Mankind because man's nature has wrought cruelty

"To unravel life's secret it gave man serendipity
However, it gave no clue to test his propensity

He is eager to perceive and to comprehend
The essence of the existence, but cannot apprehend

Beginning and end are so enigmatic
In this hall of mirrors they are problematic

The river of life flows in a state of ferment
To combine with the ocean it is ever fervent

Clouds on a blowing wind, afloat and adrift
Proped on its shoulders like a floating raft

The stars are in ecstasy with their fated wine
Prisoners to the heavenly design

The Sun brings to the morn asceticism
Awakens the world from its slumbers

Behind the hills far in the West
Cups of wine are drunk in zest

Wrapped in its own entity
Mixed with its own identity

No help from the surroundings make forth a sound for man
What a hard challange for man! Hard pounding for man"

-Muhammad Iqbal, Insan Jo Qudrat Ka Ajib Yah Sitam Hai, (Mankind because man's nature has wrought cruelty)

The reason why I like to share the poetry of Muhammad Iqbal, is because, like so many children of Pakistanis in the UK, I missed out on this moving and ecstatic, sometimes critical, art during my upbringing; being taught poetry and to understand poetry it is hardly part of schooling (apart from a few weeks I got in English literature during my GCSE's). I have rediscovered Iqbal, and it is easy to see why he left a profound effect on Indian Muslims. Even today, I feel his words hold strong meaning, and we can see why many might have been moved into political, as well as social, activism, solely due to his words.

Though I must admit: I'd probably never engage in writing any potery myself, unlike young Zachary Latif. Nowadays, I am far too sober for that... ;-)

Comments

[Osama]

Fuck you muslim shithead

[denizengt]

Well, Osama, that was a fantastic contribution. You must feel so proud.

Iqbal writes marvellous poetry. Thankyou for sharing, I enjoy a good poem from Iqbal.

[Mark Konrad]

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[david]

Anyone who can only come up with words like "Fuck you muslim shithead" is obviously small minded. I'm not a muslim but I believe everyone has a right to say what they believe.

It's such a shame that that must also include the small minded ones.

Thanks for the poetry.

[Dev]

Everyone should respect each others religion!