Zabur-e ʿAjam by Allama Iqbal, in translations by Mustansir Mir

To the Reader

به خوانندهٔ کتاب زبور

Part One

ز برون در گذشتم ز درون خانه گفتم

غزل شمارهٔ 2–درونِ سینهٔ ما سوزِ آرزو ز کجاست؟

The ardent longing in our hearts – where does it come from? Ours is the tumbler, but the wine within – where does it come from?

غزل شمارهٔ 5–از مشتِ غبار ما صد ناله برانگیزی

From my handful of dust You draw out a hundred laments; you are nearer than the soul – for all Your shy reserve.

غزل شمارهٔ 10–دل دیده ئی که دارم همه لذت نظاره

The eyes and heart that I have take such delight in view – what is my fault if I should carve idols out of rough stone?

غزل شمارهٔ 19–یا مسلمان را مده فرمان که جان بر کف بنه

Either do not tell the Muslim to put his life at risk, or else breathe a new soul into this worn-out frame. Do one thing or the other!

غزل شمارهٔ 39–اگر نظاره از خود رفتگی آرد حجاب اولی

If a sight causes loss of self, it is better hidden from view: I do not accept the deal, Your price is too high.

دو عالم را توان دیدن بمینائی که من دارم

غزل شمارهٔ 75–خود را کنم سجودی ، دیر و حرم نمانده

I bow down before myself – there is no temple or Ka’bah left! This one is missing in Arabia, that one in other lands.