Excerpts from “Shikwa Jawaab-e-Shikwa” by Allama Muhammad Iqbal Translation: Sabieh Anwar, Fasi Zaka & Ali Abbas; Musical composition: Ali Abbas; Presentation design: Usman Latif Before us your world had become an anomaly, Stones were worshiped, the trees Godly. Understanding was a reflection of only the senses, Then how could man believe in an Almighty beyond mortal lenses? Name us those who took your name…? Had it not been for us who would have spread your flame? Shikwa 1 We fought to save your name when they we could have sat at ease, Sometimes in barren lands, sometimes in raging seas. We raised your name in the cathedrals of Cordoba, And in the infinite expanse of the desert Sahara. The ostentation of the royals would not attract us, For we had pledged allegiance to you, and were inured to living in the shadow of swords Shikwa 2 “We” closed the chapter of paganism in the turning pages of time, From the onerous shackles of slavery “we” freed your mankind. Our foreheads marked by prostration, lent the Ka’aba pious inhabitation And “we” committed to heart your Holy Revelation. Yet, you complain that “we” are disloyal, Even if we are, where is “your” love for us? Shikwa 3 I am poised to give, but there is no willing recipient, I am eager to guide, but there is none seeking guidance. Your bane is your inability and not a lack of instruction, Yours is not the clay that could make the crown of creation. Upon the deserving, I bestow the glory of the Chosroes, For the navigator, I even unveil new continents. Jawaab-e-Shikwa 1 Tell me who closed the chapter of paganism in the turning pages of time? Tell me who discarded the onerous shackles of slavery and freed mankind? Tell me who has their foreheads marked by prostration and lent the Ka’aba pious inhabitation? And committed to heart the Holy Revelation? Pride in the actions of your forefathers does not lend you commendation, Because all you do is fold your hands just waiting for salvation. Jawaab-e-Shikwa 2 Each one of you is drenched in the wine of lethargy, So you are a Muslim? But just what is “Muslim” about you? Neither have you the contentment of Ali, nor the wealth of Uthman, What spiritual connection can you boast with your ascendants? They, as staunch believers earned themselves their place, You, gave up the book and earned yourselves disgrace. Jawaab-e-Shikwa 3 We admit, our love for you is not as strong as it was, We walk a different path from submission unto you. Our hearts no longer quiver like a trembling compass-needle, Nor are we steadfast in our loyalty unto you. But does “your” favour not, swing from us to our foes? Let me dare to say that your commitment also wavers. Shikwa 4 We are not alone in error, other peoples have sinned as well. Some amongst them modest and shy, some self obsessed. Others lazy, callous, cunning, And scores disdain your name. Why must always your good grace seek out these other nations? And why must lightning always strike upon our feeble stations? Shikwa 5 The world no longer wants us now, new actors hold the stage, Our world reduced to an illusion and within it we are caged. We have retired to seclusion, others command authority, Now sit and watch Your Oneness shatter, ‘O’ all knowing Deity. We live to ensure your name will endure, Would wine remain when the Saaqi is no more? Shikwa 6 Muslims today are impotent with inaction, Blemishing the Prophet’s example with wonton sanction. Ascendants demolished idols, descendants worship them with abandon, Role reversal with Abraham the father and A’zar the son. The wine-seekers have changed, the wine has changed, the goblet has changed, The Sanctuary (Ka’ba) has changed, the idols have changed and you have changed. Jawaab-e-Shikwa 4