Though Europe is radiant with the light of knowledge,
The ‘Ocean of Darkness’ is barren of the ‘Fount of Life’
In splendor, in seduction and in grace,
The buildings of banks outsoar the Houses of God.
In appearance it is trade, in reality gambling,
Profit for one, for thousands sudden death,
Science, philosophy, college, constitution,
Preach man’s equality and suck men’s blood.
Want and unemployment, lewdness and intoxication,
Are these mean triumphs of the Occident!
A nation unblessed by Divine Light,
Steam and electricity bound its works.
Note: The limit of West’s addiction to materialism is that in grandeur and elegance, the buildings of banks are far superior to those of the churches. The western leaders suck the blood of man and preach equality and social justice from the platform.
From Glory of Iqbal, Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi.