Faiz on Iqbal
By Dr. Zafar M. Iqbal
TCCI
Chicago, IL
Faiz Ahmed Faiz grew up in a literary world dominated by Iqbal. Despite obvious differences in their philosophical approaches, Faiz always admired Iqbal greatly. There is also a reported event of Faiz, a young student in Sialkot, reciting Qur’anic verses at the beginning of a school gathering, chaired by Iqbal.
Later in life, Faiz wrote three essays on Iqbal and his poetry. These are included in book, “Culture and Identity: Selected English Writings of Faiz,” compiled and edited by Sheema Majeed (Oxford University Press, 2005, pp. 164-183).
In honor of Faiz's centennial celebrated 13 February 2011 in Pakistan, India, and various American and Canadian cities and elsewhere, I offer here my translation of “Iqbal,” a poem Faiz wrote eulogizing his long-time idol. This poem was included in Faiz’s first book of poetry ‘Naqsh-e-Feryadi’ (1941):
Iqbal
There came in our land
a well-spoken Faqir*, and then,
immersed in his poetry,
passed on.
Quiet roads were then
populated, deserted taverns
came alive,
flourished.
Only a few eyes did
recognize him, but
his poetry did
fill in every heart.
Now this regal saint is
gone forever,
the roads of this land,
sad once again.
Just a few remember
his special touch;
those he loved, cherish
his attention.
But his songs live
deep in every heart, and
hundreds love
his lyrics.
Beauty of his poetry,
eternal --
its abundance, its variety
its emotion, its melody !
His songs,
strong vibrant flames
whose leap
softens the destructive winds.
Like a candle, unafraid
of a storm
Or a candle, unaware
of the approaching dawn.
[*a synonym of dervish and ascetic; referring to Iqbal]
Romanized Urdu original of "Iqbal" by Faiz Ahmed Faiz (in Naqsh-e-Feryadi):
Aya humaray dais main ek khush-nawa fakir
aya aur upni dhun main ghazal-kwan guzar gaya
Soonsaan ra-hain khulq main abaad ho-ga-een
veeraan mai-kudawon ka naseeba san-wer gaya
Theen chund he niga-hain jo oos-thuk paw-hunch sa-keen
per iska geeth sub kay dil-awn main uthar gaya
Ub dhoor ja chukka hai who shah-e-gada numa
aur phir sy upnay dais ki ra-hain oodaas hain
Chund ek ko yaad hai ko-ee iski adaa-e-khaas
do ek niga-hain chund aziz-awn kay paas hain
Per ooska geeth sub kay dil-awn main mukheem hai
aur iski la-ay say saink-rown luzzath shinaas hain
Oos geeth kay thamaam muhsin hain la-zawaal
oska wa-foor, oska kharosh, oska soz-o-saaz
Yey geeth misl-e-shola-e-juwala thund-o-thaiz
oski la-puk say bad-e-fana ka jigar gu-daaz
Jai-say chiraq wehshuth-e-sursur say bay-khathur
ya shame-e-buzm subha ki aamud say bay-khaber.
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