(Bal-e-Jibril-148) (آذان ) Azaan

(Bal-e-Jibril-148) Azaan

Azan
The Prayer-Call

Ek Raat Sitaron Se Kaha Najam-e-Sehar Ne
Adam Ko Bhi Dekha Hai Kisi Ne Kabhi Baidar?

One night among the planets the Star of Morning said—
“Has ever star seen slumber desert Man’s drowsy head?”

Kehne Laga Mareekh, Ada Feham Hai Taqdeer
Hai Nind Hi Iss Chotte Se Fitne Ko Sazawar

“Fate, being nimble‐witted,” Bright Mercury returned,
“Served well that pretty rebel—Tame sleep was what he earned!”

Zahra Ne Kaha, Aur Koi Baat Nahin Kya?
Iss Karmak-e-Shab-e-Kaur Se Kya Hum Ko Sarokar!

“Have we,” asked Venus, “nothing to talk about besides?
Or what is it to us, where that night‐blind firefly hides?”

Bola Meh-e-Kamil Ke Woh Koukab Hai Zameeni
Tum Shab Ko Namoodar Ho, Woh Din Ko Namoodar

“A star,” the Full Moon answered, “Is man, of terrene ray:
You walk the night in splendor, But so does he the day;

Waqif Ho Agar Lazzat-e-Baidari Shab Se
Unchi Hai Surayya Se Bhi Ye Khak-e-Pur-Asrar

“Let him once learn the joy of outwatching night’s brief span—
Higher than all the Pleiades the unfathomed dust of Man!

Aghosh Mein Iss Ki Woh Tajali Hai Ke Jis Mein
Kho Jaen Ge Aflak Ke Sub Sabit-o-Sayyar

Closed in that dust a radiance lies hidden, in whose clear light
Shall all the sky’s fixed tenures and orbits fade from sight.”

Na-Gah Faza Bang-e-Azan Se Huwi Lab-Raiz
Woh Naara Ke Hil Jata Hai Jis Se Dil-e-Kuhsar!

—Suddenly rose the prayer‐call, and overwhelmed heaven’s lake;
That summons at which even cold hearts of mountains quake.