Kharaam4
is uloohi bashariat5 pe durood aur salaam
haamil6 e auj7 e uloohiyat8 the husain
haN isi jada e Khidmat pe KharamaaN9 the husain
1.enthusiasm, wave 2. well being of creation 3. path 4. happily walking 5. divine personality 6. pregnant, full of 7. height 8. godliness 9. walking
He whose every breath was a wave of blessing for all, whom the love of the poor kept awake all night, who walked the path of service to humanity, my salaams and respects to this divine man. Husain was brimming with waves of divinity, treading the path of service to humanity.
Stanza 42
qafile1 dhoop meN jis vaqt ke chakrate2 the
hae kya dil tha inheN chhaaoN meN le aate the
daad3 ehsaan4 ki milti thi to sharmaate the
tishna lab5 dekh ke dushman ko taRap jaate the
dasht6 e be aab7 meN kausar8 ki ravaani9 the husain
kisht10 e insaaN pe barasta hua paani the husain
1.caravan 2. swoon 3. praise, thanks 4. benvolence, kindness 5. dry lip, thirsty 6. desert 7. waterless, dry 8. a spring in paradise 9. flow 10. agriculture, field
When caravans swooned in the relentless sun, it was his kindness that brought them into the shade. He would turn away from praise for his generosity. Pained by the thirst of even the enemy. In the waterless desert, Husain was the flow of Kauser. Husain was like gentle rain on the harvest of humanity. A small contingent of Yazid’s army was sent in advance of the main force to intercept and slow Husain and his party down. By the time this advance contingent caught up with Husain, they were exhausted and thirsty (desert travel). Husain gave them shelter and water. The leader of this advance contingent, a man by the name of Hur, was to later change sides and join Husain and his party, because of this generosity.
Stanza 43
chashma1 e buzl2 o saKha3, dajla e jood4 o ehsaaN5
maslah6 e vaza’ e jahaN7, izzat8 e nau e insaaN9
langar10 e kishti e haq11, naashir12 e hukm e yazdaN13
Khadim14 e Khasta dilaN15, hadim16 e qasr17 e sultaN18
Khavar19 e sidq o safa20, davar21 e eesar22 husain
kul23 jahaN qafila24 o qafila salar25 husain
1.spring, source 2. kindness 3. generosity 4. benevolence 5. favours 6. reformer 7. ways of the world 8. respect 9. humanity 10. anchor 11. truthfulness 12. declare/explain 13. word/law of god 14. servant, helper 15. broken hearted 16. destroyer 17. castle 18. king – used here for tyrant 19. sun 20. truth and purity 21. lord 22. self denial, unselfish 23. all 24. caravan 25. caravan leader/guide
The spring of kindness and generosity, the river of benevolence. The reformer of the ways of the world, pride of humanity. The anchor of the ship of justice, exponent of the word of god. Helper of the broken hearted, destroyer of monarchs. The sun of Truth and Purity, exemplar of unselfishness. The world is a caravan and Husain the leader.
Stanza 44
chashm e namnak1 meN tha partav2 e roo3 e be-shir4
saaNs lete the to chubhta tha jigar5 meN ek tir
barq e javvala6 ki thi mauj e hava7 meN taseer8
aur is nuqta e hiddat9 pe khaRe the shabbir10
ke jahaN dhoop kuchh is taur se barmati11 thi
seena e barf se bhi aaNch nikal aati thi
1.tearful eye 2, reflection 3. face 4. “without milk” …refers to Husain’s infant son, Asghar in Karbala who died without milk and even water 5. literally liver (considered as the seat of life) 6. lightning 7. gust of wind 8. effect 9. point of excess heat 10. another name of Husain 11. drill through
In his tearful eye, the image of his infant son, every breath hurting like a piercing arrow, the heat of lightning in every gust of wind, Husain stood at the point of extreme heat where the sun drilled through, such that even the heart of ice would be set aflame.
Stanza 45
phir bhi maathe ka pasina jo gira dete the
pal meN dahke hue1 suraj ko bujha dete the
chandni dhoop ke aaNgan meN khila dete the
lau2 pe rakhte the qadam phool bana dete the
ruKh pe ek aanch si jab pyaas meN lahrati thi
jhurjhuri3 kauser o tasnim4 ko aa jaati thi
1.flaming 2. flame 3. shivers/trembling 4. legendary rivers in paradise
Even in this condition, every drop of sweat from his brow could extinguish the burning sun. It could bring soothing moonlight into the field of heat. Every step on the flaming desert would make flowers bloom. And when his face showed the pain of thirst Kauser and Tasnim in heaven would tremble in pain.
Stanza 46
itni hiddat1 meN bhi aahaNg2 e zamistaN3 the husain
aab o rang4 e chaman o abr e baharaaN5 the husain
kisht6 e aaiin e risalat7 ke nigahbaaN8 the husain
farq9 se ta10 ba qadam mausam e baaraN11 the husain
jhoom kar charKh12 pe qible13 se ghaTa14 aati thi
baat karte the to jannat ki hava aati thi
1.excessive heat 2. rhythm, music/ soothing 3.winter, cool 4. brilliance and color/beauty 5. rain bearing cloud 6. cultivated field, 7. traditions of prophethood/Mohammed 8. caretaker 9. head 10. until, to 11. rainy season 12. sky 13. direction of the Kaa’ba (house of god) – used here to say “from god” 14. cloud
Even in this extreme heat, Husain was a soothing relief like a colourful garden, like rain clouds in spring. The protector of the of traditions of Mohammed, Husain was the personification of benevolent rain. Gentle clouds from the Ka’aba would roll over the sky and a heavenly breeze would blow, whenever he spoke.
Stanza 47
bazm e ajmal1 meN tafseer e muffasil2 the husain
ta’at3 e muttasil4 o hamd5 e musalsil6 the husain
shahed7 e gul badan8 e hujla e maqtal9 the husain
haadi10 e puKhta11 o insaan e mukkamil12 the husain
saya e teGh13 meN bhi dars14 e vafa15 dete the
inteha16 ye hai ke qaatil ko dua dete the
1.assembly of incomplete knowledge 2. detailed explanation 3. submission/allegiance (to god) 4. continuous 5. praise (of god) 6. continuous 7. normally witness but also beautiful 8. flower bodied 9. chamber of killing (assassination) 10. guide 11. mature/wise 12. complete/perfect human 13. sword 14. lesson 15. faith, truth 16. limit
In this confused world, Husain was/is the perfect exemplar (of the Qura’an). Constant submission to god’s will, continuous praise to god Husain brought beauty to the slaughterhouse. Infallible guide, perfect human being, preaching truth even in the shadow of the sword. Even praying for the well being of his killers.
Stanza 48
misr1 e maqtal2 meN javab e mah e kanaaN3 the husain
turfa4 ek zamzama5 e nauha badamaaN6 the husain
subah afsurdagi e shaam e GharibaaN7 the husain
kauser8 e tishna dahaN9, Khanda10 e giriyaN11 the husain
dasht12 e faryad13 meN gul baang14 e tarannum15 the husain
laili e aah16 ke hoNToN ka tabassum17 the husain
1.Egypt 2. slaughter house, battlefiled 3. literally, moon of the Canaan tribe Joseph (reputed to be handsome) 4. enchanting 5. gurgling of the spring of zam zam (metaphor for music) 6. bearing “nauha”-mourning 7. melancholy morning after an evening of desolation 9. thirsty mouth 10. merriment, laughter 11. mourning 12. wilderness 13. wailing 14. declaration 15. music (used for joy) 16. personification of sorrow 17. smile
As Joseph in Egypt, so was Husain in the battlefield carrying an enchanting tune of lamentation the melancholy morning after the night of desolation. A slaking river for the thirsty and joy for the sorrowful. In the wilderness of lament the song of joyful music. The smile on the lips of the Laila of sorrow. This has reference to the Biblical/Quranic story of Joseph. In the bazaar of Egypt, when Joseph came out, he was the center of attention because he was so handsome. Joseph is also called “mah e kanaaN” – the moon of the tribe of Canaan. In Shia tradition, the same good looks are attributed to Husain. Josh is portraying Husain as an enchanting combination of joy and sorrow, of defiant and victorious and yet a victim.
Stanza 49
naazish e nau e bashar1, faKhr2 e abb o jad3 the husain
mufrid4 o mustanid5 o ashraf6 o amjad7 the husain
sijda8 karta tha jidhar ka’aba vo mo’bid9 the husain
nuqta10 e puKhtagi11 e fikr12 e mohammed the husain
ye na hote to yaqeeN13 saed14 e gumaaN15 ho jata
aaKhri sho’la e paiGham16 dhuaN ho jata17
1.pride of humanity 2. pride 3. forebears 4. unique 5. genuine 6. noble 7. respected 8. prostrate in prayer 9. object of prayer offering 10. point/peak 11. maturity, wisdom 12. reason, thought, philosophy 13. faith 14. prey, victim 15. doubt, superstition 16. last flame of the message (of god) – for Muslims Mohammed was the last messenger of god 17. flame put out
The joy of humanity, the pride of forebears. Unique, genuine, noble and respected. Husain is the one towards whom the Ka’aba bows. The peak of the wisdom of the teachings of Mohammed. Had he not been, faith would have fallen victim to superstition. The light of the last message (of god) would have disappeared in smoke. The musicality is completely lost in the translation, making it read as an awkward combination of words. So be it. Islamic namaz is offered towards the Ka’aba. Here Josh turns the tables and says that the Ka’aba bows towards Husain.
Stanza 50
jigar1 e Khatm e rusl2, jaan e ali3, shama’ e batul4
Khaavar5 e jood o karam6, daavar7 e iqdar o usool8
maut ko gard e qadam mil na saki9 vo maqtool10
Khatam11 e haq12 ke nagiN13, deen e shahadat14 ke rasul15
misl16 e shabbir17 jinheN paas e vafa18 hota hai
aise bandoN19 ke hi parde meN Khuda hota hai
1.liver (in urdu poetry used for seat of life/heart) 2. last messenger, Mohammed 3. Husain’s father 4. another name for Husain’s mother 5. sun 6. kindness and benevolence 7. lord 8. values and principles 9. could not even get the dust of fee (completely vanquished by) 10. one who is killed 11. ring, seal 12. righteousness 13. jewel 14. faith of martyrdom 15. prophet 16. example, like 17. another name of Husain 18. regard for faith 19. servants (of god).
The life of the last prophet, the love of Ali, the lamp of Batul, the sun of benevolence, the lord of principles, who considered death less than the dirt beneath his feet. The jewel of the ring of righteousness, the exemplar of the way of martyrdom. Those who have regard for faith like Husain, in their person is Divinity reflected.
Stanza 51
bahr1 e shaadabi2 o rangini e gulzaar e anaam3
taaq e hujjat4 meN jalane ko chiraGh e itmam5
is tamanna6 meN ke Das leN na yaqeeN7 ko auham8
Khaima e paak se jis vaqt ke nikle the imam9
mir e aafaq10 basad11 zeenat o zain12 aate haiN
duur tak shor bapa tha ke husain aate haiN
1.ocean 2. verdant, fertile 3. garden of creation (for world) 4. alcove of reason 5. finality 6. desire 7. certainty, faith 8. plural of vahm(superstitions) 10. leader (here Husain) 11. leader of the skies 12. with a hundred, many, great 13. grandeur, pomp and glory
The ocean of freshness and colour/beauty of the garden of creation. The last lamp to light the alcove of reason. Desiring that faith not be stung by superstition when he stepped out of his tent for battle it was as if the lord of the horizons/skies emerged with great grandeur. A cry went around that that Husain arrives.
Stanza 52
aap kya aaye ke paiGham e baharaaN aaya
dasht1 e pur Khaar2 meN zahra3 ka gulistaaN aaya
murda zarroN4 ki taraf chashma e haivaaN5 aaya
ufaq6 e misr7 pe goya mah e kan’aaN8 aaya
soorma9 run10 meN basad shaan11 e tafaKhir12 aaye
jin ki a’adat hai shahadat13 vo bahadur aaye
1.wilderness, desert 2. thorny 3. yet another name of Husain’s mother 4. particles 5. river of life – haivaaN means animal, synonym for life 6. horizon 7. Egypt 8. moon of the Kanaan tribe =Joseph, liberater of slaves of Egypt – used as a parallelism for Husain 9. braves 10. battle 11. with a hundred glories 12. pride 13. martyrdom
His coming brought the message of spring. In the thorny desert, the garden of Zahra emerged. Lifeless particles found the water of life as if Joseph appeared on the horizon of Egypt. Braves came to battle with glory and pride. Those intent on martyrdom stepped forward. The parallelism with Joseph this time may not be for his good looks, but for his liberation of slaves.
Stanza 53
aap kya aaye ke maidan1 banaa baaGhe na’eem2
aaii har simt3 se phooloN ki shamim4
jhuk gaye anfas o aafaq5 bara e taslim6
apne seene se lagane ko baRhe ibrahim7
haath phailaye hue baad e bahari8 aaii
jhoom uThe Khaar9 ke phooloN ki savaari aaii
1.field, field of battle 2. garden of blessing, paradise 3. direction 4. fragrant breeze 5. living things, earth and sky (all creation) 6. to pay respects 7. Abraham (here to represent all prophets) 8. spring breeze 9. thorns, dry brush
When he emerged, the battlefied turned to paradise. From all direction the fragrance of flowers blew in. The earth and the sky bowed in respect. Abraham came forward to embrace him. The spring of breeze came hand held out begging. Thorny brush swayed with joy that spring flowers came. Abraham here is representative of all earlier prophets come to show their love for Husain. The implication is that all the messages of all prophets is now going to be given a new life.
Stanza 54
bazm e arvaah1 meN pahunchi jo husaini aavaz
to zamiN par utar aaye jo nabi2 the mumtaz3
mustafa4 jhuk gaye sijde meN ba afraat5 e gudaz6
fatima7 ne ye sada di ke teri umr daraz8
hil gayee a’rsh e mu’alla9 vo talatum10 aaya
lab e qudrat11 pe ek afsurda12 tabassum13 aaya
1.asembly of spirits/souls 2. prophet 3. distinguished 4. another name of Mohammed 5. excess of 6. gentle/soft 7. Husain’s mother 8. long life 9. high heaven 10. tumult 11. lips of nature or god 12. weak/faint 13. smile
When Husain’s cry reached the heavens all dinstinguished prophets came down to earth. Mohammed bowed down in exuberance of love. Fatima called out blessings for long life. Heavens shook at the tumult. A faint smile played on the lips of god.
