For word meanings and explanatory discussion in English click on the tabs marked “Roman” or “Notes”.
Recitation
mojid o mufakkir is “inventor and thinker/philosopher” … josh makes an argument that technology has made life easier for human kind but the philosopher/thinker has raised mankind to new heights of an amorphous combination of “values, culture, ethics, humanity”. The rigor of the argument aside, the language is so awesome, powerful and beautiful that (especially if you allow yourselves to be seduced by josh) you forget about the argument but simply get lost in admiring the composition. I invite you to that journey …
tamaddun 1-10 In 10 stanzas josh describes how sophistication and culture developed among human beings. Please remind yourselves that there is no anthropological rigour in this. The development of civilization/settlements, of speech and writing, of social behaviour is described in the most lyrical and beautiful phrases.
eejad 11-29 In stanzas 11-29 josh describes the inventions of technology. It is joyful to read his description of the timepiece or of the satellite or cinema/TV and of sentient machines. The metaphors and the language are incomparably beautiful.
ehsaan 30-42 josh takes 13 stanzas to pay tribute to scientists and inventors in very beautiful and powerful language and then begins to wonder why humanity is not beholden to them. He goes on to answer that it is one thing to take us to the “dome of the skies” but another to make us understand the meaning of life.
mufakkir 43-53 Explaining the meaning of life is what a mufakkir does and josh goes on to re-affirm why the mufakkir is foremost in human thought, not the mojid.
husain 54-68 Having described the qualities and contributions of the mufakkir josh proceeds to say that husain ibn-e ali is an exemplary mufakkir who rose to do all this for humanity … he rose carrying a flask of his own blood on his shoulder i.e., ready to sacrifice his own life.
Khoon 69-74 These stanzas are an unadulterated, highly emotional praise of husain. The terminology of “Khoon” is used not only to say that Husain was ready to sacrifice his own blood but also in the sense that in common parlance the word “Khoon” is used to imply character, heritage and the like. Even if you are not inclined to shii belief, you will find this composition extremely enjoyable and emotionally charged.
karbala 75-84 josh uses these few stanzas to describe the prevailing conditions before the battle of karbala which led husain to lay down his life in principled resistance.
tarGheeb 85-90 This comes close to incitement and calls upon the audience to resist injustice.
Khiraaj 91-107 Unadulterated tribute to husain. It is beautiful and powerful composition with rich metaphors. Enjoyable even when read with a completely secular viewpoint.
almadad 108-116 A resounding call for help from the spirit of husain while calling upon the audience to act on the principles that impelled husain, to resist present day injustice. His call on husain for water is a most dramatic and ironic climax to this marsia.
موجد و مفکر۔منتخب بند۔جوشؔ ملیح آبادی
٢
گنگ اِشاروں کو صدا بن کر نکھرنا آ گیا
اور صدا کو لفظ میں ڈھل کر اُبھرنا آ گیا
لفظ کو پھر حرف بن کر گُل کترنا آ گیا
خاکِ صامت کو باِلآخر بات کرنا آ گیا
لب ہلے تو کشتیاں چلنے لگیں اعجاز کی
فکرِ اِنساں کو سواری مل گئی آواز کی
٩
آ دمی میں رفتہ رفتہ آدمیت آ گئی
وضع میں تمکین جذبوں میں نزاکت آ گئی
بات میں تاثیر آنکھوں میں مُروّت آ گئی
روح فرسا اجنبیت میں اخوّت آ گئی
شور ہائے غم گساری کو بھڑکنا آ گیا
دل کو اوروں کی مصیبت میں دھڑکنا آ گیا
٢٨
پھر درخشاں فکر کی یوں خاک پر برسی شراب
ظلمتوں کی کوکھ سے پیدا ہوے سو ماہ تاب
پھر اُڑایا عِلم نے وہ کوکبِ اجرام یاب
جسکی رو میں اُٹھ رہی ہے ماہِ تاباں کی نقاب
شور برپا ہے کہ میرِ آگہی آنے کو ہے
آسماں پر غلغلے ہیں آدمی آنے کو ہے
٣٠
شکر یہ کیونکر ادا ہو اہلِ ایجادات کا
ایک دریا بہہ رہا ہے طُرفہ مصنوعات کا
جگمگا اُٹھا ہے دن کی طرح مکھڑا رات کا
جسمِ آہن میں دواں ہے خون احساسات کا
یوں اُنھوں نے جزوِ خاک اپنا پسینہ کر دیا
دھات کے آ لات کو دانا و بینا کر دیا
۴۱
گنبدِ افلاک پر اُڑنا اُڑانا اور ہے
زندگی کا کنمنا کر مسکرانا اور ہے
ثابت و سیّار کو قبضہ میں لانا اور ہے
آدمی میں آدمی کا چونک جانا اور ہے
گیتی و گردوں کی پہنائی پہ چھانا اور ہے
اِس گھنے جنگل میں خود اپنے کو پانا اور ہے
۴۴
سونپتا ہے جو قلندر کو کلاہِ قیصری
جو بناتا ہے زمیں کو آسماں کا مشتری
چاکری کے سر پہ جو رکھتا ہے تاجِ سروری
بندگی کو جو بخشتا ہے مزاجِ داوری
کھولتا ہے بابِ خودیابی جو یوں اِنسان پر
اِبنِ آدم جھومنے لگتا ہے اپنی شان پر
۵۴
تھا اُنھیں آبائے اِنسانی میں اک مردِ جلیل
قبلۂ عالم، امامِ عصر، امیرِ بے عدیل
اعتبارِ موجِ کوثر، آبروئے سلسبیل
فخرِ اِسمعیل، جانِ مصطفےٰ، نازِ خلیل
محورِ گیتی و گردوں، مرکزِ دنیا و دیں
مہبطِ آوازِ حق، مخدومِ جبریلِ امیں
۵۶
ماہِ ایماں، راہِ عرفاں، شاہِ اِحساں، جاہِ دیں
شانِ حق، آنِ کرم، جانِ صفا، کانِ یقیں
پورِ حیدر، صورِ ہیجاں، نورِ جاں، طورِ مبیں
آبِ ایقاں، بابِ ضو، تابِ فلک، دابِ زمیں
اَوجِ بامِ دِل نوازی، موجِ بحرِ الطفات
بدرِ چرخِ سرفروشی، صدرِ بزمِ کائنات
۶۸
تیرگی کی جیب میں تھی دولتِ شمس و قمر
جل رہا تھا خانۂ دیرینۂ فکر و نظر
زندگی پر یوں جہنم کا تسلط دیکھ کر
اِک عظیم اِنسان بہرِ خدمتِ نوعِ بشر
رنگ بھرنے زندگی کے نقش میں قانون کا
دوش پر لے کر سبُو آیا خود اپنے خون کا
۶۹
جِس کے ہر قطرے میں تھی قلزم کی طغیانی وہ خون
کاہ جس کی راہ میں تھا کوہِ سُلطانی وہ خون
جس کے آگے خسروی کی آگ تھی پانی وہ خون
غرق ہوکر رہ گئی جس میں جہانبانی وہ خون
جس کی موجوں میں خمِ تیغ و مزاجِ سنگ تھا
نوح کا طوفان جس کے دبدبے سے دنگ تھا
٧٠
جو نوائے عظم و اعلانِ صداقت تھا وہ خون
جو چراغِ حکمت و شمعِ ہدایت تھا وہ خون
خاک پر جو آبشارِ آدمیت تھا وہ خون
جو علیل اِنسانیت کا غسلِ صحت تھا وہ خون
جس نے ظلمت کو خیابانِ چراغاں کر دیا
کفر پر وہ رنگ برسایا کہ ایماں کر دیا
٧۴
بنتِ پیغمر کی جس میں نوحہ خوانی تھی وہ خون
زینب و کلثوم کی جس میں کہانی تھی وہ خون
پھول سے بچے کی جس میں بے زبانی تھی وہ خون
قاسم و اکبر کی جس سے نوجوانی تھی وہ خون
جس کی ہر اِک بوند میں یادِ علم بردار تھی
جس سے اِک بیمار کی زنجیر میں جھنکار تھی
٩١
اے حسین ابنِ علی اے خسروِ روحانیاں
اے دِماغِ پختہ کی آواز، اے دِل کی زباں
اے شہِ ملکِ ابد، اے راکبِ عصرِ دواں
موت سے تیری اُبلتی ہے حیاتِ جاوداں
تو ازل سے تا ابد پھیلا ہوا منشور ہے
اے کہ تیرا وقت کے دونوں سِروں پر نور ہے
٩٢
کر دیا تو نے یہ ثابت اے دلاور آدمی
زندگی کیا موت سے لیتا ہے ٹکر آدمی
کاٹ سکتا ہے رگِ گردن سے خنجر آدمی
لشکروں کو روند سکتے ہیں بہتر آدمی
ضعف ڈھا سکتا ہے قصرِ افسر و اورنگ کو
آبگینے توڑ سکتے ہیں حصارِ سنگ کو
۱۱۶
دیکھ پھر قصرِ جہنّم بن چکا ہے روزگار
آنچ میں غلطیدہ ہے پھر خیمہِ لیل و نہار
سر زمیں پر حکمراں ہیں باہزاراں اقتدار
آتش و دود و دُخان و شعلہ و برق و شرار
زندگی ہے برسرِ آتش فشانی یا حسین
آگ دنیا میں لگی ہے آگ، پانی یا حسین
मोजिद ओ मुफ़क्किर-मुंतख़ब बंद-जोश मलीहाबादी
२
गुंग इशारों को सदा बन कर निखरना आ गया
और सदा को लफ़्ज़ में ढल कर उभरना आ गया
लफ़्ज़ को फिर हर्फ़ बन कर गुल कतरना आ गया
ख़ाक-ए सामत को बिल-आख़ेर बात करना आ गया
लब हिले तो किश्तियाँ चलने लगीं एजाज़ की
फ़िक्र-ए इन्सां को सवारी मिल गई आवाज़ की
९
आदमी में रफ़्ता रफ़्ता आदमियत आ गई
वज़ा’अ में तम्कीन जज़्बों में नज़ाकत आ गई
बात में तासीर आँखों में मुरव्वत आ गई
रूह फ़रसा अजनबियत में उख़ुव्वत आ गई
शोर-हा-ए ग़म गुसारी को भढकना आ गया
दिल को औरों की मुसीबत में धढकना आ गया
२८
फिर दरख़्शां फ़िक्र की यूँ ख़ाक पर बरसी शराब
ज़ुल्मतों की कोख से पैदा हुए सौ महताब
फिर उढाया इल्म ने वो कौकब-ए अज्राम याब
जिसकी रौ में उठ रही है माह-ए ताबां की नक़ाब
शोर बरपा है के मीर-ए आगाही आने को है
आसमां पर ग़ुलग़ुले हैं आदमी आने को है
३०
शुक्रिया क्यूँकर अदा हो अहल-ए ईजादात का
एक दर्या बह रहा है तुर्फ़ा मस्नू’आत का
जगमगा उठा है दिन की तरह मुखढा रात का
जिस्म-ए आहन में दवां है ख़ून एहसासात का
यूँ उन्हों ने जुज़्व-ए ख़ाक अपना पसीना कर दिया
धात के आलात को दाना ओ बीना कर दिया
४१
गुंबद-ए अफ़्लाक पर उढना उढाना और है
ज़िन्दगी का कुनमुना कर मुस्कुराना और है
साबित ओ सय्यार को क़ब्ज़े में लाना और है
आदमी में आदमी का चौंक जाना और है
गेती ओ गर्दूं की पहनाई पे छाना और है
इस घने जंगल में ख़ुद अपने को पाना और है
४४
सौंपता है जो क़लन्दर को कुलाह-ए क़ैसरी
जो बनाता है ज़मीं को आस्मां का मुश्तरी
चाकरी के सर पे जो रखता है ताज-ए सरवरी
बंदगी को जो बख़शता है मिज़ाज-ए दावरी
खोलता है बाब-ए ख़ुदयाबी जो यूँ इन्सान पर
इब्न-ए आदम झूमने लगता है अपनी शान पर
५४
था उन्हीं आबा-ए इंसानी में एक मर्द-ए जलील
क़िब्ला-ए आलम, इमाम-ए अस्र, अमीर-ए बे अदील
ए’तेबार-ए मौज-ए कौसर, आब्रू-ए सल्सबील
फ़ख़्र-ए इस्माईल, जान-ए मुस्तफ़ा, नाज़-ए ख़लील
महवर-ए गेती ओ गर्दूं, मरकज़-ए दुनिया ओ दीं
महबत-ए आवाज़-ए हक़, मख़्दूम-ए जिब्रील-ए अमीं
५६
माह-ए ईमां, राह-ए इर्फ़ां, शाह-ए एहसाँ, जाह-ए दीं
शान-ए हक़, आन-ए करम, जान-ए सफ़ा, कान-ए यक़ीं
पूर-ए हैदर, सूर-ए हेजां, नूर-ए जां, तूर-ए मुबीं
आब-ए ईक़ां, बाब-ए ज़ौ, ताब-ए फ़लक, दाब-ए ज़मीं
औज-ए बाम-ए दिल नवाज़ी, मौज-ए बहर-ए इल्तेफ़ात
बद्र-ए चर्ख़-ए सरफ़रोशी, सद्र-ए बज़्म-ए काएनात
६८
तीरगी की जेब में थी दौलत-ए शम्स ओ क़मर
जल रहा था ख़ाना-ए देरीना-ए फ़िक्र ओ नज़र
ज़िन्दगी पर यूँ जहन्नुम का तस्सलुत देख कर
एक अज़ीम इन्सान बहर-ए ख़िद्मत-ए नौ-ए बशर
रंग भरने ज़िन्दगी के नक़्श में क़ानून का
दोश पर लेकर सुबू आया ख़ुद अपने ख़ून का
६९
जिस के हर क़त्रे में थी क़ुल्ज़ुम की तुग़ियानी वो ख़ून
काह जिस की राह में था कोह-ए सुल्तानी वो ख़ून
जिसके आगे ख़ुस्रवी की आग थी पानी वो ख़ून
ग़र्क़ हो कर रह गई जिस में जहांबानी वो ख़ून
जिसकी मोजों में ख़म-ए तेग़ ओ मिज़ाज-ए संग था
नूह का तूफ़ान जिस के दबदबे से दंग था
७०
जो नवा-ए अज़्म ओ ए’लान-ए सदाक़त था वो ख़ून
जो चिराग़-ए हिकमत ओ शमा’-ए हिदायत था वो ख़ून
ख़ाक पर जो आब्शार-ए आदमियत था वो ख़ून
जो अलील इंसानियत का ग़ुस्ल-ए सेहत था वो ख़ून
जिस ने ज़ुल्मत को ख़ियाबन-ए चिराग़ां कर दिया
कुफ़्र पर वो रंग बरसाया के ईमां कर दिया
७४
बिन्त-ए पैग़म्बर की जिस में नौहा-ख़्वानी थी वो ख़ून
ज़ैनब ओ कुल्सूम की जिस में कहानी थी वो ख़ून
फूल से बच्चे की जिस में बेज़बानी थी वो ख़ून
क़ासिम ओ अक्बर की जिस से नौजवानी थी वो ख़ून
जिस की हर एक बूँद में याद-ए अलमबरदार थी
जिस से एक बीमार की ज़ंजीर में झंकार थी
९१
अए हुसैन इब्न-ए अली अए ख़ुसरव-ए रूहानियाँ
अए दिमाग़-ए पुख़्ता की आवाज़, अए दिल की ज़बां
अए शह-ए मुल्क-ए अबद, अए राकिब-ए असर-ए दवां
मौत से तेरी उबलती है हयात-ए जाविदां
तू अज़ल से ता अबद फैला हुआ मंशुर है
अए के तेरा वक़्त के दोनों सिरों पर नूर है
९२
कर दिया तू ने ये साबित अए दिलावर आदमी
ज़िन्दगी क्या मौत से लेता है टक्कर आदमी
काट सकता है रग-ए गर्दन से ख़ंजर आदमी
लश्करों को रौंद सकते हैं बहत्तर आदमी
ज़ो’फ़ ढा सकता है क़स्र-ए अफ़्सर ओ औरंग को
आबगीने तोढ सकते हैं हिसार-ए संग को
११६
देख फिर क़स्र-ए जहन्नुम बन चुका है रोज़गार
आंच में ग़ल्तीदा है फिर ख़ैमा-ए लैल ओ निहार
सरज़मीं पर हुक्मरां हैं बा हज़ारां एक़्तेदार
आतिश ओ दूद ओ दुख़ान ओ शोला ओ बर्क़ ओ शरार
ज़िन्दगी है बरसर-ए आतिश फ़िशानी या हुसैन
आग दुनिया में लगी है आग, पानी या हुसैन
Click here for background and on any passage for word meanings and explanatory discussion. josh malihabadi (1898-1982) is known as – shaa’er-e inqelaab – poet of revolution. His nazm are fiery, passionate, and full of energy. His Ghazal and rubaaii are equally good. He was a secular humanist writing sharply and irreverently against colonialism, abuse of power, injustice and orthodoxy. He composed several marsia, which are traditionally long. Please see the ‘Overview’ tab for a description of the full marsia.
2
guNg ishaaroN ko sada1 ban kar nikharna2 aa gaya
aur sada ko lafz3 meN Dhal4 kar ubharna5 aa gaya
lafz ko phir harf6 ban kar gul-katarna7 aa gaya
Khaak-e saamat8 ko bil-aaKhir9 baat karna aa gaya
lab hile to kishtiyaN chalne lagiN ejaz10 ki
fikr-e-insaaN ko savari mil gayi avaaz k 1.sound 2.become fresh/clean 3.word 4.cast 5.emerge 6.alphabet/writing 7.pick flowers, make fine/subtle points 8.dumb clay=man (lore that humans were made from clay and water) 9.at last 10.miracles
As sign language blossomed into sound, and sound was cast into words and emerged as meaningful and words found expression and subtlety through writing, finally this dumb clay learnt to speak. And as he spoke, he launched ships of miraculous achievement. Human reasoning found a vehicle (expression) in speech.
9
aadmi meN rafta rafta1 aadmiyat2 aa gayi
vaza’a3 meN tamkeen4 jazboN meN nazaakat5 aa gayi
baat meN taaseer6 aankhoN meN muravvat7 aa gayi
rooh-farsa8 ajnabiyat9 meN uKhuvvat10 aa gayi
shor-ha-e-Gham-gusaari11 ko bhaRakna aa gaya
dil ko auroN ki musiibat meN dhaRakna12 aa gaya 1.step by step 2.humanity 3.posture 4.respect 5.grace 6.effectiveness 7.kind heartedness 8.spirit sapping (fatal) 9.foreignness 10.brotherliness 11.(shor also means feelings in faarsi) feelings of empathetic sorrow 12.beating (heartbeat)
Man gradually acquired humanity, respectable posture and graceful emotions, credibility of word and feelings of kindness. Spirit sapping ‘otherness’ gave way to fellow feeling. Expressions of empathy shone like a bursting flame. The heart learnt to feel the difficulties of others.
28
phir daraKhshaaN1 fikr2 ki yuN Khaak par barsi sharaab
zulmatoN3 ki kokh4 se paida hue sau mahtaab5
phir uRaya ilm ne vo kaukab-e-ajraam-yaab6
jiski rau meN uTh rahi hai mah-e taabaN7 ki naqaab
shor barpa hai ke mir8-e aagahi9 aane ko hai
aasmaN par GhulGhule10 haiN aadmi aane ko hai 1.bright 2.reason 3.darkness, ignorance 4.womb 5.full moon 6. star that discovers celestial bodies 7.full moon 8.leader, lord 9.knowledge 10.chatter, talk of the town
josh composed this marsia in 1956 celebrating the emergence of knowledge then modified it to celebrate launch of Sputnik in 1957. Brightness of Knowledge shone on earth like blessed rain of wine and from the womb of ignorance were born hundreds of bright moons. Knowledge launched forth a star – discoverer of celestial bodies which removed the veil from the face of many bright moons. The chatter in heaven speaks of arrival of the lord of knowledge. They are preparing a tumultuous welcome for the arrival of man.
30
shukriya1 kyuNkar2 ada ho ahl-e eejadat3 ka
ek darya bah raha hai turfa4 masnuaat5 ka
jagmaga uTha hai din ki tarah mukhRa raat ka
jism-e aahan6 meN davaN7 hai Khoon ehsasat8 ka
yuN unhoN ne juzv-e Khaak9 apna pasina kar diya
dhaat10 ke aalaat11 ko dana12 o beena13 kar diya 1.thanks 2.how 3.inventors 4.fascinating, new 5.products/creativity 6.metal 7.running 8.feelings, sensation 9.part of the dust – to make one’s sweat a part of the dust is to work hard 10.metal 11.instruments, machines 12.knowing 13.seeing
How can we thank these inventors who have caused a constant river of creativity to flow. They have made the face of the night shine like day. They have made metallic machines sense and feel. They have worked so hard and sweated to make inanimate machines know and see.
41
gunbad1-e aflaak2 par uRna uRaana aur hai
zindagi ka kunmuna3 kar muskurana aur hai
saabit-o-sayyaar4 ko qabze5 meN laana aur hai
aadmi meN aadmi ka chauNk6 jaana aur hai
geti o garduN7 ki pahnaai8 pe chhaana aur hai
is ghane jangal meN Khud apne ko paana aur hai 1.dome 2.skies 3.infant gurgling 4.stars and planets 5.possession, control 6.startle, become aware, get to know 7.earth and sky 8.expanse
It is one thing to fly around in this dome of the sky. It is another to awaken the spirit of childlike man. It is one thing to conquer stars and planets. It is another to awaken humanity in man. It is one thing to dominate the expanse of the earth and sky. It is another to find your true self in this thick forest.
44
sauNpta1 hai jo qalandar2 ko kulaah-e qaisari3
jo banaata hai zamiN ko aasmaaN ka mushtari4
chaakri ke sar pe jo rakhta hai taaj-e sarvari5
bandagi6 ko jo baKhashta7 hai mizaaj-e daavari8
kholta hai baab9-e Khudyaabi10 jo yuN insaan par
ibn-e aadam11 jhoomne lagta hai apni shaan par 1.to give 2.beggar 3.Caesar’s cap (metaphor for high status) 4.buyer 5.leader/lord 6.slavery 7.grants 8.style of kingship 9. door 10.understanding one’s inner self 11.son of Adam i.e., man
He who gives the cap of Caesar to the beggar. He who makes the lowly earth the buyer the high-placed sky. He who places the crown of royalty on the head of the servant. He who treats the slave like a king. He who opens the door to an understanding of one’s inner self. He makes man sway with ecstasy at his own grandeur.
54
thaa unhiN aaba-e insaani1 meN ek mard-e jaleel2
qibla-e a’alam3, imaam-e asr4, amiir-e be adeel5
e’tebar-e mauj-e kausar6, aabroo-e salsabeel7
faKhr8-e ismail, jan9-e mustafa, naaz10-e Khaleel
mahvar11-e geti o garduN12, markaz13-e duniya o diiN14
mahbat15-e aavaaz-e haq16, maKhdoom17-e jibriil-e amiiN18 1.ancestors of humanity/humanism 2.man of high status 3.focus of the world 4.leader of all times 5. leader without equal 6.waves of kauser depend on him 7.honor of salsabiil – kausar and salsabiil are springs in paradise 8.pride 9.beloved 10.pride 11.axis of rotation 12.earth and sky 13.center 14.faith 15.origin 16.voice of truth 17.served by 18.Gabriel
Among the leading lights of humanism was a man of high status. The qibla/focal point of the world, leader of all time, lord without equal. The basis of the waves of kausar, the honor of salsabiil. The pride of ismail, the beloved of mohammed, the joy of ibrahim. The axis of rotation of the earth and sky, the centre of the universe. The author of the word of truth, righteousness, served by jibra’iil. husain, in karbala was denied access to water. Legend has it that to illustrate principles he intentionally did not force his way to water. josh implies that by giving up water in karbala, husain is the lord of the water (kauser and salsabiil) in paradise. ismail, mustafa and Khaliil (ibrahim) are all prophets in the Judeo-Islamic tradition. josh choses these three because, (and I speculate) – the ‘beloved of mustafa’ is obvious, both as grandson and the ‘consolidator of mustafa’s message’. The pride of ismail- because ismail agreed to be ‘sacrificed’ by his father following god‘s command, and husain sacrificed himself to ‘consolidate’ mohammed’s message. ‘pride of Khaliil/ibrahim’ probably because ibrahim sacrificed is son and husain sent out his son to battle and certain death.
56
maah1-e imaaN, rah-e irfaaN2, shaah-e ehsaaN, jaah3-e diiN
shaan-e haq4, aan5-e karam6, jaan-e safa7, kaan8-e yaqiiN
puur9-e Hyder, suur10-e hejaN11, noor-e jaaN, toor12-e mubiiN13
aab-e eeqaN14, baab-e zau15, taab-e falak16, daab-e zamiiN17
auj18-e baam19-e dil navaazi20, mauj21-e bahr22-e iltefaat23
badr24-e charKh25-e sarfaroshi26, sadr27-e bazm28-e ka’enaat29 1.full moon 2.mystic knowledge 3.honor 4.Truth 5.pride 6.benevolence 7.purity 8.mine (as in gold mine), treasure house 9.son 10. trumpet 11.declaration, defiance 12.Mt.Sinai, where Moses saw divine light 13.explication, clear 14.glory of faith 15.door to enlightenment 16.brilliance of the sky 17.weight (substance, dignity) of the earth 18.climax 19.roof 20.making (others) happy 21.wave 22.ocean 23.kindness 24.full moon 25.sky 26.sacrificing head (life), martyrdom 27.head 28.assembly 29.creation
Moon of Faith, pathway to Spirituality, king of Benevolence, glory of Belief. The grandeur of Truth, pride of Kindness, essence of Purity, treasure of Faith. Son of Hyder, trumpet of Defiance, lustre of Life, light of Divinity. Lustre of faith3, pathway to god, brilliance of Heaven, dignity of Earth. Epitomy of Empathy, swell of the ocean of Kindness. Moon of the sky of martyrdom, the center of Creation.
68
tiiragi1 ki jeb meN2 thi daulat-e shams o qamar3
jal raha tha Khaana4-e deriina5-e fikr o nazar6
zindagi par yuN jahannum7 ka tassalut8 dekh kar
ek aziim9 insaan bahr-e Khidmat10-e nau-e bashar11
rang bharne zindagi ke naqsh12 meN qanuun ka
dosh13 par lekar subu14 aaya Khud apne Khuun ka 1.darkness, evil 2.in possession, in control 3.wealth of sun and moon(light, truth, goodness) 4.house 5.old, well established 6.thought and discrimination (between good and evil) 7.hell, evil 8.power, dominance 9.great 10.for the service of 11.human species,humanity 12.map, scheme, picture 13. shoulder 14.flask
The forces of evil had the forces of truth and virtue in their pocket. Well established traditions of thought and discrimination were aflame. Seeing this dominance of evil over life. A great man came forward in the service of humanity. To fill color into the framework of righteousness, carrying on his shoulder a flask of his own blood
69
jis ke har qatre1 meN thi qulzum2 ki 3 tuGhiyaani vo Khoon
kaah4 jis ki raah meN tha koh5-e sultaani6 vo Khoon
jiske aage Khusravi7 ki aag thi paani vo Khoon
Gharq8 ho kar rah gayi jis meN jahaNbaani9 vo Khoon
jiski maujoN meN Kham-e teGh10 o mizaaj-e saNg11 tha
nooh12 ka toofan13 jis ke dabdabe14 se daNg15 tha 1.drop 2.ocean 3.flood, flow 4.level plain (low status) 5.mountain 6.monarchy 7.royalty 8.drowned 9.catering to worldly needs 10.curve of a sword 11.determination like a rock 12.Noah 13.storm 14.majesty, greatness 15.amazed
‘Blood’ is also used metaphorically to mean heritage. Thus, husain was literally offering his blood but also carrying with him the heritage received from ali and mohammed. The attributes of this blood so poetically described are to be viewed in that light. The blood every drop of which had the power of stormy seas. The blood which could reduce the grand mountain of royalty to a dusty plain. The blood which could douse the fire of royalty into extinction. The blood which could drown worldly hedonism. Blood with waves rippling like a curved sword and determination like a rock. Blood whose power amazed even Noah’s storm.
70
jo navaa1-e azm2 o e’lan3-e sadaqat4 tha vo Khoon
jo chiraaGh-e hikmat5 o shama-e hidaayat6 tha vo Khoon
Khaak par jo abshaar7-e aadmiyat8 tha vo Khoon
jo alil9 insaaniyat ka Ghusl-e sehat10 tha vo Khoon
jis ne zulmat11 ko Khiyabaan-e chiraGhaaN12 kar diya
kufr13 par vo raNg barsaaya ke imaaN14 kar diya 1.sound, announcement 2.greatness 3.declaration 4.truth, righteousness 5.lamp of wisdom 6.light of teaching 7.waterfall, rain 8.quality of being human – humanness 9.sick 10.bath of wellness recovery (traditionally in India that sick don’t bath until they are well and it is celebrated) 11.darkness, evil 12. garden of lights (virtue) 13.non-belief, evil 14.faith, virtue
Blood that was the proof of greatness and the declaration of truth. Blood which was the light of wisdom and the lamp of teaching. Blood which rained on earth like a blessing of humanness. Blood which brought sick humanity back to health. Blood that changed evil into a garden of virtue. Blood that rained such color/beauty/brilliance on evil that it turned into virtue.
74
bint-e paiGhambar1 ki jis meN nauha Khwaani2 thi vo Khoon
zainab o kulsum3 ki jis meN kahaani thi vo Khoon
phool se bachche ki jis meN bezabaani thi vo Khoon
qaasim o akbar4 ki jis se naujavani thi vo Khoon
jis ki har ek boond meN yaad-e alambardaar5 thi
jis se ek bimaar6 ki zanjiir7 meN jhankaar thi 1.mohammed’s daughter (fatima) 2. mourning 3.sisters of husain 4.husain’s young nephew and son 5.standard bearer-abbas, husain’s half brother 6.sick 7.chain
The Blood which carried the echoes of the wails of fatima. Blood which also contained the stories of zainab and kulsum (husain’s sisters were taken prisoner and subjected to public humiliation). The blood that showed the innocence of an infant in spite of being mute (this refers to refers to ali asGhar, the six month old infant son of husain, who was also killed on the battlefield). The blood which endowed youth to qaasim and akbar (husain’s nephew and son – both young men killed in battle). The blood that carried memories of abbas in its every drop (husain’s half-brother who was also the commander in battle). The blood that carried the jangling of the fetters of abid (husain’s oldest son who was too sick to fight, but was taken prisoner and put in chains and public display).
91
aye husain ibn-e ali1 aye Khusrav2-e ruhaniyaaN3
aye dimaaGh-e puKhta4 ki avaaz, aye dil ki zabaaN
aye shah-e mulk-e abad5, aye raakib6-e asr-e davaaN7
maut se teri ubalti hai hayat-e-javidaaN8
tu azal9 se ta abad10 phaila hua manshuur11 hai
aye ke tera vaqt ke donoN siroN par nuur hai 1.husain-son of ali 2.king 3.spirituality 4.mature mind, discriminating mind 5.land of eternity (paradise) 6. rider, one who holds the reins 7.present times or order 8.eternal life 9.beginning 10.end (also eternity) 11.manifesto
O husain, king of spirituality. O, voice of reason and the desire of the heart. O king of paradise, O holder of the reins of the world. Eternal life flows from your death. From the beginning to the end your manifesto covers all time. Your light shines on both ends of time (from creation to doomsday).
92
kar diya tu ne ye saabit1 aye dilaavar2 aadmi
zindagi kya maut se leta hai Takkar aadmi
kaaT sakta hai rag-e-gardan3 se Khanjar4 aadmi
lashkaroN ko raund5 sakte haiN bahattar6 aadmi
zo’f7 Dhaa sakta8 hai qasr9-e afsar o auraNg10 ko
aabgiine11 toR sakte haiN hisaar12-e sang13 ko 1.to prove 2.brave 3.jugular vein 4.dagger 5.trample, conquer 6. seventy two 7.weakness, old age 8. destroy 9.palace, castle 10.throne, king 11.crystals 12.parapet, wall 13.rock
You have proved, O brave man that man can overcome not only the difficulties of Life but also face down Death. You have proved that the jugular can cut through a dagger. You have proved that seventy two can prevail upon vast armies. Truth, even without arms can destroy castles and armies. You have proved that crystal can break walls of stone.
116
dekh phir qasr-e jahannum1 ban chuka hai rozgaar2
aanch meN Ghaltida3 hai phir Khaima-e lail o nihaar4
sarzamiN5 par hukmraN haiN ba hazaraN6 iqtedaar7
aatish8 o dood9 o duKhan10 o shola11 o barq12 o sharaar13
zindagi hai barsar14-e aatish fishaani15 ya husain
aag duniya meN lagi hai aag, paani ya husain 1.house of hell 2.daily life 3.drowned in, covered by 4.place of night and day (place of living, life) 5.homeland 6.by the thousands 7.powers (of evil) 8.fire 9.steam 10.heat 11.flame 12.lightning 13.sparks 14.at the head of, at the door of, about to be 15.spreading flame, showering flame
Once again daily life has become a house of hell. Life is surrounded by burning fires. A thousand injustices rule in place of righteous law. Fire, steam, heat, flame, lightning and sparks! Life is at the point of being completely consumed by fire. The world is on fire, on fire – water! O husain. The plea for water is full of pathos and is very ironic because the defining feature of the death of husain is thirst – lack of water. josh turns it on its head so beautifully and powerfully as a climax to his marsia … asking for water of a person who was killed thirsty.
josh malihabadi (1898-1982) is known as – shaa’er-e inqelaab – poet of revolution. His nazm are fiery, passionate, and full of energy. His Ghazal and rubaaii are equally good. He was a secular humanist writing sharply and irreverently against colonialism, abuse of power, injustice and orthodoxy. He composed several marsia, which are traditionally long. Please see the ‘Overview’ tab for a description of the full marsia.
2
guNg ishaaroN ko sada1 ban kar nikharna2 aa gaya
aur sada ko lafz3 meN Dhal4 kar ubharna5 aa gaya
lafz ko phir harf6 ban kar gul-katarna7 aa gaya
Khaak-e saamat8 ko bil-aaKhir9 baat karna aa gaya
lab hile to kishtiyaN chalne lagiN ejaz10 ki
fikr-e-insaaN ko savari mil gayi avaaz ki
1.sound 2.become fresh/clean 3.word 4.cast 5.emerge 6.alphabet/writing 7.pick flowers, make fine/subtle points 8.dumb clay=man (lore that humans were made from clay and water) 9.at last 10.miracles
As sign language blossomed into sound, and sound was cast into words and emerged as meaningful and words found expression and subtlety through writing, finally this dumb clay learnt to speak. And as he spoke, he launched ships of miraculous achievement. Human reasoning found a vehicle (expression) in speech.
9
aadmi meN rafta rafta1 aadmiyat2 aa gayi
vaza’a3 meN tamkeen4 jazboN meN nazaakat5 aa gayi
baat meN taaseer6 aankhoN meN muravvat7 aa gayi
rooh-farsa8 ajnabiyat9 meN uKhuvvat10 aa gayi
shor-ha-e-Gham-gusaari11 ko bhaRakna aa gaya
dil ko auroN ki musiibat meN dhaRakna12 aa gaya
1.step by step 2.humanity 3.posture 4.respect 5.grace 6.effectiveness 7.kind heartedness 8.spirit sapping (fatal) 9.foreignness 10.brotherliness 11.(shor also means feelings in faarsi) feelings of empathetic sorrow 12.beating (heartbeat)
Man gradually acquired humanity, respectable posture and graceful emotions, credibility of word and feelings of kindness. Spirit sapping ‘otherness’ gave way to fellow feeling. Expressions of empathy shone like a bursting flame. The heart learnt to feel the difficulties of others.
28
phir daraKhshaaN1 fikr2 ki yuN Khaak par barsi sharaab
zulmatoN3 ki kokh4 se paida hue sau mahtaab5
phir uRaya ilm ne vo kaukab-e-ajraam-yaab6
jiski rau meN uTh rahi hai mah-e taabaN7 ki naqaab
shor barpa hai ke mir8-e aagahi9 aane ko hai
aasmaN par GhulGhule10 haiN aadmi aane ko hai
1.bright 2.reason 3.darkness, ignorance 4.womb 5.full moon 6. star that discovers celestial bodies 7.full moon 8.leader, lord 9.knowledge 10.chatter, talk of the town
josh composed this marsia in 1956 celebrating the emergence of knowledge then modified it to celebrate launch of Sputnik in 1957. Brightness of Knowledge shone on earth like blessed rain of wine and from the womb of ignorance were born hundreds of bright moons. Knowledge launched forth a star – discoverer of celestial bodies which removed the veil from the face of many bright moons. The chatter in heaven speaks of arrival of the lord of knowledge. They are preparing a tumultuous welcome for the arrival of man.
30
shukriya1 kyuNkar2 ada ho ahl-e eejadat3 ka
ek darya bah raha hai turfa4 masnuaat5 ka
jagmaga uTha hai din ki tarah mukhRa raat ka
jism-e aahan6 meN davaN7 hai Khoon ehsasat8 ka
yuN unhoN ne juzv-e Khaak9 apna pasina kar diya
dhaat10 ke aalaat11 ko dana12 o beena13 kar diya
1.thanks 2.how 3.inventors 4.fascinating, new 5.products/creativity 6.metal 7.running 8.feelings, sensation 9.part of the dust – to make one’s sweat a part of the dust is to work hard 10.metal 11.instruments, machines 12.knowing 13.seeing
How can we thank these inventors who have caused a constant river of creativity to flow. They have made the face of the night shine like day. They have made metallic machines sense and feel. They have worked so hard and sweated to make inanimate machines know and see.
41
gunbad1-e aflaak2 par uRna uRaana aur hai
zindagi ka kunmuna3 kar muskurana aur hai
saabit-o-sayyaar4 ko qabze5 meN laana aur hai
aadmi meN aadmi ka chauNk6 jaana aur hai
geti o garduN7 ki pahnaai8 pe chhaana aur hai
is ghane jangal meN Khud apne ko paana aur hai
1.dome 2.skies 3.infant gurgling 4.stars and planets 5.possession, control 6.startle, become aware, get to know 7.earth and sky 8.expanse
It is one thing to fly around in this dome of the sky. It is another to awaken the spirit of childlike man. It is one thing to conquer stars and planets. It is another to awaken humanity in man. It is one thing to dominate the expanse of the earth and sky. It is another to find your true self in this thick forest.
44
sauNpta1 hai jo qalandar2 ko kulaah-e qaisari3
jo banaata hai zamiN ko aasmaaN ka mushtari4
chaakri ke sar pe jo rakhta hai taaj-e sarvari5
bandagi6 ko jo baKhashta7 hai mizaaj-e daavari8
kholta hai baab9-e Khudyaabi10 jo yuN insaan par
ibn-e aadam11 jhoomne lagta hai apni shaan par
1.to give 2.beggar 3.Caesar’s cap (metaphor for high status) 4.buyer 5.leader/lord 6.slavery 7.grants 8.style of kingship 9. door 10.understanding one’s inner self 11.son of Adam i.e., man
He who gives the cap of Caesar to the beggar. He who makes the lowly earth the buyer the high-placed sky. He who places the crown of royalty on the head of the servant. He who treats the slave like a king. He who opens the door to an understanding of one’s inner self. He makes man sway with ecstasy at his own grandeur.
54
thaa unhiN aaba-e insaani1 meN ek mard-e jaleel2
qibla-e a’alam3, imaam-e asr4, amiir-e be adeel5
e’tebar-e mauj-e kausar6, aabroo-e salsabeel7
faKhr8-e ismail, jan9-e mustafa, naaz10-e Khaleel
mahvar11-e geti o garduN12, markaz13-e duniya o diiN14
mahbat15-e aavaaz-e haq16, maKhdoom17-e jibriil-e amiiN18
1.ancestors of humanity/humanism 2.man of high status 3.focus of the world 4.leader of all times 5. leader without equal 6.waves of kauser depend on him 7.honor of salsabiil – kausar and salsabiil are springs in paradise 8.pride 9.beloved 10.pride 11.axis of rotation 12.earth and sky 13.center 14.faith 15.origin 16.voice of truth 17.served by 18.Gabriel
Among the leading lights of humanism was a man of high status. The qibla/focal point of the world, leader of all time, lord without equal. The basis of the waves of kausar, the honor of salsabiil. The pride of ismail, the beloved of mohammed, the joy of ibrahim. The axis of rotation of the earth and sky, the centre of the universe. The author of the word of truth, righteousness, served by jibra’iil. husain, in karbala was denied access to water. Legend has it that to illustrate principles he intentionally did not force his way to water. josh implies that by giving up water in karbala, husain is the lord of the water (kauser and salsabiil) in paradise. ismail, mustafa and Khaliil (ibrahim) are all prophets in the Judeo-Islamic tradition. josh choses these three because, (and I speculate) – the ‘beloved of mustafa’ is obvious, both as grandson and the ‘consolidator of mustafa’s message’. The pride of ismail- because ismail agreed to be ‘sacrificed’ by his father following god‘s command, and husain sacrificed himself to ‘consolidate’ mohammed’s message. ‘pride of Khaliil/ibrahim’ probably because ibrahim sacrificed is son and husain sent out his son to battle and certain death.
56
maah1-e imaaN, rah-e irfaaN2, shaah-e ehsaaN, jaah3-e diiN
shaan-e haq4, aan5-e karam6, jaan-e safa7, kaan8-e yaqiiN
puur9-e Hyder, suur10-e hejaN11, noor-e jaaN, toor12-e mubiiN13
aab-e eeqaN14, baab-e zau15, taab-e falak16, daab-e zamiiN17
auj18-e baam19-e dil navaazi20, mauj21-e bahr22-e iltefaat23
badr24-e charKh25-e sarfaroshi26, sadr27-e bazm28-e ka’enaat29
1.full moon 2.mystic knowledge 3.honor 4.Truth 5.pride 6.benevolence 7.purity 8.mine (as in gold mine), treasure house 9.son 10. trumpet 11.declaration, defiance 12.Mt.Sinai, where Moses saw divine light 13.explication, clear 14.glory of faith 15.door to enlightenment 16.brilliance of the sky 17.weight (substance, dignity) of the earth 18.climax 19.roof 20.making (others) happy 21.wave 22.ocean 23.kindness 24.full moon 25.sky 26.sacrificing head (life), martyrdom 27.head 28.assembly 29.creation
Moon of Faith, pathway to Spirituality, king of Benevolence, glory of Belief. The grandeur of Truth, pride of Kindness, essence of Purity, treasure of Faith. Son of Hyder, trumpet of Defiance, lustre of Life, light of Divinity. Lustre of faith3, pathway to god, brilliance of Heaven, dignity of Earth. Epitomy of Empathy, swell of the ocean of Kindness. Moon of the sky of martyrdom, the center of Creation.
68
tiiragi1 ki jeb meN2 thi daulat-e shams o qamar3
jal raha tha Khaana4-e deriina5-e fikr o nazar6
zindagi par yuN jahannum7 ka tassalut8 dekh kar
ek aziim9 insaan bahr-e Khidmat10-e nau-e bashar11
rang bharne zindagi ke naqsh12 meN qanuun ka
dosh13 par lekar subu14 aaya Khud apne Khuun ka
1.darkness, evil 2.in possession, in control 3.wealth of sun and moon(light, truth, goodness) 4.house 5.old, well established 6.thought and discrimination (between good and evil) 7.hell, evil 8.power, dominance 9.great 10.for the service of 11.human species,humanity 12.map, scheme, picture 13. shoulder 14.flask
The forces of evil had the forces of truth and virtue in their pocket. Well established traditions of thought and discrimination were aflame. Seeing this dominance of evil over life. A great man came forward in the service of humanity. To fill color into the framework of righteousness, carrying on his shoulder a flask of his own blood
69
jis ke har qatre1 meN thi qulzum2 ki 3 tuGhiyaani vo Khoon
kaah4 jis ki raah meN tha koh5-e sultaani6 vo Khoon
jiske aage Khusravi7 ki aag thi paani vo Khoon
Gharq8 ho kar rah gayi jis meN jahaNbaani9 vo Khoon
jiski maujoN meN Kham-e teGh10 o mizaaj-e saNg11 tha
nooh12 ka toofan13 jis ke dabdabe14 se daNg15 tha
1.drop 2.ocean 3.flood, flow 4.level plain (low status) 5.mountain 6.monarchy 7.royalty 8.drowned 9.catering to worldly needs 10.curve of a sword 11.determination like a rock 12.Noah 13.storm 14.majesty, greatness 15.amazed
‘Blood’ is also used metaphorically to mean heritage. Thus, husain was literally offering his blood but also carrying with him the heritage received from ali and mohammed. The attributes of this blood so poetically described are to be viewed in that light. The blood every drop of which had the power of stormy seas. The blood which could reduce the grand mountain of royalty to a dusty plain. The blood which could douse the fire of royalty into extinction. The blood which could drown worldly hedonism. Blood with waves rippling like a curved sword and determination like a rock. Blood whose power amazed even Noah’s storm.
70
jo navaa1-e azm2 o e’lan3-e sadaqat4 tha vo Khoon
jo chiraaGh-e hikmat5 o shama-e hidaayat6 tha vo Khoon
Khaak par jo abshaar7-e aadmiyat8 tha vo Khoon
jo alil9 insaaniyat ka Ghusl-e sehat10 tha vo Khoon
jis ne zulmat11 ko Khiyabaan-e chiraGhaaN12 kar diya
kufr13 par vo raNg barsaaya ke imaaN14 kar diya
1.sound, announcement 2.greatness 3.declaration 4.truth, righteousness 5.lamp of wisdom 6.light of teaching 7.waterfall, rain 8.quality of being human – humanness 9.sick 10.bath of wellness recovery (traditionally in India that sick don’t bath until they are well and it is celebrated) 11.darkness, evil 12. garden of lights (virtue) 13.non-belief, evil 14.faith, virtue
Blood that was the proof of greatness and the declaration of truth. Blood which was the light of wisdom and the lamp of teaching. Blood which rained on earth like a blessing of humanness. Blood which brought sick humanity back to health. Blood that changed evil into a garden of virtue. Blood that rained such color/beauty/brilliance on evil that it turned into virtue.
74
bint-e paiGhambar1 ki jis meN nauha Khwaani2 thi vo Khoon
zainab o kulsum3 ki jis meN kahaani thi vo Khoon
phool se bachche ki jis meN bezabaani thi vo Khoon
qaasim o akbar4 ki jis se naujavani thi vo Khoon
jis ki har ek boond meN yaad-e alambardaar5 thi
jis se ek bimaar6 ki zanjiir7 meN jhankaar thi
1.mohammed’s daughter (fatima) 2. mourning 3.sisters of husain 4.husain’s young nephew and son 5.standard bearer-abbas, husain’s half brother 6.sick 7.chain
The Blood which carried the echoes of the wails of fatima. Blood which also contained the stories of zainab and kulsum (husain’s sisters were taken prisoner and subjected to public humiliation). The blood that showed the innocence of an infant in spite of being mute (this refers to refers to ali asGhar, the six month old infant son of husain, who was also killed on the battlefield). The blood which endowed youth to qaasim and akbar (husain’s nephew and son – both young men killed in battle). The blood that carried memories of abbas in its every drop (husain’s half-brother who was also the commander in battle). The blood that carried the jangling of the fetters of abid (husain’s oldest son who was too sick to fight, but was taken prisoner and put in chains and public display).
91
aye husain ibn-e ali1 aye Khusrav2-e ruhaniyaaN3
aye dimaaGh-e puKhta4 ki avaaz, aye dil ki zabaaN
aye shah-e mulk-e abad5, aye raakib6-e asr-e davaaN7
maut se teri ubalti hai hayat-e-javidaaN8
tu azal9 se ta abad10 phaila hua manshuur11 hai
aye ke tera vaqt ke donoN siroN par nuur hai
1.husain-son of ali 2.king 3.spirituality 4.mature mind, discriminating mind 5.land of eternity (paradise) 6. rider, one who holds the reins 7.present times or order 8.eternal life 9.beginning 10.end (also eternity) 11.manifesto
O husain, king of spirituality. O, voice of reason and the desire of the heart. O king of paradise, O holder of the reins of the world. Eternal life flows from your death. From the beginning to the end your manifesto covers all time. Your light shines on both ends of time (from creation to doomsday).
92
kar diya tu ne ye saabit1 aye dilaavar2 aadmi
zindagi kya maut se leta hai Takkar aadmi
kaaT sakta hai rag-e-gardan3 se Khanjar4 aadmi
lashkaroN ko raund5 sakte haiN bahattar6 aadmi
zo’f7 Dhaa sakta8 hai qasr9-e afsar o auraNg10 ko
aabgiine11 toR sakte haiN hisaar12-e sang13 ko
1.to prove 2.brave 3.jugular vein 4.dagger 5.trample, conquer 6. seventy two 7.weakness, old age 8. destroy 9.palace, castle 10.throne, king 11.crystals 12.parapet, wall 13.rock
You have proved, O brave man that man can overcome not only the difficulties of Life but also face down Death. You have proved that the jugular can cut through a dagger. You have proved that seventy two can prevail upon vast armies. Truth, even without arms can destroy castles and armies. You have proved that crystal can break walls of stone.
116
dekh phir qasr-e jahannum1 ban chuka hai rozgaar2
aanch meN Ghaltida3 hai phir Khaima-e lail o nihaar4
sarzamiN5 par hukmraN haiN ba hazaraN6 iqtedaar7
aatish8 o dood9 o duKhan10 o shola11 o barq12 o sharaar13
zindagi hai barsar14-e aatish fishaani15 ya husain
aag duniya meN lagi hai aag, paani ya husain
1.house of hell 2.daily life 3.drowned in, covered by 4.place of night and day (place of living, life) 5.homeland 6.by the thousands 7.powers (of evil) 8.fire 9.steam 10.heat 11.flame 12.lightning 13.sparks 14.at the head of, at the door of, about to be 15.spreading flame, showering flame
Once again daily life has become a house of hell. Life is surrounded by burning fires. A thousand injustices rule in place of righteous law. Fire, steam, heat, flame, lightning and sparks! Life is at the point of being completely consumed by fire. The world is on fire, on fire – water! O husain. The plea for water is full of pathos and is very ironic because the defining feature of the death of husain is thirst – lack of water. josh turns it on its head so beautifully and powerfully as a climax to his marsia … asking for water of a person who was killed thirsty.
