Sohaib Qureshi has translated 12th century mystic Ahmad-i Jam’s verse – thanks to his endeavours
Manzil-i ishq az makà n-i dìgar ast
Mard-i ìn rà h rà nishà n-i dìgar ast
Bar sar-i bazà r-i sarrà fà n-i ishq
Zìr-i har dà r-ì jawà n-i dìgar ast
Kushtagà n-i khanjar-i taslìm rÃ
Har zamà n az ghaìb jà n-i dìgar ast
Ahmadà ! Tà gúm nagardì, hushyà r!
Kìn jaras az karwà n-i dìgar ast
Destination of love is from another dwelling
Man of this path has another attribute.
In the bazaar of those who understand the value of love
There is a different youth under every gallows.
Those slain by the dagger of submission
Each moment find a new life from the Unknown.
O Ahmad! Till you lose yourself, beware
Since this bell is from another caravan.