JAWAB-E-SHIKWA (REPLY ON BEHALF OF ALLAH) TO ALLAMA IQBAL (R.A.)'S SHIKWA

The Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal (r.a.), had compiled a complaint to Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) on the deplorable condition of the Muslim Ummah of the British India trying to stimulate and revive the social, political and financial condition of the Muslims. After 3 years, in 1913 A.D. he himself composed the reply from Allah (s.w.t.) highlighting the shortcomings and weakness of the Muslims. As stated earlier, the translation of any literary masterpiece cannot be conveyed completely in the new language. However, some of the selected stanzas are reproduced hereunder:

                                             We are poised to give, but there is no willing recipient

                                             We are eager to guide, but there is none seeking guidance

                                             Your problem is your inability and not lack of instruction

                                             Yours is not the soil to make a super creation

                                             If we find deserving people, we bestow the glory

                                             To the searching navigators, we grant them new world

                                             Each one of you is drenched in the wine of lethargy

                                             You are a Muslim? But what is Muslim about you?

                                             Neither you have the contentment of Ali, nor the wealth of Usman

                                             What spiritual connection can you boast with your ancestors?

                                             They, as staunch believers earned themselves a place,

                                             You, gave up the Qur’an and yourselves disgraced.

                                             How hard you find yourselves waking up for the morning prayers

                                             Who says you have any love for Me? Your sleep is dearer to you.

                                             The burden of fasting in Ramadhan bears heavily on your care-                                                       freeness

                                             You be the honest judge yourselves

                                             Is this the sign of faithfulness?

                                             Nations are defined by their religion; in religion lies their sanctuaries

                                             Take your hint from what binds the stars, no gravity, no galaxy

                                             As Muslim Ummah, your gains and losses are one as a whole,

                                             One Prophet, one religion, one belief

                                             One Ka’ba, one Qur’an, one Allah

                                             What a tragedy then that you stand divided.

                                             You are an Ummah divided in classes and sects

                                             In such conditions can any nation ever grow?

                                             Intellect is your armor, love is your sword,

                                             My friend, your succession could embrace the world,

                                             Your call for prayer can enflame the minds.

                                             If you are true Muslim, your intent will become Allah’s intent.

                                             If you remain loyal to Muhammad, then we belong to you,

                                             What to talk of the universe, what lies beyond it is yours.

               Source: Bang-e-Dera (Call of the Marching Band)