Found in Translation: Akbar Allahabadi
A Journey into Urdu Poetry (2)
Here is my second post, this one a poem by Akbar Allahabadi. I have provided both my translation and a transliteration. I hope this enhances understanding and pleasure. I should add that I first came across this poem as a ghazal sung by Ghulam Ali. I had initially thought it to be a standard romantic ghazal of the Ishq-e-majaazi type. Upon translation it emerged as being of the Ishq-e-haqeeqi type.
Over the coming weeks, I intend to provide new posts in rough alphabetical order of the names by which the poets are popularly known. Please excuse the rudimentary formatting as I have yet to I find my way around the Substack app. Those who have subscribed should receive my posts directly through Substack. Until others have subscribed, I will send them copies directly via email.
Poet: Akbar Allahabadi (1846-1921)
Poem: Hangama hai kyoon barpa
Why is there Wailing?
Why is there wailing? I have drunk but a little
I have not robbed nor have I plundered
The imam doth protest too much. He has not tasted of life
And knows not the difference between water and wine
I seek not the wine that intoxicates the mind
I seek only that which ferments my soul
The sun is scarred. How can that be?
The idol calls me infidel! Such is the will of God
As desire ebbs and awareness dims
My eyes search for the light of the divine
Each grain gleams and every breath cries out
The divine exists, if you do.
Transliteration
Hangaama hai kyoon barpa thori si jo pi li hai
Daaka to nahin mara chori to naheen ki hai
Na-tajraba-kari se vaaiz ki ye hain baatein
Is rang ko kya jaane puchho to kabhi pi hai
Us mai se naheen matlab dil jis se he begaana
Maqsood hai us mai se dil hi mein jo khinchti hai
Suraj mein laga dhabba fitrat ke karishme hain
But ham ko kahen kafir allah ki marzi hai
Ai shauq vahi mai pi ai hosh zara so ja
Mehman-e-nazar is dam ik barq-e-tajalli hai
Har zarra chamkta hai anvaar-e-ilahi se
Har saans ye kehti hai hum hain to khuda bhi hai
Mansoor, your comment on the features of the two “Ishq” traditions within Urdu poetry is spot on. As I have delved deeper into this, have been surprised by how much Urdu poetry can be interpreted in the Haqiqi tradition. Many poets write with a subtlety that allows for the expression of deep thoughts about existence, divinity and faith through otherwise conventional words and phrases. In the weeks to come, you will see my own bias towards this sort of poetry reflected in the items I choose to translate and how I interpret certain words.