suna hai log use aankh bhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai log use aankh bhar ke dekhte hain
so us ke shahr men kuchh din thahar ke dekhte hain
suna hai rabt hai us ko kharab-halon se
so apne aap ko barbad kar ke dekhte hain
suna hai dard ki gahak hai chashm-e-naz us ki
so ham bhi us ki gali se guzar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ko bhi hai sher o shairi se shaghhaf
so ham bhi moajize apne hunar ke dekhte hain
suna hai bole to baton se phuul jhadte hain
ye baat hai to chalo baat kar ke dekhte hain
suna hai raat use chand takta rahta hai
sitare bam-e-falak se utar ke dekhte hain
suna hai din ko use titliyan satati hain
suna hai raat ko jugnu thahar ke dekhte hain
suna hai hashr hain us ki ghhazal si ankhen
suna hai us ko hiran dasht bhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai raat se badh kar hain kakulen us ki
suna hai shaam ko saae guzar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ki siyah-chashmagi qayamat hai
so us ko surma-farosh aah bhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ke labon se gulab jalte hain
so ham bahar pe ilzam dhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai aaina timsal hai jabin us ki
jo saada dil hain use ban-sanvar ke dekhte hain
suna hai jab se hamail hain us ki gardan men
mizaj aur hi laal o guhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai chashm-e-tasavvur se dasht-e-imkan men
palang zaviye us ki kamar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ke badan ki tarash aisi hai
ki phuul apni qabaen katar ke dekhte hain
vo sarv-qad hai magar be-gul-e-murad nahin
ki us shajar pe shagufe samar ke dekhte hain
bas ik nigah se lutta hai qafila dil ka
so rah-ravan-e-tamanna bhi dar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ke shabistan se muttasil hai bahisht
makin udhar ke bhi jalve idhar ke dekhte hain
ruke to gardishen us ka tavaf karti hain
chale to us ko zamane thahar ke dekhte hain
kise nasib ki be-pairahan use dekhe
kabhi kabhi dar o divar ghar ke dekhte hain
kahaniyan hi sahi sab mubalghhe hi sahi
agar vo khvab hai tabir kar ke dekhte hain
ab us ke shahr men thahren ki kuuch kar jaaen
'faraz' aao sitare safar ke dekhte hain
suna hai log use aankh bhar ke dekhte hain
so us ke shahr mein kuchh din thahar ke dekhte hain
suna hai rabt hai us ko kharab-haalon se
so apne aap ko barbaad kar ke dekhte hain
suna hai dard ki gahak hai chashm-e-naz us ki
so hum bhi us ki gali se guzar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ko bhi hai sher o shairi se shaghaf
so hum bhi moajize apne hunar ke dekhte hain
suna hai bole to baaton se phul jhadte hain
ye baat hai to chalo baat kar ke dekhte hain
suna hai raat use chand takta rahta hai
sitare baam-e-falak se utar ke dekhte hain
suna hai din ko use titliyan satati hain
suna hai raat ko jugnu thahar ke dekhte hain
suna hai hashr hain us ki ghazal si aankhen
suna hai us ko hiran dasht bhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai raat se badh kar hain kakulen us ki
suna hai sham ko sae guzar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ki siyah-chashmagi qayamat hai
so us ko surma-farosh aah bhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ke labon se gulab jalte hain
so hum bahaar pe ilzam dhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai aaina timsal hai jabin us ki
jo sada dil hain use ban-sanwar ke dekhte hain
suna hai jab se hamail hain us ki gardan mein
mizaj aur hi lal o guhar ke dekhte hain
suna hai chashm-e-tasawwur se dasht-e-imkan mein
palang zawiye us ki kamar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ke badan ki tarash aisi hai
ki phul apni qabaen katar ke dekhte hain
wo sarw-qad hai magar be-gul-e-murad nahin
ki us shajar pe shagufe samar ke dekhte hain
bas ek nigah se lutta hai qafila dil ka
so rah-rawan-e-tamanna bhi dar ke dekhte hain
suna hai us ke shabistan se muttasil hai bahisht
makin udhar ke bhi jalwe idhar ke dekhte hain
ruke to gardishen us ka tawaf karti hain
chale to us ko zamane thahar ke dekhte hain
kise nasib ki be-pairahan use dekhe
kabhi kabhi dar o diwar ghar ke dekhte hain
kahaniyan hi sahi sab mubaalghe hi sahi
agar wo khwab hai tabir kar ke dekhte hain
ab us ke shahr mein thahren ki kuch kar jaen
'faraaz' aao sitare safar ke dekhte hain
dil-e-nadan tujhe hua kya hai
dil-e-nadan tujhe hua kya hai
akhir is dard ki dava kya hai
foolish heart what ails you pray?
can antidotes this ache allay?
ham hain mushtaq aur vo be-zar
ya ilahi ye majra kya hai
i'm ardent and she turns away
lord! what is this game you play?
main bhi munh men zaban rakhta huun
kaash puchho ki muddaa kya hai
i too am capable of speech
just ask me what i want today
jab ki tujh bin nahin koi maujud
phir ye hangama ai khuda kya hai
when but for you, naught else exists
why then o lord this noisy fray?
ye pari-chehra log kaise hain
ghhamza o ishva o ada kya hai
...
...
shikan-e-zulf-e-ambarin kyuun hai
nigah-e-chashm-e-surma sa kya hai
...
...
sabza o gul kahan se aae hain
abr kya chiiz hai hava kya hai
...
...
ham ko un se vafa ki hai ummid
jo nahin jante vafa kya hai
from her i hope for constancy
who knows it not, to my dismay
haan bhala kar tira bhala hoga
aur darvesh ki sada kya hai
good you do and goodness reap
what else does the dervish say
jaan tum par nisar karta huun
main nahin janta dua kya hai
to you i do bequeath my life
i know not what it is to pray
main ne maana ki kuchh nahin 'ghhalib'
muft haath aae to bura kya hai
ghalib's worthless i accept
but if comes free then why delay?
dil-e-nadan tujhe hua kya hai
aakhir is dard ki dawa kya hai
foolish heart what ails you pray?
can antidotes this ache allay?
hum hain mushtaq aur wo be-zar
ya ilahi ye majra kya hai
i'm ardent and she turns away
lord! what is this game you play?
main bhi munh mein zaban rakhta hun
kash puchho ki muddaa kya hai
i too am capable of speech
just ask me what i want today
jab ki tujh bin nahin koi maujud
phir ye hangama ai khuda kya hai
when but for you, naught else exists
why then o lord this noisy fray?
ye pari-chehra log kaise hain
ghamza o ishwa o ada kya hai
...
...
shikan-e-zulf-e-ambarin kyun hai
nigah-e-chashm-e-surma sa kya hai
...
...
sabza o gul kahan se aae hain
abr kya chiz hai hawa kya hai
...
...
hum ko un se wafa ki hai ummid
jo nahin jaante wafa kya hai
from her i hope for constancy
who knows it not, to my dismay
han bhala kar tera bhala hoga
aur darwesh ki sada kya hai
good you do and goodness reap
what else does the dervish say
jaan tum par nisar karta hun
main nahin jaanta dua kya hai
to you i do bequeath my life
i know not what it is to pray
main ne mana ki kuchh nahin 'ghaalib'
muft hath aae to bura kya hai
ghalib's worthless i accept
but if comes free then why delay?
aah ko chahiye ek umr asar hote tak
aah ko chahiye ik umr asar hote tak
kaun jiita hai tiri zulf ke sar hote tak
a prayer needs a lifetime, an answer to obtain
who can live until the time that you decide to deign
dam-e-har-mauj men hai halqa-e-sad-kam-e-nahang
dekhen kya guzre hai qatre pe guhar hote tak
snares are spread in every wave, and reptiles in each lure
see, till it turns into a pearl, what must a drop endure
ashiqi sabr-talab aur tamanna betab
dil ka kya rang karun khun-e-jigar hote tak
love has a need for patience, desires are a strain
as long my ache persists, how shall my heart sustain
ham ne maana ki taghhaful na karoge lekin
khaak ho jaenge ham tum ko khabar hote tak
---
---
partav-e-khur se hai shabnam ko fana ki taalim
main bhi huun ek inayat ki nazar hote tak
agreed, you won't ignore me, i know but then again
into dust will i be turned, your audience till i gain
yak nazar besh nahin fursat-e-hasti ghhafil
garmi-e-bazm hai ik raqs-e-sharar hote tak
the sun's burning intensity is the dewdrop's bane
so till i'm favoured with a glance, i too shall remain
ghham-e-hasti ka 'asad' kis se ho juz marg ilaaj
shama har rang men jalti hai sahar hote tak
o ignorant, less than a glance does life's leisure remain
for the dancing of the spark will the warmth sustain
ta-qayamat shab-e-furqat men guzar jaegi umr
saat din ham pe bhi bhari hain sahar hote tak
save death, asad what else release from this life of pain?
a lamp must burn in every hue till dawn is there again
aah ko chahiye ek umr asar hote tak
kaun jita hai teri zulf ke sar hote tak
a prayer needs a lifetime, an answer to obtain
who can live until the time that you decide to deign
dam-e-har-mauj mein hai halqa-e-sad-kaam-e-nahang
dekhen kya guzre hai qatre pe guhar hote tak
snares are spread in every wave, and reptiles in each lure
see, till it turns into a pearl, what must a drop endure
aashiqi sabr-talab aur tamanna betab
dil ka kya rang karun khun-e-jigar hote tak
love has a need for patience, desires are a strain
as long my ache persists, how shall my heart sustain
hum ne mana ki taghaful na karoge lekin
khak ho jaenge hum tum ko khabar hote tak
---
---
partaw-e-khur se hai shabnam ko fana ki talim
main bhi hun ek inayat ki nazar hote tak
agreed, you won't ignore me, i know but then again
into dust will i be turned, your audience till i gain
yak nazar besh nahin fursat-e-hasti ghafil
garmi-e-bazm hai ek raqs-e-sharar hote tak
the sun's burning intensity is the dewdrop's bane
so till i'm favoured with a glance, i too shall remain
gham-e-hasti ka 'asad' kis se ho juz marg ilaj
shama har rang mein jalti hai sahar hote tak
o ignorant, less than a glance does life's leisure remain
for the dancing of the spark will the warmth sustain
ta-qayamat shab-e-furqat mein guzar jaegi umr
sat din hum pe bhi bhaari hain sahar hote tak
save death, asad what else release from this life of pain?
a lamp must burn in every hue till dawn is there again
ye na thi hamari qismat ki visal-e-yar hota
ye na thi hamari qismat ki visal-e-yar hota
agar aur jiite rahte yahi intizar hota
that my love be consummated, fate did not ordain
living longer had i waited, would have been in vain
tire vaade par jiye ham to ye jaan jhuut jaana
ki khushi se mar na jaate agar e'tibar hota
that your promise made me live, let that not deceive
happily my life i'd give, if i could but believe
tiri nazuki se jaana ki bandha tha ahd boda
kabhi tu na tod sakta agar ustuvar hota
to your daintiness is tied, the frailty of your vow
you couldn't break it if you tried, if it was firm somehow
koi mere dil se puchhe tire tir-e-nim-kash ko
ye khalish kahan se hoti jo jigar ke paar hota
what pain your arrow, partly drawn, inflicts upon my heart
cleanly through if it had gone, would it this sting impart?
ye kahan ki dosti hai ki bane hain dost naseh
koi charasaz hota koi ghham-gusar hota
say what friendship is this pray? that friends seek to preach
instead of trying to allay my pain with soothing speech
rag-e-sang se tapakta vo lahu ki phir na thamta
jise ghham samajh rahe ho ye agar sharar hota
blood would ooze from veins of stone, not stem nor ever tire
if what to us as grief is known, were but a spark of fire
ghham agarche jan-gusil hai pa kahan bachen ki dil hai
ghham-e-ishq gar na hota ghham-e-rozgar hota
if sorrow's fatal, then tell me, how can this heart endure?
if love's sorrow would not be, life's sorrow would, for sure
kahun kis se main ki kya hai shab-e-ghham buri bala hai
mujhe kya bura tha marna agar ek baar hota
of gloomy nights alone and sad, to whom should i complain?
dying just once would not be bad, but each evening again?
hue mar ke ham jo rusva hue kyuun na ghharq-e-dariya
na kabhi janaza uthta na kahin mazar hota
after death i was reviled, i would have rather drowned
no remnant to be defiled, no grave site to be found
use kaun dekh sakta ki yagana hai vo yakta
jo dui ki bu bhi hoti to kahin do-char hota
him how can anybody see, unique, no form, no face
were there a whiff of duality we'd see him at some place
ye masail-e-tasavvuf ye tira bayan 'ghhalib'
tujhe ham vali samajhte jo na bada-khvar hota
on mystic philosophy, gaalib, your words profound
a saint we'd surely think you be, if drunken you weren't found
ye na thi hamari qismat ki visal-e-yar hota
agar aur jite rahte yahi intizar hota
that my love be consummated, fate did not ordain
living longer had i waited, would have been in vain
tere wade par jiye hum to ye jaan jhut jaana
ki khushi se mar na jate agar e'tibar hota
that your promise made me live, let that not deceive
happily my life i'd give, if i could but believe
teri nazuki se jaana ki bandha tha ahd boda
kabhi tu na tod sakta agar ustuwar hota
to your daintiness is tied, the frailty of your vow
you couldn't break it if you tried, if it was firm somehow
koi mere dil se puchhe tere tir-e-nim-kash ko
ye khalish kahan se hoti jo jigar ke par hota
what pain your arrow, partly drawn, inflicts upon my heart
cleanly through if it had gone, would it this sting impart?
ye kahan ki dosti hai ki bane hain dost naseh
koi chaarasaz hota koi gham-gusar hota
say what friendship is this pray? that friends seek to preach
instead of trying to allay my pain with soothing speech
rag-e-sang se tapakta wo lahu ki phir na thamta
jise gham samajh rahe ho ye agar sharar hota
blood would ooze from veins of stone, not stem nor ever tire
if what to us as grief is known, were but a spark of fire
gham agarche jaan-gusil hai pa kahan bachen ki dil hai
gham-e-ishq gar na hota gham-e-rozgar hota
if sorrow's fatal, then tell me, how can this heart endure?
if love's sorrow would not be, life's sorrow would, for sure
kahun kis se main ki kya hai shab-e-gham buri bala hai
mujhe kya bura tha marna agar ek bar hota
of gloomy nights alone and sad, to whom should i complain?
dying just once would not be bad, but each evening again?
hue mar ke hum jo ruswa hue kyun na gharq-e-dariya
na kabhi janaza uthta na kahin mazar hota
after death i was reviled, i would have rather drowned
no remnant to be defiled, no grave site to be found
use kaun dekh sakta ki yagana hai wo yakta
jo dui ki bu bhi hoti to kahin do-chaar hota
him how can anybody see, unique, no form, no face
were there a whiff of duality we'd see him at some place
ye masail-e-tasawwuf ye tera bayan 'ghaalib'
tujhe hum wali samajhte jo na baada-khwar hota
on mystic philosophy, gaalib, your words profound
a saint we'd surely think you be, if drunken you weren't found
kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahan nahin milta
kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahan nahin milta
kahin zamin kahin asman nahin milta
tamam shahr men aisa nahin khulus na ho
jahan umiid ho is ki vahan nahin milta
kahan charaghh jalaen kahan gulab rakhen
chhaten to milti hain lekin makan nahin milta
ye kya azaab hai sab apne aap men gum hain
zaban mili hai magar ham-zaban nahin milta
charaghh jalte hi binai bujhne lagti hai
khud apne ghar men hi ghar ka nishan nahin milta
kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahan nahin milta
kahin zamin kahin aasman nahin milta
tamam shahr mein aisa nahin khulus na ho
jahan umid ho is ki wahan nahin milta
kahan charagh jalaen kahan gulab rakhen
chhaten to milti hain lekin makan nahin milta
ye kya azab hai sab apne aap mein gum hain
zaban mili hai magar ham-zaban nahin milta
charagh jalte hi binai bujhne lagti hai
khud apne ghar mein hi ghar ka nishan nahin milta
na kisi ki aankh ka nur hun na kisi ke dil ka qarar hun
na kisi ki aankh ka nuur huun na kisi ke dil ka qarar huun
kisi kaam men jo na aa sake main vo ek musht-e-ghhubar huun
i'm not the light of any eye, for me none has a care
no use to anyone am i, dust merely scattered there
na dava-e-dard-e-jigar huun main na kisi ki mithi nazar huun main
na idhar huun main na udhar huun main na shakeb huun na qarar huun
i'm no song of blithe intent,why should ears be lent
i am a pain-laden lament, i'm just a plaintive prayer
mira vaqt mujh se bichhad gaya mira rang-rup bigad gaya
jo khizan se baaghh ujad gaya main usi ki fasl-e-bahar huun
my face is truly ugly, scarred, from love i have been barred
the product of a garden marred, in midst of bloom laid bare
pae fatiha koi aae kyuun koi chaar phuul chadhae kyuun
koi aa ke sham' jalae kyuun main vo bekasi ka mazar huun
why should people come and mourn, with flowers why adorn
incense too why should they burn, at a tomb of deep despair
na main laag huun na lagav huun na suhag huun na subhav huun
jo bigad gaya vo banav huun jo nahin raha vo singar huun
---
---
main nahin huun naghhma-e-jan-faza mujhe sun ke koi karega kya
main bade birog ki huun sada main bade dukhi ki pukar huun
na main 'muztar' un ka habib huun na main 'muztar' un ka raqib huun
jo bigad gaya vo nasib huun jo ujad gaya vo dayar huun
na kisi ki aankh ka nur hun na kisi ke dil ka qarar hun
kisi kaam mein jo na aa sake main wo ek musht-e-ghubar hun
i'm not the light of any eye, for me none has a care
no use to anyone am i, dust merely scattered there
na dawa-e-dard-e-jigar hun main na kisi ki mithi nazar hun main
na idhar hun main na udhar hun main na shakeb hun na qarar hun
i'm no song of blithe intent,why should ears be lent
i am a pain-laden lament, i'm just a plaintive prayer
mera waqt mujh se bichhad gaya mera rang-rup bigad gaya
jo khizan se bagh ujad gaya main usi ki fasl-e-bahaar hun
my face is truly ugly, scarred, from love i have been barred
the product of a garden marred, in midst of bloom laid bare
pae fatiha koi aae kyun koi chaar phul chadhae kyun
koi aa ke sham' jalae kyun main wo bekasi ka mazar hun
why should people come and mourn, with flowers why adorn
incense too why should they burn, at a tomb of deep despair
na main lag hun na lagaw hun na suhag hun na subhaw hun
jo bigad gaya wo banaw hun jo nahin raha wo singar hun
---
---
main nahin hun naghma-e-jaan-faza mujhe sun ke koi karega kya
main bade birog ki hun sada main bade dukhi ki pukar hun
na main 'muztar' un ka habib hun na main 'muztar' un ka raqib hun
jo bigad gaya wo nasib hun jo ujad gaya wo dayar hun
tum itna jo muskura rahe ho
tum itna jo muskura rahe ho
kya ghham hai jis ko chhupa rahe ho
ankhon men nami hansi labon par
kya haal hai kya dikha rahe ho
ban jaenge zahr piite piite
ye ashk jo piite ja rahe ho
jin zakhmon ko vaqt bhar chala hai
tum kyuun unhen chhede ja rahe ho
rekhaon ka khel hai muqaddar
rekhaon se maat kha rahe ho
tum itna jo muskura rahe ho
kya gham hai jis ko chhupa rahe ho
aankhon mein nami hansi labon par
kya haal hai kya dikha rahe ho
ban jaenge zahr pite pite
ye ashk jo pite ja rahe ho
jin zakhmon ko waqt bhar chala hai
tum kyun unhen chhede ja rahe ho
rekhaon ka khel hai muqaddar
rekhaon se mat kha rahe ho
ai mohabbat tere anjam pe rona aaya
ai mohabbat tire anjam pe rona aaya
jaane kyuun aaj tire naam pe rona aaya
love your sad conclusion makes me weep
wonder why your mention makes me weep
yuun to har shaam umidon men guzar jaati hai
aaj kuchh baat hai jo shaam pe rona aaya
every evening was, by hope, sustained
this evening's desperation makes me weep
kabhi taqdir ka matam kabhi duniya ka gila
manzil-e-ishq men har gaam pe rona aaya
lamenting fate, complaining of this life
in course of love each station makes me weep
mujh pe hi khatm hua silsila-e-nauhagari
is qadar gardish-e-ayyam pe rona aaya
the cycle of all mourning stops at me
life's inconstant rotation makes me weep
jab hua zikr zamane men mohabbat ka 'shakil'
mujh ko apne dil-e-nakam pe rona aaya
whenever talk of happiness i hear
my failure and frustration makes me weep
ai mohabbat tere anjam pe rona aaya
jaane kyun aaj tere nam pe rona aaya
love your sad conclusion makes me weep
wonder why your mention makes me weep
yun to har sham umidon mein guzar jati hai
aaj kuchh baat hai jo sham pe rona aaya
every evening was, by hope, sustained
this evening's desperation makes me weep
kabhi taqdir ka matam kabhi duniya ka gila
manzil-e-ishq mein har gam pe rona aaya
lamenting fate, complaining of this life
in course of love each station makes me weep
mujh pe hi khatm hua silsila-e-nauhagari
is qadar gardish-e-ayyam pe rona aaya
the cycle of all mourning stops at me
life's inconstant rotation makes me weep
jab hua zikr zamane mein mohabbat ka 'shakil'
mujh ko apne dil-e-nakaam pe rona aaya
whenever talk of happiness i hear
my failure and frustration makes me weep
kabhi ai haqiqat-e-muntazar nazar aa libas-e-majaz mein
kabhi ai haqiqat-e-muntazar nazar aa libas-e-majaz men
ki hazaron sajde tadap rahe hain miri jabin-e-niyaz men
o long-awaited truth appear someday in metaphor's guise,
for on my brow of longing, a thousand prostrations writhe and rise.
tarab-ashna-e-kharosh ho tu nava hai mahram-e-gosh ho
vo sarod kya ki chhupa hua ho sukut-e-parda-e-saz men
let joy embrace the thrill of sound, you are melody, meet the ears,
what worth has a lute that lies concealed, in silence, shrouded, drears?
tu bacha bacha ke na rakh ise tira aaina hai vo aaina
ki shikasta ho to aziz-tar hai nigah-e-aina-saz men
guard not thy mirror with such care, nor fear its shattered face,
for the broken ones are dearer still, in the craftsman’s fond embrace.
dam-e-tauf kirmak-e-shama ne ye kaha ki vo asar-e-kuhan
na tiri hikayat-e-soz men na miri hadis-e-gudaz men
while circling around the candle’s glow, the grieving moth did say,
no trace of old kind remains in our tales of ardour and anguish today.
na kahin jahan men amaan mili jo amaan mili to kahan mili
mire jurm-e-khana-kharab ko tire afv-e-banda-navaz men
no refuge did i find anywhere in the world; if i did, then where?
only in thy divine forgiveness was my sin-ravaged soul given care.
na vo ishq men rahin garmiyan na vo husn men rahin shokhiyan
na vo ghhaznavi men tadap rahi na vo kham hai zulf-e-ayaz main
gone is the ardor that once lit love, gone the coquetry of the fair,
no more does ghaznavi ache with longing, nor is there a curl in ayaz’s hair.
jo main sar-ba-sajda hua kabhi to zamin se aane lagi sada
tira dil to hai sanam-ashna tujhe kya milega namaz men
when i bowed my head in solemn prayer, a whisper rose from the ground,
when thy heart adores the idols still—what blessing in prayer can be found?
kabhi ai haqiqat-e-muntazar nazar aa libas-e-majaz mein
ki hazaron sajde tadap rahe hain meri jabin-e-niyaz mein
o long-awaited truth appear someday in metaphor's guise,
for on my brow of longing, a thousand prostrations writhe and rise.
tarab-ashna-e-kharosh ho tu nawa hai mahram-e-gosh ho
wo sarod kya ki chhupa hua ho sukut-e-parda-e-saz mein
let joy embrace the thrill of sound, you are melody, meet the ears,
what worth has a lute that lies concealed, in silence, shrouded, drears?
tu bacha bacha ke na rakh ise tera aaina hai wo aaina
ki shikasta ho to aziz-tar hai nigah-e-aina-saz mein
guard not thy mirror with such care, nor fear its shattered face,
for the broken ones are dearer still, in the craftsman’s fond embrace.
dam-e-tauf kirmak-e-shama ne ye kaha ki wo asar-e-kuhan
na teri hikayat-e-soz mein na meri hadis-e-gudaz mein
while circling around the candle’s glow, the grieving moth did say,
no trace of old kind remains in our tales of ardour and anguish today.
na kahin jahan mein aman mili jo aman mili to kahan mili
mere jurm-e-khana-kharab ko tere afw-e-banda-nawaz mein
no refuge did i find anywhere in the world; if i did, then where?
only in thy divine forgiveness was my sin-ravaged soul given care.
na wo ishq mein rahin garmiyan na wo husn mein rahin shokhiyan
na wo ghaznawi mein tadap rahi na wo kham hai zulf-e-ayaz main
gone is the ardor that once lit love, gone the coquetry of the fair,
no more does ghaznavi ache with longing, nor is there a curl in ayaz’s hair.
jo main sar-ba-sajda hua kabhi to zamin se aane lagi sada
tera dil to hai sanam-ashna tujhe kya milega namaz mein
when i bowed my head in solemn prayer, a whisper rose from the ground,
when thy heart adores the idols still—what blessing in prayer can be found?
kal chaudhwin ki raat thi shab bhar raha charcha tera
kal chaudhvin ki raat thi shab bhar raha charcha tira
kuchh ne kaha ye chand hai kuchh ne kaha chehra tira
t'was a full moon out last night, all evening there was talk of you
some people said it was the moon,and some said that it was you
ham bhi vahin maujud the ham se bhi sab puchha kiye
ham hans diye ham chup rahe manzur tha parda tira
i too was there, and was asked, by each one to explain
i laughed it off, didn’t say a word, let mystery remain
is shahr men kis se milen ham se to chhutin mahfilen
har shakhs tera naam le har shakhs divana tira
who should i meet in this town, all company i eschew
every one now just talks of you, each one crazy for you
kuche ko tere chhod kar jogi hi ban jaaen magar
jangal tire parbat tire basti tiri sahra tira
i should leave your street and go, become a dervish, though
forests mountains deserts towns are yours where do i go
ham aur rasm-e-bandagi ashuftagi uftadgi
ehsan hai kya kya tira ai husn-e-be-parva tira
me and my trait of loyalty, sadness pain and troubles be
what favours you bestow on me, when act so heartlessly
do ashk jaane kis liye palkon pe aa kar tik gae
altaf ki barish tiri ikram ka dariya tira
two teardrops, why, i do not know, wait on my lonely brow
outpourings of your kindness, rivers from your favours flow
ai be-dareghh o be-aman ham ne kabhi ki hai fughhan
ham ko tiri vahshat sahi ham ko sahi sauda tira
o heartless cruel one tell me, did i cry out despairingly?
crazy for you tho i may be, my madness is precious to me
ham par ye sakhti ki nazar ham hain faqir-e-rehguzar
rasta kabhi roka tira daman kabhi thama tira
why thus, on me severity, a mendicant i merely be
did i ever block your street, did i ever trouble thee
haan haan tiri surat hasin lekin tu aisa bhi nahin
ik shakhs ke ashar se shohra hua kya kya tira
you're beautiful i do agree, but then not to that degree
it is this poet's poetry, that is cause of fame for thee
bedard sunni ho to chal kahta hai kya achchhi ghhazal
ashiq tira rusva tira shair tira 'insha' tira
o cruel one if you agree come listen to his poetry
lover, poet, infamous, inshaa is yours and yours truly
kal chaudhwin ki raat thi shab bhar raha charcha tera
kuchh ne kaha ye chand hai kuchh ne kaha chehra tera
t'was a full moon out last night, all evening there was talk of you
some people said it was the moon,and some said that it was you
hum bhi wahin maujud the hum se bhi sab puchha kiye
hum hans diye hum chup rahe manzur tha parda tera
i too was there, and was asked, by each one to explain
i laughed it off, didn’t say a word, let mystery remain
is shahr mein kis se milen hum se to chhutin mahfilen
har shakhs tera nam le har shakhs diwana tera
who should i meet in this town, all company i eschew
every one now just talks of you, each one crazy for you
kuche ko tere chhod kar jogi hi ban jaen magar
jangal tere parbat tere basti teri sahra tera
i should leave your street and go, become a dervish, though
forests mountains deserts towns are yours where do i go
hum aur rasm-e-bandagi aashuftagi uftadgi
ehsan hai kya kya tera ai husn-e-be-parwa tera
me and my trait of loyalty, sadness pain and troubles be
what favours you bestow on me, when act so heartlessly
do ashk jaane kis liye palkon pe aa kar tik gae
altaf ki barish teri ikram ka dariya tera
two teardrops, why, i do not know, wait on my lonely brow
outpourings of your kindness, rivers from your favours flow
ai be-daregh o be-aman hum ne kabhi ki hai fughan
hum ko teri wahshat sahi hum ko sahi sauda tera
o heartless cruel one tell me, did i cry out despairingly?
crazy for you tho i may be, my madness is precious to me
hum par ye sakhti ki nazar hum hain faqir-e-rehguzar
rasta kabhi roka tera daman kabhi thama tera
why thus, on me severity, a mendicant i merely be
did i ever block your street, did i ever trouble thee
han han teri surat hasin lekin tu aisa bhi nahin
ek shakhs ke ashaar se shohra hua kya kya tera
you're beautiful i do agree, but then not to that degree
it is this poet's poetry, that is cause of fame for thee
bedard sunni ho to chal kahta hai kya achchhi ghazal
aashiq tera ruswa tera shair tera 'insha' tera
o cruel one if you agree come listen to his poetry
lover, poet, infamous, inshaa is yours and yours truly
patta patta buta buta haal hamara jaane hai
patta patta buuta buuta haal hamara jaane hai
jaane na jaane gul hi na jaane baaghh to saara jaane hai
only the flower's unaware, rest of the garden knows
my state,each leaf and every bud that in the garden grows
lagne na de bas ho to us ke gauhar-e-gosh ko baale tak
us ko falak chashm-e-mah-o-khur ki putli ka taara jaane hai
now if it can, her pearldrops from being strung, it will prevent
stars in the eyes of sun and moon they're in heaven's intent
aage us mutakabbir ke ham khuda khuda kiya karte hain
kab maujud khuda ko vo maghhrur-e-khud-ara jaane hai
against her supreme arrogance, god's name is no reprieve
she, being so vain and self absorbed, in god does not believe
ashiq sa to saada koi aur na hoga duniya men
ji ke ziyan ko ishq men us ke apna vaara jaane hai
as foolish as a lover in this world there would be none
in love although his life's forfeit he thinks that he has won
charagari bimari-e-dil ki rasm-e-shahr-e-husn nahin
varna dilbar-e-nadan bhi is dard ka chara jaane hai
healing hearts is not the wont of where these beauties stay
or my beloved, naive although, too can this ache allay
kya hi shikar-farebi par maghhrur hai vo sayyad bacha
taair udte hava men saare apne asara jaane hai
see how the child captor is proud at hoodwinking her prey
deems all those birds her prisoners that in the sky array
mehr o vafa o lutf-o-inayat ek se vaqif in men nahin
aur to sab kuchh tanz o kinaya ramz o ishara jaane hai
kindness, faith, favor or mercy none with her agree
though she is acquainted with all forms of coquetry
kya kya fitne sar par us ke laata hai mashuq apna
jis be-dil be-tab-o-tavan ko ishq ka maara jaane hai
what forms of mischief on his head does my beloved rain!
if someone, frail and wan, she thinks to be a hapless swain
rakhnon se divar-e-chaman ke munh ko le hai chhupa ya'ni
in surakhon ke tuk rahne ko sau ka nazara jaane hai
from the garden wall's recesses she keeps her face away
as she believes her charms will then be on public display
tishna-e-khun hai apna kitna 'mir' bhi nadan talkhi-kash
dam-dar ab-e-teghh ko us ke ab-e-gavara jaane hai
how thirsty for his own blood miir that innocent man seems
that shimmer of the sharpened sword, sweet water he deems
patta patta buta buta haal hamara jaane hai
jaane na jaane gul hi na jaane bagh to sara jaane hai
only the flower's unaware, rest of the garden knows
my state,each leaf and every bud that in the garden grows
lagne na de bas ho to us ke gauhar-e-gosh ko baale tak
us ko falak chashm-e-mah-o-khur ki putli ka tara jaane hai
now if it can, her pearldrops from being strung, it will prevent
stars in the eyes of sun and moon they're in heaven's intent
aage us mutakabbir ke hum khuda khuda kiya karte hain
kab maujud khuda ko wo maghrur-e-khud-ara jaane hai
against her supreme arrogance, god's name is no reprieve
she, being so vain and self absorbed, in god does not believe
aashiq sa to sada koi aur na hoga duniya mein
ji ke ziyan ko ishq mein us ke apna wara jaane hai
as foolish as a lover in this world there would be none
in love although his life's forfeit he thinks that he has won
chaaragari bimari-e-dil ki rasm-e-shahr-e-husn nahin
warna dilbar-e-nadan bhi is dard ka chaara jaane hai
healing hearts is not the wont of where these beauties stay
or my beloved, naive although, too can this ache allay
kya hi shikar-farebi par maghrur hai wo sayyaad bacha
tair udte hawa mein sare apne asara jaane hai
see how the child captor is proud at hoodwinking her prey
deems all those birds her prisoners that in the sky array
mehr o wafa o lutf-o-inayat ek se waqif in mein nahin
aur to sab kuchh tanz o kinaya ramz o ishaara jaane hai
kindness, faith, favor or mercy none with her agree
though she is acquainted with all forms of coquetry
kya kya fitne sar par us ke lata hai mashuq apna
jis be-dil be-tab-o-tawan ko ishq ka mara jaane hai
what forms of mischief on his head does my beloved rain!
if someone, frail and wan, she thinks to be a hapless swain
rakhnon se diwar-e-chaman ke munh ko le hai chhupa ya'ni
in surakhon ke tuk rahne ko sau ka nazara jaane hai
from the garden wall's recesses she keeps her face away
as she believes her charms will then be on public display
tishna-e-khun hai apna kitna 'mir' bhi nadan talkhi-kash
dam-dar aab-e-tegh ko us ke aab-e-gawara jaane hai
how thirsty for his own blood miir that innocent man seems
that shimmer of the sharpened sword, sweet water he deems
main zindagi ka sath nibhata chala gaya
main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya
har fikr ko dhuen men udata chala gaya
barbadiyon ka sog manana fuzul tha
barbadiyon ka jashn manata chala gaya
jo mil gaya usi ko muqaddar samajh liya
jo kho gaya main us ko bhulata chala gaya
ghham aur khushi men farq na mahsus ho jahan
main dil ko us maqam pe laata chala gaya
main zindagi ka sath nibhata chala gaya
har fikr ko dhuen mein udata chala gaya
barbaadiyon ka sog manana fuzul tha
barbaadiyon ka jashn manata chala gaya
jo mil gaya usi ko muqaddar samajh liya
jo kho gaya main us ko bhulata chala gaya
gham aur khushi mein farq na mahsus ho jahan
main dil ko us maqam pe lata chala gaya
ye zulf agar khul ke bikhar jae to achchha
ye zulf agar khul ke bikhar jaae to achchha
is raat ki taqdir sanvar jaae to achchha
jis tarah se thodi si tire saath kati hai
baaqi bhi usi tarah guzar jaae to achchha
duniya ki nigahon men bhala kya hai bura kya
ye bojh agar dil se utar jaae to achchha
vaise to tumhin ne mujhe barbad kiya hai
ilzam kisi aur ke sar jaae to achchha
ye zulf agar khul ke bikhar jae to achchha
is raat ki taqdir sanwar jae to achchha
jis tarah se thodi si tere sath kati hai
baqi bhi usi tarah guzar jae to achchha
duniya ki nigahon mein bhala kya hai bura kya
ye bojh agar dil se utar jae to achchha
waise to tumhin ne mujhe barbaad kiya hai
ilzam kisi aur ke sar jae to achchha
lagta nahin hai dil mera ujde dayar mein
lagta nahin hai dil mira ujde dayar men
kis ki bani hai alam-e-na-paedar men
my heart wanders ill at ease / in this ravaged reign
who has found fruition / in transient terrain
in hasraton se kah do kahin aur ja basen
itni jagah kahan hai dil-e-daghh-dar men
tell these woeful wishes to / go elsewhere and remain
this heart has little room as it / is scarred and full of pain
kanton ko mat nikal chaman se o baghhban
ye bhi gulon ke saath pale hain bahar men
from throwing throns out of the vale, o gardener, abstain
they too grew, along with flowers, during spring's domain
bulbul ko baghhban se na sayyad se gila
qismat men qaid likkhi thi fasl-e-bahar men
neither to the groundsman nor / to hunter does complain
for songbird to be caged, in spring, did destiny ordain
kitna hai bad-nasib 'zafar' dafn ke liye
do gaz zamin bhi na mili ku-e-yar men
say how ill-starred is 'zafar', that he could not obtain
e'en two yards, to be interred, in his beloved's lane
lagta nahin hai dil mera ujde dayar mein
kis ki bani hai aalam-e-na-paedar mein
my heart wanders ill at ease / in this ravaged reign
who has found fruition / in transient terrain
in hasraton se kah do kahin aur ja basen
itni jagah kahan hai dil-e-dagh-dar mein
tell these woeful wishes to / go elsewhere and remain
this heart has little room as it / is scarred and full of pain
kanton ko mat nikal chaman se o baghban
ye bhi gulon ke sath pale hain bahaar mein
from throwing throns out of the vale, o gardener, abstain
they too grew, along with flowers, during spring's domain
bulbul ko baghban se na sayyaad se gila
qismat mein qaid likkhi thi fasl-e-bahaar mein
neither to the groundsman nor / to hunter does complain
for songbird to be caged, in spring, did destiny ordain
kitna hai bad-nasib 'zafar' dafn ke liye
do gaz zamin bhi na mili ku-e-yar mein
say how ill-starred is 'zafar', that he could not obtain
e'en two yards, to be interred, in his beloved's lane
jhuki jhuki si nazar be-qarar hai ki nahin
jhuki jhuki si nazar be-qarar hai ki nahin
daba daba sa sahi dil men pyaar hai ki nahin
tu apne dil ki javan dhadkanon ko gin ke bata
miri tarah tira dil be-qarar hai ki nahin
vo pal ki jis men mohabbat javan hoti hai
us ek pal ka tujhe intizar hai ki nahin
tiri umiid pe thukra raha huun duniya ko
tujhe bhi apne pe ye e'tibar hai ki nahin
jhuki jhuki si nazar be-qarar hai ki nahin
daba daba sa sahi dil mein pyar hai ki nahin
tu apne dil ki jawan dhadkanon ko gin ke bata
meri tarah tera dil be-qarar hai ki nahin
wo pal ki jis mein mohabbat jawan hoti hai
us ek pal ka tujhe intizar hai ki nahin
teri umid pe thukra raha hun duniya ko
tujhe bhi apne pe ye e'tibar hai ki nahin
sine mein jalan aankhon mein tufan sa kyun hai
siine men jalan ankhon men tufan sa kyuun hai
is shahr men har shakhs pareshan sa kyuun hai
dil hai to dhadakne ka bahana koi dhunde
patthar ki tarah be-his o be-jan sa kyuun hai
tanhai ki ye kaun si manzil hai rafiqo
ta-hadd-e-nazar ek bayaban sa kyuun hai
ham ne to koi baat nikali nahin ghham ki
vo zud-pasheman pasheman sa kyuun hai
kya koi nai baat nazar aati hai ham men
aina hamen dekh ke hairan sa kyuun hai
sine mein jalan aankhon mein tufan sa kyun hai
is shahr mein har shakhs pareshan sa kyun hai
dil hai to dhadakne ka bahana koi dhunde
patthar ki tarah be-his o be-jaan sa kyun hai
tanhai ki ye kaun si manzil hai rafiqo
ta-hadd-e-nazar ek bayaban sa kyun hai
hum ne to koi baat nikali nahin gham ki
wo zud-pasheman pasheman sa kyun hai
kya koi nai baat nazar aati hai hum mein
aaina hamein dekh ke hairan sa kyun hai
hosh walon ko khabar kya be-khudi kya chiz hai
hosh valon ko khabar kya be-khudi kya chiiz hai
ishq kiije phir samjhiye zindagi kya chiiz hai
un se nazren kya milin raushan fazaen ho gaiin
aaj jaana pyaar ki jadugari kya chiiz hai
bikhri zulfon ne sikhai mausamon ko shairi
jhukti ankhon ne bataya mai-kashi kya chiiz hai
ham labon se kah na paae un se hal-e-dil kabhi
aur vo samjhe nahin ye khamoshi kya chiiz hai
hosh walon ko khabar kya be-khudi kya chiz hai
ishq kije phir samjhiye zindagi kya chiz hai
un se nazren kya milin raushan fazaen ho gain
aaj jaana pyar ki jadugari kya chiz hai
bikhri zulfon ne sikhai mausamon ko shairi
jhukti aankhon ne bataya mai-kashi kya chiz hai
hum labon se kah na pae un se haal-e-dil kabhi
aur wo samjhe nahin ye khamoshi kya chiz hai
tang aa chuke hain kashmakash-e-zindagi se hum
tang aa chuke hain kashmakash-e-zindagi se ham
thukra na den jahan ko kahin be-dili se ham
mayusi-e-maal-e-mohabbat na puchhiye
apnon se pesh aae hain beganagi se ham
lo aaj ham ne tod diya rishta-e-umid
lo ab kabhi gila na karenge kisi se ham
ubhrenge ek baar abhi dil ke valvale
go dab gae hain bar-e-ghham-e-zindagi se ham
gar zindagi men mil gae phir ittifaq se
puchhenge apna haal tiri bebasi se ham
allah-re fareb-e-mashiyyat ki aaj tak
duniya ke zulm sahte rahe khamushi se ham
tang aa chuke hain kashmakash-e-zindagi se hum
thukra na den jahan ko kahin be-dili se hum
mayusi-e-maal-e-mohabbat na puchhiye
apnon se pesh aae hain beganagi se hum
lo aaj hum ne tod diya rishta-e-umid
lo ab kabhi gila na karenge kisi se hum
ubhrenge ek bar abhi dil ke walwale
go dab gae hain bar-e-gham-e-zindagi se hum
gar zindagi mein mil gae phir ittifaq se
puchhenge apna haal teri bebasi se hum
allah-re fareb-e-mashiyyat ki aaj tak
duniya ke zulm sahte rahe khamushi se hum
tumko dekha to ye khayal aaya
tum ko dekha to ye khayal aaya
zindagi dhuup tum ghana saaya
aaj phir dil ne ik tamanna ki
aaj phir dil ko ham ne samjhaya
tum chale jaoge to sochenge
ham ne kya khoya ham ne kya paaya
ham jise gunguna nahin sakte
vaqt ne aisa giit kyuun gaaya
tum ko dekha to ye khayal aaya
zindagi dhup tum ghana saya
aaj phir dil ne ek tamanna ki
aaj phir dil ko hum ne samjhaya
tum chale jaoge to sochenge
hum ne kya khoya hum ne kya paya
hum jise gunguna nahin sakte
waqt ne aisa git kyun gaya
sarakti jae hai rukh se naqab aahista aahista
sarakti jaae hai rukh se naqab ahista ahista
nikalta aa raha hai aftab ahista ahista
the veil slips from her visage at such a gentle pace
as though the sun emerges from a cloud's embrace
javan hone lage jab vo to ham se kar liya parda
haya yak-lakht aai aur shabab ahista ahista
as she came of age she started to be veiled from me
shyness came to her at once, beauty then slowly
shab-e-furqat ka jaaga huun farishto ab to sone do
kabhi fursat men kar lena hisab ahista ahista
i haven't slept since parting eve, o angels, i request
i'll settle your accounts at leisure for now let me rest
saval-e-vasl par un ko adu ka khauf hai itna
dabe honton se dete hain javab ahista ahista
on question of our meeting, so scared of rival's she
in soft tones thus replies, her answer whisperedly
vo bedardi se sar katen 'amir' aur main kahun un se
huzur ahista ahista janab ahista ahista
i tell her when she slashes at my neck so cruelly
my dear, take it easy, sweetheart do it properly
sarakti jae hai rukh se naqab aahista aahista
nikalta aa raha hai aaftab aahista aahista
the veil slips from her visage at such a gentle pace
as though the sun emerges from a cloud's embrace
jawan hone lage jab wo to hum se kar liya parda
haya yak-lakht aai aur shabab aahista aahista
as she came of age she started to be veiled from me
shyness came to her at once, beauty then slowly
shab-e-furqat ka jaga hun farishto ab to sone do
kabhi fursat mein kar lena hisab aahista aahista
i haven't slept since parting eve, o angels, i request
i'll settle your accounts at leisure for now let me rest
sawal-e-wasl par un ko adu ka khauf hai itna
dabe honton se dete hain jawab aahista aahista
on question of our meeting, so scared of rival's she
in soft tones thus replies, her answer whisperedly
wo bedardi se sar katen 'amir' aur main kahun un se
huzur aahista aahista janab aahista aahista
i tell her when she slashes at my neck so cruelly
my dear, take it easy, sweetheart do it properly
nukta-chin hai gham-e-dil usko sunae na bane
nukta-chin hai ghham-e-dil us ko sunae na bane
kya bane baat jahan baat banae na bane
i cannot pour my heart to her, for she does criticize
how can i get my goal when i, cant even verbalize
main bulata to huun us ko magar ai jazba-e-dil
us pe ban jaae kuchh aisi ki bin aae na bane
i do call out to her, my feelings, but what can i say
something happens and she cant help but stay away
khel samjha hai kahin chhod na de bhuul na jaae
kaash yuun bhi ho ki bin mere satae na bane
she should not forsake forget me ,for it is no play
without my teasing, if only, she found it hard to stay
ghhair phirta hai liye yuun tire khat ko ki agar
koi puchhe ki ye kya hai to chhupae na bane
my rival roams, your message tucked so by his side
if someone were to ask what's this, he's unable to hide
is nazakat ka bura ho vo bhale hain to kya
haath aaven to unhen haath lagae na bane
her daintiness be damned, tho noble, she may be as much
e'en when i manage to get hold, i'm unable to touch
kah sake kaun ki ye jalvagari kis ki hai
parda chhoda hai vo us ne ki uthae na bane
who can fathom who it is behind the veil concealed
its been dropped in such a way it cannot be unveiled
maut ki raah na dekhun ki bin aae na rahe
tum ko chahun ki na aao to bulae na bane
i do not wait for death for it will surely accrue
if i wish that you don't come, i can't call out to you
bojh vo sar se gira hai ki uthae na uthe
kaam vo aan pada hai ki banae na bane
the burden that's fallen on my head i cannot unseat
a task has now befallen me that i cannot complete
ishq par zor nahin hai ye vo atish 'ghhalib'
ki lagae na lage aur bujhae na bane
love is not in one's control, this is that fire roused
it cannot be willed to ignite, nor can it be doused
nukta-chin hai gham-e-dil us ko sunae na bane
kya bane baat jahan baat banae na bane
i cannot pour my heart to her, for she does criticize
how can i get my goal when i, cant even verbalize
main bulata to hun us ko magar ai jazba-e-dil
us pe ban jae kuchh aisi ki bin aae na bane
i do call out to her, my feelings, but what can i say
something happens and she cant help but stay away
khel samjha hai kahin chhod na de bhul na jae
kash yun bhi ho ki bin mere satae na bane
she should not forsake forget me ,for it is no play
without my teasing, if only, she found it hard to stay
ghair phirta hai liye yun tere khat ko ki agar
koi puchhe ki ye kya hai to chhupae na bane
my rival roams, your message tucked so by his side
if someone were to ask what's this, he's unable to hide
is nazakat ka bura ho wo bhale hain to kya
hath aawen to unhen hath lagae na bane
her daintiness be damned, tho noble, she may be as much
e'en when i manage to get hold, i'm unable to touch
kah sake kaun ki ye jalwagari kis ki hai
parda chhoda hai wo us ne ki uthae na bane
who can fathom who it is behind the veil concealed
its been dropped in such a way it cannot be unveiled
maut ki rah na dekhun ki bin aae na rahe
tum ko chahun ki na aao to bulae na bane
i do not wait for death for it will surely accrue
if i wish that you don't come, i can't call out to you
bojh wo sar se gira hai ki uthae na uthe
kaam wo aan pada hai ki banae na bane
the burden that's fallen on my head i cannot unseat
a task has now befallen me that i cannot complete
ishq par zor nahin hai ye wo aatish 'ghaalib'
ki lagae na lage aur bujhae na bane
love is not in one's control, this is that fire roused
it cannot be willed to ignite, nor can it be doused
aap ki yaad aati rahi raat bhar
aap ki yaad aati rahi raat bhar
chashm-e-nam muskurati rahi raat bhar
raat bhar dard ki shama jalti rahi
ghham ki lau thartharati rahi raat bhar
bansuri ki surili suhani sada
yaad ban ban ke aati rahi raat bhar
yaad ke chand dil men utarte rahe
chandni jagmagati rahi raat bhar
koi divana galiyon men phirta raha
koi avaz aati rahi raat bhar
aap ki yaad aati rahi raat bhar
chashm-e-nam muskuraati rahi raat bhar
raat bhar dard ki shama jalti rahi
gham ki lau thartharaati rahi raat bhar
bansuri ki surili suhani sada
yaad ban ban ke aati rahi raat bhar
yaad ke chand dil mein utarte rahe
chandni jagmagati rahi raat bhar
koi diwana galiyon mein phirta raha
koi aawaz aati rahi raat bhar
hamare baad ab mahfil mein afsane bayan honge
hamare baa'd ab mahfil men afsane bayan honge
baharen ham ko dhundhengi na jaane ham kahan honge
isi andaz se jhumega mausam gaegi duniya
mohabbat phir hasin hogi nazare phir javan honge
na ham honge na tum hoge na dil hoga magar phir bhi
hazaron manzilen hongi hazaron karvan honge
hamare ba'd ab mahfil mein afsane bayan honge
bahaaren hum ko dhundhengi na jaane hum kahan honge
isi andaz se jhumega mausam gaegi duniya
mohabbat phir hasin hogi nazare phir jawan honge
na hum honge na tum hoge na dil hoga magar phir bhi
hazaron manzilen hongi hazaron karwan honge
faqirana aae sada kar chale
faqirana aae sada kar chale
ki myaan khush raho ham dua kar chale
i came chanting as a mendicant
and bestowed a blessing, be content
jo tujh bin na jiine ko kahte the ham
so is ahd ko ab vafa kar chale
i will not live without you, i did say
lo, now i fulfill that vow today
shifa apni taqdir hi men na thi
ki maqdur tak to dava kar chale
no cure was there in my fate's intent
even gifted healers tried and went
pade aise asbab payan-e-kar
ki na-char yuun ji jala kar chale
in the end such tasks did there present
helpless and heartbroken that i went
vo kya chiiz hai aah jis ke liye
har ik chiiz se dil utha kar chale
pray, what object was it, for whose sake?
everything my heart chose to forsake
koi na-umidana karte nigah
so tum ham se munh bhi chhupa kar chale
lest i might cast a despairing glance
you passed by me looking askance
bahut aarzu thi gali ki tiri
so yaan se lahu men naha kar chale
in your lane oh! how i wished to stay
so there, bathed in blood, i made my way
dikhai diye yuun ki be-khud kiya
hamen aap se bhi juda kar chale
self-forgetful your sight made me be
from my very self you parted me
jabin sajda karte hi karte gai
haq-e-bandagi ham ada kar chale
head bowed, constantly, without a fuss
call of love's worship was answered thus
parastish ki yaan tak ki ai but tujhe
nazar men sabhon ki khuda kar chale
i worshipped you, idol, to such degree
that you, as god, would every person see
jhade phuul jis rang gulbun se yuun
chaman men jahan ke ham aa kar chale
flowers strewn in every shape and hue
in life's garden as i did pass through
na dekha ghham-e-dostan shukr hai
hamin daaghh apna dikha kar chale
i never saw the pain of friends, thanks be!
displayed my scars, passed on quietly
gai umr dar-band-e-fikr-e-ghhazal
so is fan ko aisa bada kar chale
life i spent in thoughts of poetry
and raised this art to such degree
kahen kya jo puchhe koi ham se 'mir'
jahan men tum aae the kya kar chale
"what did you do miir in your earthly stay?"
if i were asked, what can i ever say?
faqirana aae sada kar chale
ki myan khush raho hum dua kar chale
i came chanting as a mendicant
and bestowed a blessing, be content
jo tujh bin na jine ko kahte the hum
so is ahd ko ab wafa kar chale
i will not live without you, i did say
lo, now i fulfill that vow today
shifa apni taqdir hi mein na thi
ki maqdur tak to dawa kar chale
no cure was there in my fate's intent
even gifted healers tried and went
pade aise asbab payan-e-kar
ki na-chaar yun ji jala kar chale
in the end such tasks did there present
helpless and heartbroken that i went
wo kya chiz hai aah jis ke liye
har ek chiz se dil utha kar chale
pray, what object was it, for whose sake?
everything my heart chose to forsake
koi na-umidana karte nigah
so tum hum se munh bhi chhupa kar chale
lest i might cast a despairing glance
you passed by me looking askance
bahut aarzu thi gali ki teri
so yan se lahu mein naha kar chale
in your lane oh! how i wished to stay
so there, bathed in blood, i made my way
dikhai diye yun ki be-khud kiya
hamein aap se bhi juda kar chale
self-forgetful your sight made me be
from my very self you parted me
jabin sajda karte hi karte gai
haq-e-bandagi hum ada kar chale
head bowed, constantly, without a fuss
call of love's worship was answered thus
parastish ki yan tak ki ai but tujhe
nazar mein sabhon ki khuda kar chale
i worshipped you, idol, to such degree
that you, as god, would every person see
jhade phul jis rang gulbun se yun
chaman mein jahan ke hum aa kar chale
flowers strewn in every shape and hue
in life's garden as i did pass through
na dekha gham-e-dostan shukr hai
hamin dagh apna dikha kar chale
i never saw the pain of friends, thanks be!
displayed my scars, passed on quietly
gai umr dar-band-e-fikr-e-ghazal
so is fan ko aisa bada kar chale
life i spent in thoughts of poetry
and raised this art to such degree
kahen kya jo puchhe koi hum se 'mir'
jahan mein tum aae the kya kar chale
"what did you do miir in your earthly stay?"
if i were asked, what can i ever say?
ishq mujhko nahin wahshat hi sahi
ishq mujh ko nahin vahshat hi sahi
meri vahshat tiri shohrat hi sahi
if not love, then madness, my feelings deem you be
and so be it my craziness is cause of fame for thee
qata kiije na ta'alluq ham se
kuchh nahin hai to adavat hi sahi
i beg of you not to sever, all contact with me
if nothing else can be i will bear with your enmity
mere hone men hai kya rusvai
ai vo majlis nahin khalvat hi sahi
if in meeting me you feel shame and ignominy
in seclusion we can meet, for no one there to see
ham bhi dushman to nahin hain apne
ghhair ko tujh se mohabbat hi sahi
how, at my rival's love for you, offended can i be
does my love for you make me my own enemy
apni hasti hi se ho jo kuchh ho
agahi gar nahin ghhaflat hi sahi
should be with one's own being whatever that you see
if not with enlightenment then with ignorance let be
umr har-chand ki hai barq-e-khiram
dil ke khuun karne ki fursat hi sahi
tho merely a lightning flash this life is seemingly
even then to bleed this heart time enough there be
ham koi tark-e-vafa karte hain
na sahi ishq musibat hi sahi
wherever do i waver say from my constancy
even if these paths of love present adversity
kuchh to de ai falak-e-na-insaf
aah o fariyad ki rukhsat hi sahi
o unjust heavens this much,you must give to me
the leave to sigh and cry out if only it must be
ham bhi taslim ki khu dalenge
be-niyazi tiri aadat hi sahi
i will learn the habit of saluting constantly
tho it may be your wont to behave indifferently
yaar se chhed chali jaae 'asad'
gar nahin vasl to hasrat hi sahi
dalliance with the loved one should be incessantly
if union is not possible the hope for it should be
ishq mujh ko nahin wahshat hi sahi
meri wahshat teri shohrat hi sahi
if not love, then madness, my feelings deem you be
and so be it my craziness is cause of fame for thee
qata kije na ta'alluq hum se
kuchh nahin hai to adawat hi sahi
i beg of you not to sever, all contact with me
if nothing else can be i will bear with your enmity
mere hone mein hai kya ruswai
ai wo majlis nahin khalwat hi sahi
if in meeting me you feel shame and ignominy
in seclusion we can meet, for no one there to see
hum bhi dushman to nahin hain apne
ghair ko tujh se mohabbat hi sahi
how, at my rival's love for you, offended can i be
does my love for you make me my own enemy
apni hasti hi se ho jo kuchh ho
aagahi gar nahin ghaflat hi sahi
should be with one's own being whatever that you see
if not with enlightenment then with ignorance let be
umr har-chand ki hai barq-e-khiram
dil ke khun karne ki fursat hi sahi
tho merely a lightning flash this life is seemingly
even then to bleed this heart time enough there be
hum koi tark-e-wafa karte hain
na sahi ishq musibat hi sahi
wherever do i waver say from my constancy
even if these paths of love present adversity
kuchh to de ai falak-e-na-insaf
aah o fariyaad ki rukhsat hi sahi
o unjust heavens this much,you must give to me
the leave to sigh and cry out if only it must be
hum bhi taslim ki khu dalenge
be-niyazi teri aadat hi sahi
i will learn the habit of saluting constantly
tho it may be your wont to behave indifferently
yar se chhed chali jae 'asad'
gar nahin wasl to hasrat hi sahi
dalliance with the loved one should be incessantly
if union is not possible the hope for it should be
ye dil ye pagal dil mera kyun bujh gaya aawargi
ye dil ye pagal dil mira kyuun bujh gaya avargi
is dasht men ik shahr tha vo kya hua avargi
kal shab mujhe be-shakl ki avaz ne chaunka diya
main ne kaha tu kaun hai us ne kaha avargi
logo bhala is shahr men kaise jiyenge ham jahan
ho jurm tanha sochna lekin saza avargi
ye dard ki tanhaiyan ye dasht ka viran safar
ham log to ukta gae apni suna avargi
ik ajnabi jhonke ne jab puchha mire ghham ka sabab
sahra ki bhigi ret par main ne likha avargi
us samt vahshi khvahishon ki zad men paiman-e-vafa
us samt lahron ki dhamak kachcha ghada avargi
kal raat tanha chand ko dekha tha main ne khvab men
'mohsin' mujhe raas aaegi shayad sada avargi
ye dil ye pagal dil mera kyun bujh gaya aawargi
is dasht mein ek shahr tha wo kya hua aawargi
kal shab mujhe be-shakl ki aawaz ne chaunka diya
main ne kaha tu kaun hai us ne kaha aawargi
logo bhala is shahr mein kaise jiyenge hum jahan
ho jurm tanha sochna lekin saza aawargi
ye dard ki tanhaiyan ye dasht ka viran safar
hum log to ukta gae apni suna aawargi
ek ajnabi jhonke ne jab puchha mere gham ka sabab
sahra ki bhigi ret par main ne likha aawargi
us samt wahshi khwahishon ki zad mein paiman-e-wafa
us samt lahron ki dhamak kachcha ghada aawargi
kal raat tanha chand ko dekha tha main ne khwab mein
'mohsin' mujhe ras aaegi shayad sada aawargi
chehre pe khushi chha jati hai aankhon mein surur aa jata hai
chehre pe khushi chha jaati hai ankhon men surur aa jaata hai
jab tum mujhe apna kahte ho apne pe ghhurur aa jaata hai
tum husn ki khud ik duniya ho shayad ye tumhen malum nahin
mahfil men tumhare aane se har chiiz pe nuur aa jaata hai
ham paas se tum ko kya dekhen tum jab bhi muqabil hote ho
betab nigahon ke aage parda sa zarur aa jaata hai
jab tum se mohabbat ki ham ne tab ja ke kahin ye raaz khula
marne ka saliqa aate hi jiine ka shuur aa jaata hai
chehre pe khushi chha jati hai aankhon mein surur aa jata hai
jab tum mujhe apna kahte ho apne pe ghurur aa jata hai
tum husn ki khud ek duniya ho shayad ye tumhein malum nahin
mahfil mein tumhaare aane se har chiz pe nur aa jata hai
hum pas se tum ko kya dekhen tum jab bhi muqabil hote ho
betab nigahon ke aage parda sa zarur aa jata hai
jab tum se mohabbat ki hum ne tab ja ke kahin ye raaz khula
marne ka saliqa aate hi jine ka shuur aa jata hai
rahiye ab aisi jagah chal kar jahan koi na ho
rahiye ab aisi jagah chal kar jahan koi na ho
ham-sukhan koi na ho aur ham-zaban koi na ho
to go and live in such a place where no one else should be
no one there to share one's thoughts no soul for company
be-dar-o-divar sa ik ghar banaya chahiye
koi ham-saya na ho aur pasban koi na ho
one should build an open house, no walls nor doors to see
no neighbours to surround nor guards for security
padiye gar bimar to koi na ho timardar
aur agar mar jaiye to nauha-khvan koi na ho
if perchance one were to ail no one to remedy
and if one were to die no one to weep for thee
rahiye ab aisi jagah chal kar jahan koi na ho
ham-sukhan koi na ho aur ham-zaban koi na ho
to go and live in such a place where no one else should be
no one there to share one's thoughts no soul for company
be-dar-o-diwar sa ek ghar banaya chahiye
koi ham-saya na ho aur pasban koi na ho
one should build an open house, no walls nor doors to see
no neighbours to surround nor guards for security
padiye gar bimar to koi na ho timardar
aur agar mar jaiye to nauha-khwan koi na ho
if perchance one were to ail no one to remedy
and if one were to die no one to weep for thee
kisi nazar ko tera intizar aaj bhi hai
kisi nazar ko tira intizar aaj bhi hai
kahan ho tum ki ye dil be-qarar aaj bhi hai
vo vadiyan vo fazaen ki ham mile the jahan
miri vafa ka vahin par mazar aaj bhi hai
na jaane dekh ke kyon un ko ye hua ehsas
ki mere dil pe unhen ikhtiyar aaj bhi hai
vo pyaar jis ke liye ham ne chhod di duniya
vafa ki raah men ghayal vo pyaar aaj bhi hai
yaqin nahin hai magar aaj bhi ye lagta hai
miri talash men shayad bahar aaj bhi hai
na puchh kitne mohabbat ke zakhm khaae hain
ki jin ko soch ke din sogvar aaj bhi hai
kisi nazar ko tera intizar aaj bhi hai
kahan ho tum ki ye dil be-qarar aaj bhi hai
wo wadiyan wo fazaen ki hum mile the jahan
meri wafa ka wahin par mazar aaj bhi hai
na jaane dekh ke kyon un ko ye hua ehsas
ki mere dil pe unhen ikhtiyar aaj bhi hai
wo pyar jis ke liye hum ne chhod di duniya
wafa ki rah mein ghayal wo pyar aaj bhi hai
yaqin nahin hai magar aaj bhi ye lagta hai
meri talash mein shayad bahaar aaj bhi hai
na puchh kitne mohabbat ke zakhm khae hain
ki jin ko soch ke din sogwar aaj bhi hai
hath chhuten bhi to rishte nahin chhoda karte
haath chhuten bhi to rishte nahin chhoda karte
vaqt ki shakh se lamhe nahin toda karte
jis ki avaz men silvat ho nigahon men shikan
aisi tasvir ke tukde nahin joda karte
lag ke sahil se jo bahta hai use bahne do
aise dariya ka kabhi rukh nahin moda karte
jagne par bhi nahin aankh se girtin kirchen
is tarah khvabon se ankhen nahin phoda karte
shahd jiine ka mila karta hai thoda thoda
jaane valon ke liye dil nahin thoda karte
ja ke kohsar se sar maaro ki avaz to ho
khasta divaron se matha nahin phoda karte
hath chhuten bhi to rishte nahin chhoda karte
waqt ki shakh se lamhe nahin toda karte
jis ki aawaz mein silwat ho nigahon mein shikan
aisi taswir ke tukde nahin joda karte
lag ke sahil se jo bahta hai use bahne do
aise dariya ka kabhi rukh nahin moda karte
jagne par bhi nahin aankh se girtin kirchen
is tarah khwabon se aankhen nahin phoda karte
shahd jine ka mila karta hai thoda thoda
jaane walon ke liye dil nahin thoda karte
ja ke kohsar se sar maro ki aawaz to ho
khasta diwaron se matha nahin phoda karte