Listen to the (ney) reed flute, how it tells a tale of separation, I want a bosom torn by severance, that I may unfold the pain of love desire,
In every company I uttered my wailful notes, I consorted with the unhappy and with them that rejoice,
Everyone became my friend from his own opinion; none sought out my secrets from within me,
My secret is not far from my plaint, but ear and eye lack the light (to apprehend it)
Body is not veiled from soul nor soul from body, yet none is permitted to see the soul."
This noise of the reed is fire, it is not wind; whoso has not this fire may he be naught!
'Tis the fire of Love that is in the reed, 'tis the fervour of love that is in the wine.
The reed is the companion of everyone who has been parted from a friend: its strains pierced our hearts.
Who ever saw a poison and an antidote like the reed? Who ever saw a sympathizer and a longing lover like the reed?
The reed tells of the Way full of blood and recounts stories of the passion of Majnun.
Only to the senseless is this sense confided: the tongue hath no customer save the ear.
In our woe the days (of life) have become untimely: our days travel hand in hand with burning griefs.
If our days are gone let them go! - 'tis no matter. Do Thou remain, for none is holy as Thou art!
Whoever is not a fish becomes sated with His water; whoever is without daily bread finds the day long.
None that is raw understands the state of the ripe: therefore my words must be brief. Farewell.
~ Rumi
As well as of course our deep and undying gratitude to Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi for this and the following pages we are grateful to the following persons:
Transliteration - courtesy of Goli Amini Rad. (Iran) Translation by professor R.A. Nicholson.
The Persian manuscript is 'the old version' as used by Professor Nicholson when correcting his original translation. *Those concerned with a more sophisticated transliteration may like to try the excellent Dar al-Masnavi website. JMZ
beshno az ney chon hekaayat mikonad, az jodaayee ha shekaayat mi-konad,
kaz neyestaan ta maraa bebrideh and, dar nafiram mardo zan naalideh and,
sineh khaaham sharheh sharheh az faraagh, ta begooyam sharheh dardeh eshtiyaagh,
har kasi ku door maand az asleh khish, az jooyad roozegareh vasleh khish,
man be har jamiyati naalaan shodam, jofteh bad haalaano khosh haalaan shodam,
har kasi az zanneh khod shod yaareh man, az darooneh man najost asraareh man,
serreh man az naaleyeh man door nist, lik chashmo goosh ra aan noor nist,
tan zeh jaano jaan zeh tan mastour nist, lik kas ra dideh jaan dastour nist,
aatash ast in baangeh naayo nist baad, har keh in aatash nadaarad nist baad,
aatasheh ishq ast kandar ney fetaad, jooshesheh ishq ast kandar mey fetaad,
ney, harifeh har keh az yaari borid, pardeh hayash pardeh hayeh ma darid,
hamcho ney zahri o taryaqi keh did? hamchon ney damsaaz o moshtaqi ke did?
ney hadiseh raheh por khoon mikonad, qesseh hayeh eshq e majnoon mikonad,
mahrameh in hoosh joz bihoosh nist, mar zaban ra moshtari joz goosh nist,
dar ghameh ma rooz ha bigaah shod, rouz ha ba souz ha hamraah shod,
rouz ha gar raft gu ro baak nist, to bemaan , ey aankeh chin to paak nist,
har keh joz maahi zeh aabash dir shod, har keh bi roozist, roozash dir shod,
dar nayaabad haaleh pokhteh hich khaam, pas sokhan kootaah baayad, vassalaam.*
Munshi Raziuddin's poetry is sung by his sons Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwals at a small and intimate gathering at our home in Montreal in 2008.
This mehfil begins with a short dua/intro', continued by a few minutes of engaging instrumental music to set up the mood, and then a longer than usual behlava. The poem is in dedication and love of the Divine. It isn't sung frequently and may be new to some of you so I thought it worthwhile sharing it. The qawwals knew how much I enjoy a long and pensive beginnings :-). Hope you enjoy it despite the somewhat poor quality of the recording.
Preshan Ho Ke Meri Khaak Akhir Dil Na Ban Jaye Jo Mushkil Ab Hai Ya Rab Phir Wohi Mushkil Na Ban Jaye My scattered dust charged with Love the shape of heart may take at last: O God, the grief that bowed me then may press me down as in the past! Na Ker Dein Mujh ko Majboor-e-Nava Firdous Mein Hoorein Mera Soz-e-Doron Phir Garmi-e-Mehfil Na Ban Jaye
The maids of Eden by their charm may arouse my urge for song The flame of Love that burns in me may fire the zeal of Celestial Throng! Kabhi Chhordi Huwi Manzil Bhi Yaad Ati Hai Raahi Ko Khattak Si Hai, Jo Seenay Mein, Gham-e-Manzil Na Ban Jaye The pilgrim’s mind can dwell at times on spots and stages left behind: My heed for spots and places crossed, From the Quest may turn my mind! Banaya Ishq Ne Darya’ay Na-Payda Karan Mujh Ko Ye Meri Khud Nigahdari Mera Sahil Na Ban Jaye By the mighty force of Love I am turned to Boundless Deep: I fear that my self‐regard, Me, for aye, on shore may keep! Kahin Iss Alam-e-Be-Rang-o-Bu Mein Bhi Talab Meri Wohi Afsana-e-Dunbala-e-Mehmil Na Ban Jaye My hectic search for aim and end, In life that smell and hue doth lack, May get renown like lover’s tale, Who riding went on litter’s track! Urooj-e-Adam-e-Khaki Se Anjum Sehme Jate Hain Ke Ye Toota Hua Tara Mah-e-Kamil Na Ban Jaye The rise of clay‐born man hath smit the hosts of heaven with utter fright: They dread that this fallen star to moon may wax with fuller light. Poetry ~ Muhammad Iqbal Composition ! Yousuf Salahuddin Singer ~ Sanam Marvi
Tori soorat kay balihaari, Nijaam Tori soorat kay balihaari. Sab sakhiyan mein chundar meri mailee, Dekh hansain nar naari, Nijaam Ab ke bahar chundar meri rang de, Piya rakh lay laaj hamari, Nijaam. Sadqa baba Ganj Shakar ka, Rakh lay laaj hamari, Nijaam. Qutab, Farid mil aaye barati, 'Khusrau' raajdulaari, Nijaam. Kouo saas kouo nanad say jhagday, Hamko aas tihaari, Nijaam. Tori soorat kay balihaari, Nijaam. --- trans: http://www.angelfire.com/sd/urdumedia/lyrics.html
Beholding your appearance, Oh Nijaam I offer myself in sacrifice. Amongst all the girls, my scarf is the most soiled, Look, the girls are laughing at me. This spring, please dye my scarf for me, Oh Nijaam, protect my honour. In the name of Ganj-e Shakar (Nizamuddin Aulia's pir), Protect my honour, Oh beloved Nijaam. Qutab and Farid have come in the wedding procession, And Khusrau is the loving bride, Oh Nijaam. Some have to fight with the mother-in-law, While some with sisters-in-law, But I have you for support, Oh Nijaam. Poetry: Hazrat Amir Khusrau Recital: Ustad Manzoor Ahmed Khan Niazi & Munshi Raziuddin Qawwal
Ustad Bahauddin at his prime reciting Kabir with lots of girahbandi to various poets includes a distinct Hyderabadi flavor with references to Kamil and Seemab.
As another Spring comes to South Asia and flowers start to bloom, another rendition of this kalam appears to be an appropriate way to celebrate it all.
The yellow mustard seeds bloom in every field, Mango buds click open, flame of the forest trees blossom, The koyal chirps from branch to branch, And the fair maiden puts on her make-up, The gardener-girls have brought bouquets,
With assorted flowers in arrangements, Devotees arrive, bouquets in hand, To Nizamuddin's doorstep, But Shokh Rung, who had promised to come, Hasn't turned up - its been many years.
---------- References: [1] Lyrics and trans. adapted from: http://www.angelfire.com/sd/urdumedia/lyrics2.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jigar_Moradabadi Jigar Moradabadi (Urdu: جِگر مُرادآبادی), was the nom de plume of Ali Sikandar (1890–1960), one of the most famous Urdu poets of the 20th century and a celebrated Urdu ghazal writer.[1][2] He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958 for his highly acclaimed poetry collection "Atish-i-Gul".[3] Jigar Moradabadi was born on April 6, 1890 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. He lost his father at an early age and did not have an easy childhood. At school (madrassah) he was taught bothArabic and Persian. His poetry teacher (ustad ) in the early days was Rasa Rampuri
Hazrat Amir Khusrau's popular poetry "Chap Tilak" is sung here by Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwal party live at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, Montreal. Presented by Kabir Cultural Centre, Montreal.
The singers demonstrate a special mastery over their genre with their girah-bandi (literally translated to knot-tying) relating similar ideas through verses of one Sufi poet to another. Here the singers switch to Sultan Bahu , Meer Taqi Meer, Bulleh Shah, Moalana Rumi and Kabir Das among others. It is amazing how mid-stream the singers easily switch the tune to another and revert to the original.
Also noteworthy here is the sargam, the Khusrau tarana and how wonderfully the audience reacts to the music. Please excuse the poor quality of the video/editing.
Ustad Farid Ayaz and UstadAbu Muhammad Qawwal Party
Mata-e-bay baha hai dard o soz-e-arzoo mandi, Maqam e bandagi dey kar na nushaane khudamandi, Tere azad bandon ki na yeh dunya, na who dunya, Yahan marnay ki pabandi, wahan jeenay ki pabandi, Hijabat teer hai awara e quwway mohabbat ko, Meri aatish ko bharkati hai teri dair qaybandi, Guzar awqat kehle ta hai yeh ko ho bayabaan mein, Ke shahi ke liya zillat hai kare ashiyaan mandi, Yeh paida ne nazar ka yaan ki maktab ki karamat ki, Sikhaye kis ne Ismail ko adab farzandee, Ziyarat gah he ahle azmo himmat hay lahez meri, Ke khaq e rah ko mein ne bataya raaz e albandi, Meri masaathgi ki kiya zaroorat husne maani ko, Ke fitrat khud ba khud karti hay laanay ki hina bandi, Mata e bay baha hai dard e suze arzoo mandi, Maqam e bandage dey kar nanu shane khudamandi!
متاع بے بہا ہے درد و سوز آرزو مندی مقام بندگی دے کر نہ لوں شان خداوندی ترے آزاد بندوں کی نہ يہ دنيا ، نہ وہ دنيا يہاں مرنے کی پابندی ، وہاں جينے کی پابندی حجاب اکسير ہے آوارہ کوئے محبت کو ميری آتش کو بھڑکاتی ہے تيری دير پيوندی گزر اوقات کر ليتا ہے يہ کوہ و بياباں ميں کہ شاہيں کے ليے ذلت ہے کار آشياں بندی يہ فيضان نظر تھا يا کہ مکتب کی کرامت تھی سکھائے کس نے اسمعيل کو آداب فرزندی زيارت گاہ اہل عزم و ہمت ہے لحد ميری کہ خاک راہ کو ميں نے بتايا راز الوندی مری مشاطگی کی کيا ضرورت حسن معنی کو کہ فطرت خود بخود کرتی ہے لالے کی حنا بندی
Radhika Chopra's endearing description of how a young bride leaves home is followed be her ever so sweet recital of yet another of Khusraw's beautiful poems of bidayi.
Ambuva talle dola rakh de kaharva, aayi savan ki puhaar re Ambuva talle dola... Apne mandar me mein gurdiya khailat thi, sayyan ne bhaiju kahar re apne mandar gurdiya khel na paayi, le gaye doliya savaar re Ambuva talle dola... Kon kahe beti aavan kariyo, kon kahe chheh maahs re kon kahe behni roj ke aayio, kon kahe kao kaaj re? Ambuva talle dola... Baabul kahe beti aavan kariyo, maai ahe chheh maahs re bhaiyya kahe behni roj ke aayio, bhoji kahe kao kaaj re Ambuva talle dola... Kon ke rove aisey nadeeya bhare hai, kon ke rove se taal re kon ke rove bheegey chunarriya, kon ke hont ulaas re Ambuva talle dola... Baabul ke rove aisey ke nadeeya bharat hai, maai ke rove se taal re bhaiyya ke rove bheeje chunarriya, bhoji ke hont ulaas re Ambuva talle dola...
Jafar Husain Khansaheb ki sureeli awaz aur khubsoorat pyar bharay andaaz mein ye kalam aik farq hi rung mein, aur ruhani nisbat se pardha gaya hai.
preamble: Manzil Milli, Murad Milli, Mudaa Milla Sab Kuchh Mujhay Milla, Jo Tera Naqsh-e-Pa Milla منزل ملی، مراد ملی، مدعا ملا سب کھچہ مجھے ملا جو تیرا نقش پا ملا
Jab Dur tak Na Koi, Faqir Aashna Milla Tera Niyaz-mand, Teray Dar se Ja Milla
جب دور تک نہ کوئی فقیر آشنا ملا تیرا نیازمند تیرے دار سے جا ملا
------ Mujh Mein Har Rung Ab Tumhara Hai, Ab to Keh do, Ke Tu Hamara Hai,
مجھ میں ہر رنگ اب تمھارا ہے اب تے کہ دو کے تو ہمارا ہے
Aalam-e-Shoaq Mein, Na Jaaney Kyon, Mein Ne Har Dam, Tumhein Pukara Hai
Tuu To Sab Hi Ke Paas Hai Moajood, Kon Kehta Hai, Tuu Hamara Hai
Terey Sadqay Mein Ye Tamaam Jahan Apni Thhokar Pe Main Ne Mara Hai
Raaz Ko Raaz Kyon Samajhtey Ho Raaz Duniya Pe Aashiqara Hai,
Ab to Keh do, Ke Tu Hamara Hai,
-----------------------------------------
I arrived at my destiny, Received my heart's desire,
My prayers were answered. I received all, when I saw the imprint of Thy feet
When in the distance no one fimiliar with poverty was found Your supplicant embraced Your door.
Now that all I have are Your colors Pray tell me, You are mine.
In this mysterious world of desire, I have called Your name with each breath.
After all You are present for everyone Who can lay claim, You are just mine.
My Lord, this entire world is by your Grace I sacrifice everything worldly for you
Why consider this mystery such a secret When his eternal love is revealed to the entire world.
Jan zetan burdi wa darjani hunooz; Dard-ha daadi wa darmani hunooz. Aashkara seen-e am bashugaafti; Hamchunan dar seen-e pinhani hunooz. Ma za girya chun namak bagudakhtim; Tu bakhunda shukr afshani hunooz.
~ Amir Khusrau
You carried the soul from (my) body – and yet, You are still in the soul; You have given pains – and are still the remedy; Openly you split my breast Yet, you are still hidden in my heart. You have destroyed the kingdom of my heart With the sword of coquetry, And are still a ruler in that place….
