Khawaja and the Hindi Parrot
The ignorant human is but ever-seeking gloom
“Into toil and struggle,” it always blooms (1)
Looking at thy face, my grief does cure
Diving in thy stream, I’ve become pure
Alas! Still I long for Thy presence (2)
Farewell I must bid to my existence
Allah’s command hath held our surrender
Which heart before Him does not shatter?
He is Unique, His Egotism duly befitted (3)
Beyond any gesture, narration exaggerated
Alas! May my tears make a running stream!
Grace on my beautiful Beloved may gleam!
My parrot, the wise bird, my only console
Expressing secret thoughts, my heart did roll
He blessed me, but I was thankless, odd
She led me to talk, and I remembered God
Little bird hath link with Divine revelation
Carried it has long since pre-existence
Bird is nowhere but secretly hiding in you
You mirror thyself; He mirrors before you. (4)
Be happy; thy happiness robbed reflection
Thou must accept atrocity as justice done
Thou! Who hath burnt soul to live in body
Thy soul burns may brighten thee gaudy
Do you still want fire? burnt hard, I’m
Just give me a rigor and kindle the flame
One who is burnt can’t be but inflamed
Seek the burning! Flame may be gained.
Alas! Alas! Alas! I have nothing but regret
Mourn beautiful moon that cloud may beget
How can I pause when my heart is on fire?
The parted lion is ferocious; caught in his lire
Though in consciousness, I am bewildered
Wine would intoxicate who’s devastated? (5)
The lion, being wanton, lost its self-control
Crossed every bound in the jungle to enroll
A window to Mathnavi Maulvi Ma’nvi
Translation and Commentary Seema Arif
Further Links for Rumi
(1) The Qur’an reads, “Verily We have created man into toil and struggle.” (Qur’an, 90:4) As related earlier, God created man to achieve harmony and balance in life, and the only way is to abide by Divine Guidance, thus develop balance and proportion in his personality. It is not easy, and man has to face many hardships and trials. Again, in Surah Asr (103:1-3), Allah reminds us:
“Time is a churning machine. It has been constantly churning to bring out the best in human beings. All shall suffer loss except those who have an accomplished faith and have been acting accordingly.”
(2) See more on ‘presence’… Click for details.
(3) Ghairat-i Ilahi: Hazrat Shah Wali Allah has thus explained, “God, may He be exalted, did not impose a thing on His worshipers to benefit Himself – He is greatly Exalted above that – but rather due to a benefit which develops upon them (the worshippers). They are only perfected through this highest degree of reverence and thus are admonished according to their state and commanded not ‘to be remiss regarding God.’ (Qur’an, 39:56)”.
See Exposition of saying by Hakim Sanai. Click for details.
(4) See more on Spirit Al-Ruh … Click for details.
(5) See more on intoxication … Click for details.
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