Epilogue
The Guide
(Translation of Iqbal’s Poem Khidr-e-rah)
The Guide is a poem that sprung up from the meeting point of Islamic philosophy and modern education. In the tranquillity of the twilight, the poet is seen standing on the sandbanks. He is on his ceaseless path to quench his thirst for seeking out the eternal truth. His mind is restless. The nature is in a serene mood, the sea is calm, and there is a gentle breeze in the air. It is a propitious moment, loaded with immense possibilities. For, the poet finds the man, who can guide him on his journey through unseen path. It is Khidre, the legendary emissary. The poet sees him as a person who has the secret of creation within him. An intelligent debate enthuse. Khidre is able to give very clear answers to his passionate queries.
There are five subparts to the poem. Seclude of life, The life, The government, employment and remuneration, and The Islamic world.
Khidre is a legendary figure who is the patron saint of water. It is sait that he had guided Alexander, the great, to the stream, he could not drink from it, though. Khidre is a fabled character, who has a popular base, with links to the Holy Quran. As per Islamic traditions, Khidre is a spiritual nomad, who is eternally roaming the world, lending guidance to the wayfarers, who have lost their sense of direction in the confusing din and bustle, caused by fleeting passions and temptations they come across on the waysides. He has two exquisite possessions, gifts of god, namely, Mercy and Inner Knowledge. He is an incessant traveller. Neither time, nor other worldly limitations can bind him.
Within him is concealed, certain secrets, which are yet to be revealed to ordinary mankind. In the Holy Qur-an, there is mention of this meeting with Mosses. Mosses journeys with him, in a bid to absorb some of this wonderful knowledge. It is seen that Mosses was not in possession of true knowledge in its entirety.
The essential undercurrents of true Islamic social living is featured in this poem. Yet, it does also go into the essentialities of modern living. One chances to see contentions that Islam has answers to the manifold problems facing mankind. There is much insight it that can inspire a demoralised person, back to enthusiasm.
There are dreams, and yearnings for a pure social system that runs on true Islamic tenets. Yet, it is not narrow communalism that is inspired here. Instead it is universal, all-encompassing goodness that is proposed.
The poet traverses the parameters and reaches the heavens. He calls upon mankind to be active, and not to seek refuge in solitude, and fear. Immortality exists on the paths of cheerful living, and adventurous endeavour. This is the essential spiritual gist of this poem.
The Guide
I stood on the sand dune, and with a restless mind gazed at the sea. It was a calm night, the sea was in a tranquil mood, and there was a gentle breeze in the air. What is it? Is it just the sea or an image of the sea?
The tides are at rest, like a child asleep in a cradle. The night is approaching all the birds have vanished to their nests. The moon is bright, and outshines the stars.
It is an auspicious instant. For, I envisaged the Guide, Khidr. He is attired in the robes of an ascetic; yet his face dazzles from an inner glow. ‘Oh’, he addresses me, ‘you seeker of worldly secrets! The destiny of this world is there for you to behold with your insight’.
I was disturbed by these words. For I had been a seeker of the secrets of nature for long. ‘I beseech you to share with me the secrets of the sea, which lies concealed in you. It is within your capacity to share with me.
‘Even Moses, when compared to you, fares badly in knowledge, even though he held such titles as the boat of the poor, the pious life and the Wall of the Orphan.
‘You, who has been the wanderer of the forest and discarder of false festivities of the cities; For you, there is no night nor day, past nor future; I beseech you to tell me the secrets of life. Oh, tell me what is government? And what revolution awaits Capital and Work.
There is decay in the emerging culture of Asia. There is craving for power and wealth among the youngsters, breeding. Even Alexander couldn’t drink Ambrosia; he followed the path of lust, and thus his life was altered.
Al Musthafa’s religious was dishonoured by the Hashimis. The brave Turks stained it with blood. There is the sons of Abraham, Namrud and fire too. Yet, who desires to examine the other again?
Seclusion in the Desert
What is it that amazes you about my secluded life in the endless desert? Can’t you see the very proof of life lies in my eternal ventures? Oh, You master of the household, you have not felt the pure flow of ecstasy as one hears the echoing bells of caravans in the timeless desert.
You have never felt the pleasure of seeing the fawns resting on the hills of the deserts. The wonder that fills one’s heart and soul as one beholds the daily miracle of the dawn, you have not chanced to experience. It is like experiencing the surging ecstasy of seeing Gabriel coming down from the blue heavens.
The tranquillity that stays in the heart of the desert, which illuminated Abraham’s search for truth; you know nothing of it.
The gathering around the streamlets of the desert, like believers crowd around the divine water, garnering the love of the desert, you have not witnessed. They will bind you in chains of cultivation and commerce.
Unending passion for enquiry; that is what makes the chalice of life, vibrant, and strong. Oh, let it be known that this is the true secret of life.
Life
What is life, but a transient moment between birth and death? Gain and loss are not its goals. Yet, there is something which is precious. Don’t make haste to measure it with the yardsticks of today and tomorrow; bear in mind that life is eternal, vibrant, and of indefinable quality.
Create your own world, if you have the vitality within you. When the command is ‘Be’, and you be thus, then that is the secret of life. Ask of the heart of Farhad, as to the reality of life, of the Pickaxe, of the Ocean of milk, and of the Rock of life. To be a slave is to be a river whose path is blocked.
Life is a vast ocean. The spirit of life lies concealed in the innermost layers of a handful of clay. When it focuses on its duties and tasks, it finds fulfilment, and becomes strong and vibrant.
You are a bubble in the ocean of life. It is only a short experience you get in this transient world. It is work and activity that gives it its vitality; in its absence, it is just a heap of clay. With the dynamism of activity, life turns into a shining sword.
If you have the courage and willingness to die for the sake of truth, then your life is transformed. You can set aflame this mortal world. You can dare to create your own world from the ashes.
Illuminate your dismal spirit. Let the glow fill your life. By your efforts, let the pearls of Bhadakshan be brought out. It will shine like the morning sun in the east.
When night has descended on the yonder horizon, send out your secret emissary to the galaxies.
You live in a world where your gains are shared. Let you be judged by your deeds.
The government
There is verse in Quran: ‘The kings, when they enter a country despoil it’.
Governments keep the people in perfect tutelage, by means of sorcery. The people are in a state of deep slumber. The rulers use magic to maintain them at this level.
Sweet songs of the dancers enwraps the mood of the audience. Likewise the glory of Mohammed dazzles the eyes of the Ayas. When the blood of Isreal is again roused, there shall be another Moses to disclose the trick of Samiri.
God alone has claim to supreme power. Others are mere idols of Asar, even though they also claim supreme powers. Do not soil your soul by imbibing servitude. Yet, if you practise false sense of dignity, then you are just an infidel.
The democracy propounded by the Europeans are just a continuation of the ancient imperialism of Caesar. Let it be borne in mind that democracy is simply monarchy in disguise, even though it externally feels otherwise.
The legislators who have the duty to protect the rights of the people are simply in a state of slumber, dreaming of worldly enjoyments.
The legislators are debating with ardour. Yet, what is it all for, other than to protect the interests of the exploiters. Yet, you are in an entranced mood, for you see this mirage as a sweet garden, and the binding cage you are in, as a cosy nest.
Employment and Remuneration
Carry my message to the enslaved. It is the message from nature. You are being exploited by the Capitalists. Your destiny is entangled on an antler.
You get remuneration; yet it is just as alms to the beggar. The magicians of Almooth offered you the leaves of hemp, yet you were tricked to believe that it is an ordinary leaf.
All of you and about you, youngsters, society, church, government, colour, culture, are all under the hallucination of capitalism. You are in an inebriated state, whereby your are disowning your own destiny. Your masters have taken over you, soul and body. You have really killed yourself with obedience.
Oh, arouse yourself!
Prepare yourself to see the evolution of the law of nature. Both the east, as well as the west is awaiting the revolution that is surging in you. The sea has only scorn for the arrogance of capitalism. Long have you been a bud bowing to the dewdrops; now the time has come for you to break forth.
The intoxicating melody of democracy is the tool of capitalists. In your dreams, you have envisaged the stories of Alexander and Jamshid. There is a new sun arising from the yonder side. Oh Sun, lament nor for the dead stars!
Oh man, breakout of all barriers and borders. Let out your creativity. How long can you shed tears for the lost paradise? The Spring asks of the gardener: How long can you protect the flowers from the worms?
Oh, the indiscreet moth, keep away from the candle flame, be thy close to the flame of thy vital power.
The Islamic Government
Don’t you know of the great history of the Arabs and the Turks? Their exploits are not unknown to me. Christianity has destroyed the noble heritage of Khalil. The churches they built are structured by the bricks made of the clay of Hijas.
Once it was with pride one wore red Turkish caps. Now, it is an attire of shame. Now the Iranians buy wine from Portugal; the wine which is so strong that it can break its own glass container.
Like a depraved goldsmith spoils gold, the Westerns have spoilt the glory of Islam. The blood of Mussalman is not warm, it is cold as ice. There is turmoil in your hearts, that you have no more power to seek out secrets. Rumi has rightfully said: Try to rebuild an edifice only after the removal of the debris of a decayed structure.
The society opened its eyes only after its power had declined. Be aware of your rights, make haste to attain them. There is greater ignominy in defeat than in begging. Oh, you wingless ant, there is no need to await Solomon, to bring redress to your distress.
The East can earn its salvation by reaching a unity of communities. It is obvious that the Asians are oblivious of this. Forsake the decadent paths of politics, and be proud of your religion. For power and ownership are the sweet fruits of religion.
All around the world let the Muslims unit, to protect their faith. When they disclaim it, the glory of their culture and blood, all will simply vanish before their very eyes. Even if they are of Arabia or from Turkey.
When the nobility was allowed to run roughshod over the Mussalmans, they were to go into extinction. Seek out the heart and heroism of your wonderful forefathers, if you want to see the re-emergence of Islam. Oh, you of the refined culture, be involved deep in the refinement of duty and reason. Imbibe the spirit of Aboobacker and Ali.
It is natural that there is complaint in love. Yet, have the patience to know the result of it. Have you not seen the tumultuous seas, and later its tranquilly too. Likewise, you can see the origin of the restless waves.
Salvation is the ultimate dream of Islam. You may feel the essence of this dream. Oh, you Mussalman! Don’t you know that the very essence of the sea lies concealed in it’s very self? You will be able to see the rebirth of this ancient Earth, rebounding with newfound enthusiasm. Observe my message, and you shall see a faint shadows of a bright future sketched in it.
Even though time may arrange calamities in your path, yet by your striving you may escape from the disgrace that destiny may keep to test your mettle. Let there be lust, lust for life in the life of Mussalman. Let there be a goal in life, and let it be for the grace of god.
Notes and References
Hashimis: The family of Prophet Mohammed PBUH
Namurud: A King of Babylonia at the time of Prophet Abraham
Abraham’s search for truth: The Quranic Paradox of Abraham that he got enlightened by watching the Sun. Khidr and Prophet Moses were journeying in a boat, playing for hire by an orphan family. During their journey, Khidr made some trouble on the boat. Moses spoke against him. It was Khidr’s understanding (by insight) that an unjust King was seizing every good boat travelling through his region, using his army.
Wall of Orphan: It was a wall which was in a state of ruin. There was buried treasure under it, belonging to two orphans. Khidr and Moses approached the wall. Khidr repaired it to protect the treasure. If it falls, the treasure would be lost. But, Moses was not in favour of this act.
Pious life: During their journey, Khidr killed a beautiful boy. According to Khidr, the parents of the boy were very pious and worthy. But the boy was moving in wrong ways, he was sure to ruin his life. Here also Moses condemned him. Khidr told him to be patient, for the result of his act would be disclosed to him very soon. But, the Moses was impatient; late he understood the inner meaning of the activities of Khidr, when the paradox of life was unravelled..
Fire of Abraham: According to the Holy Quran, Abraham was thrown into a burning Furnace by his rivals. He was rescued from the burning fire.It was Namrud, the king of that time who commanded to throe him in to the burning furnace. The God commanded the fire to be cool and safe for Abraham. Quran : 21:68-71.
Gabriel: The Angel who conveyed God’s revelations to prophet Mohammed.
Farangi: European
Hijas: The region that includes the Arabian Peninsula. Mecca, Median and the adjoining areas: Later it become Saudi Arabia.
Jamshid: He was an ancient Persian ruler said to posses a crystal bowl in which he could wee all that was happening in the world but he was only able to do so and he could only drink from it.
Farhad: Farhad and Shirin were lovers. It is a love story from Persia. Farhad was an ordinary man, while Shirin was the daughter of an affluent man. Her father was against their love. He made a condition that Farhad can marry her only if he could divert a river from a mountain into the pools of his beloved Shirin’s palace. It was not an easy task, but Farhad made a canal into the heart of the mountain and diverted the river. Pickaxe, Ocean of milk and Rock are the symbols of his great endeavour.
