Even the Takbir of the ascetic is a sacrifice to melody.
How grandly Allahu Akbar is the faith/essence of melody!
How melodious was the sound of 'Be' (Kun) on the Day of Creation!
Until now, every fiber of our being is restless with that melody.
The fowler's eye is upon the sweet-voiced nightingale.
The captivating narcissus is entirely awaiting the melody.
If there is such division, how can the color of joy settle?
The heart is weak and frail, the lips are burdened by the melody.
There are two verses in Ghalib's divan, Aziz.
This ghazal of mine is the lingering intoxication of that same wine of melody.
This ghazal, a classical form of Urdu poetry, delves into the profound interconnectedness of spirituality and aesthetics, using 'naghma' (melody or song) as its central metaphor. It posits that divine utterances, such as the 'Takbir' and the primordial word 'Kun,' possess an inherent musicality that resonates through creation and within the human soul. The poem portrays the poet's creative act through the traditional imagery of a nightingale, whose song, though threatened, is eagerly awaited. Ultimately, it humbly situates the poet's work within the grand tradition of Urdu verse, acknowledging the lasting inspiration of masters like Ghalib, whose poetic legacy continues to intoxicate and shape contemporary expression.
faith & the divine · wonder & existence · love & longing (ishq, judāī)