Ghazal
क्या जानिए सय्यद थे हक़ आगाह कहाँ तक
In this satirical ghazal, Akbar Allahabadi cleverly questions contemporary reformist ideologies and dogmatic authority, particularly engaging in a witty critique of Sir Syed's rationalism. With characteristic irony and humor, the poet champions independent insight and logic over unquestioned orthodoxy.
Source: rekhta · HI
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1
क्या जानिए सय्यद थे हक़ आगाह कहाँ तक
समझे न कि सीधी है मिरी राह कहाँ तक
Who knows how deeply the masters were aware of Truth divine; They failed to grasp just how straight and direct is this path of mine.
Who knows to what extent the Syed was aware of the Truth, since he failed to understand how straight and direct my path is.
2
मंतिक़ भी तो इक चीज़ है ऐ क़िबला ओ काबा
दे सकती है काम आप की वल्लाह कहाँ तक
Logic, too, is a thing of worth, O venerable guide; / How far, by God, can your mere oaths decide?
O revered master, logic and reason are also things that matter; by God, how far can your mere oaths and swearing really work?
3
अफ़्लाक तो इस अहद में साबित हुए मादूम
अब क्या कहूँ जाती है मिरी आह कहाँ तक
The celestial spheres in this age are proven to be mere void; now who can tell how far my sigh ascends?
In this era, the skies have been proven to be non-existent; now what can I say as to how far my sigh reaches?
4
कुछ सनअत ओ हिरफ़त पे भी लाज़िम है तवज्जोह
आख़िर ये गवर्नमेंट से तनख़्वाह कहाँ तक
To arts and industry as well, attention must be lent; how long can one rely upon a stipend from the government?
It is essential to pay attention to industry and crafts as well; after all, how long can one continue to depend on a salary from the government?
5
मरना भी ज़रूरी है ख़ुदा भी है कोई चीज़
ऐ हिर्स के बंदो हवस-ए-जाह कहाँ तक
Death too is inevitable, and God is a reality after all; O slaves of greed, how far will this lust for status hold you in thrall?
Death is inevitable and God too is a reality; O slaves of greed, how long will this lust for status and power last?
6
तहसीन के लायक़ तिरा हर शेर है 'अकबर'
अहबाब करें बज़्म में अब वाह कहाँ तक
Every verse of yours is worthy of high praise, O Akbar; how long can friends keep crying 'Bravo!' in the gathering?
O Akbar, every single couplet of yours is worthy of praise; how long can your friends in the gathering keep exclaiming applause?
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