Desperately seeking simplicity – and unity
This afternoon I discovered two souls at the workplace who were talking of the inner self and how we often let the world and…
What Hurts the Soul?
What Hurts the Soul? We tremble, thinking we’re about to dissolve into non-existence, but non-existence fears even more that it might be given human…
Bulleh Shah on dogs
Read the symbol-laden verses of Bulleh Shah with the translation contributed by Shahidain: RaateeN jaageyN kareyN ibaadat RaateeN jaagan kuttey teython utey bhonkanon band…
Wood for His Fire – Rumi
If you don’t have the Beloved why aren’t you looking for Him? If you have the Beloved why aren’t you rejoicing? If the Friend…
Be a connoisseur, and taste with caution
“God has given us a dark wine so potent that, drinking it, we leave the two worlds. God has put into the form of…
The intricate windings of the way
The worth of a treasury is indicated by the many locks upon it. The greatness of the traveler’s goal is marked by the intricate…
….na junoon raha na pari rahi – when neither you exist nor I exist
Junaid has sent this classic ghazal by one of the earlier, eclectic poets of Urdu language, Siraj Aurangabadi. The best part of his email…
A moth to the fire of love (Rumi)
“If you are wise like the Friend of God, the fire is water to you, especially this fire of Love, which is the soul…
A Few Words on the Soul
Thanks to my friend Fawad, I have been introduced to the fine poetry of , Wislawa Szymborska (b. 1923) also the 1996 Polish Nobel…
Go, knock at the door of your own heart
There’s a basket full of loaves on your head, yet you’re begging for crusts of bread from door to door. Pay attention to your…
Naanak’s wisdom
THE NEWS By Nadir Ali A little over fifty years ago our Persian teacher, a pious maulana in the old mould, was explaining the…
Shehr-i-Qatl ke log (People of this Murderous City) a poem
Reposting this 2007 poem: Alam kay iss jazeeray mein Jahan sab per ujar gaye Aur saari musafitan be-nishaan ho gayee Teri tasveer neechay gulab…
People of this Murderous City
The other day, I translated my poem in Urdu written after the events of 27 December, 2007. It has been published by this blog.…
Chiragh-e-Dair (Light of the World) – Ghalib on Benaras
Mirza Ghalib spent a month in Benaras during his struggles for the restoration of pension. The city left a lasting impact on him. I…
Mazhub – a voice for peaceful South Asia
In 2006, I read this brilliant poem by Brijinder”Sagar (found here on Adnan’s brilliant site). I had kept it with me for an adequate…
Tear down this house
by Ayeda Naqvi Yes, our houses are under attack. But as we so desperately cling to the old form, eager to preserve and retain…
Noor Jehan Singing
This soulful poem by Faiz was rendered by Madame Noor Jehan in her early, melodious years. Manto has also mentioned this rendition in his…
O Beloved, Be Like That to Me
The flames that dance with love – O Beloved, be like that to me. The burning heat within the fire – O Beloved, be…
The secret of life, in brief – Sindhi poems
Selected verse of poems by Tanveer Abbasi, a Sindhi poet of great poet translated by Dr Farrukh Malik- Blowing wind has crossed the iron…
Nahaj ul Balagha – Looking back to Get Ahead
Fahmida Riaz is Pakistan’s premier female poet. She became a sensation in the early 1970s when her bold, feminist poetry created a stir in…