Allama Iqbal Translations

These are my modern English translations of Allama Iqbal, who wrote both Persian poems and Urdu poems.

Sir Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938), also known as Allāma Iqbāl ("The Learned One"), was a Lahori Muslim poet, philosopher, politician and barrister (lawyer). He wrote poetry and prose in Persian and Urdu and is best known for his poetic works, for which he was knighted by King George V in 1923.

In India, he is widely regarded for the patriotic song, Saare Jahan Se Achcha, which has become an unofficial national anthem of sorts. Mahatma Gandhi is said to have sung the song over a hundred times when he was imprisoned at Yerawada Jail in Pune in the 1930s. The poem was set to music in the 1950s by sitar maestro and Beatles guru Ravi Shankar.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal is considered to be the founder of the modern state of Pakistan and its spiritual father. He is known as Muffakir-e-Pakistan ("The Thinker of Pakistan"), Shair-e-Mashriq ("The Poet of the East") and Hakeem-ul-Ummat ("The Sage of Ummah"). He is also officially recognized as the national poet of Pakistan and his birthday is a Pakistani national holiday.

Withered Roses
by Allama Iqbal
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

What shall I call you,
but the nightingale's desire?

The morning breeze was your nativity,
an afternoon garden, your sepulchre.

My tears welled up like dew,
till in my abandoned heart your rune grew:

this memento of love,
this spray of withered roses.

Ehad-e-Tifli (“The Age of Infancy”)
by Allama Iqbal aka Muhammad Iqbal
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

The earth and the heavens remained unknown to me,
My mother's bosom was my only world.

Her embraces communicated life's joys
While I babbled meaningless sounds.

During my infancy if someone alarmed me
The clank of the door chain consoled me.

At night I observed the moon,
Following its flight through distant clouds.

By day I pondered earth’s terrain
Only to be surprised by convenient explanations.

My eyes ingested light, my lips sought speech,
I was curiosity incarnate.

Excerpt from Rumuz-e bikhudi (“The Mysteries of Selflessness”)
by Allama Iqbal aka Muhammad Iqbal
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Like a candle fending off the night,
I consumed myself, melting into tears.
I spent myself, to create more light,
More beauty and joy for my peers.

Longing
by Allama Iqbal
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Lord, I’ve grown tired of human assemblies!
I long to avoid conflict! My heart craves peace!
I desperately desire the silence of a small mountainside hut!

Life Advice
by Allama Iqbāl
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

This passive nature will not allow you to survive;
If you want to live, raise a storm!

Destiny
by Allama Iqbal
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Isn't it futile to complain about God's will,
When indeed you are your own destiny?

The HyperTexts