Amongst all the girls, my scarf is the most soiled,Look, the girls are laughing at me.This spring, please dye my scarf for me,Oh Nijaam, protect my honour.In the name of Ganj-e Shakar (Nizamuddin Aulia’s pir) ,Protect my honour, Oh beloved Nijaam.Qutab and Farid have come in the wedding procession,And Khusrau is the loving bride, Oh…
Every sect has a faith, a direction (Qibla) to which they turn,I have turned my face towards the crooked cap (of Nizamudin Aulia)The whole world worships something or the other,Some look for God in Mecca, while some go to Kashi (Banaras) ,So why can’t I, Oh wise people, fall into my beloved’s feet?Every sect has…
Your dad’s too old; the rainy season has come.Dear Mom, send my brother across; the rainy season has come.Oh, dear daughter, how can I?Your brother’s too young; the rainy season has come.Dear Mom, send my uncle across; the rainy season has come.Oh, dear daughter, how can I?Your uncle’s too dandy; the rainy season has come.
There was a nymph-like beloved with cypress-like form and tulip-like face,Ruthlessly playing havoc with the hearts of the lovers.God himself was the master of ceremonies in that heavenly court,oh Khusrau, where (the face of) the Prophet too was shedding light like a candle.
the (Brahman’s) girdle I do not need.Leave from my bedside, you ignorant physician!The only cure for the patient of love is the sight of his beloved –other than this no medicine does he need.If there be no pilot in our boat, let there be none:We have god in our midst: the sea we do not…
Bring out your lotions and toiletries,And decorate your long hair.Oh, you’re still enjoying your sleep, wake-up.Even your destiny has woken up,Its spring here, rejoice.You snobbish lady with arrogant looks,The King Amir is here to see you;Let your eyes meet his,Oh my love, rejoice;Its spring here again.[Translated from ‘Aaj Basant Manaalay’]
In my courtyard;I have found my pir Nizamuddin Aulia.I roamed around the entire world,looking for an ideal beloved;And finally this face has enchanted my heart.The whole world has been opened for me,Never seen a glow like this before.Whenever I see now, he is with me,Oh beloved, please dye me in yourself;Dye me in the colour…
Would someone please coax Nizamuddin Aulia,The more I appease him, the more annoyed he gets;My youth is budding……Want to break these bangles against the cot,And throw up my blouse into fire,The empty bed scares me,The fire of separation keeps burning me.Oh, beloved. My youth is budding.
{Rest of the lines are Tarana bols, which are meaningless and are chants of the sufi saints}
When I went to fill the water,In the furor, I broke my pot.Khusrau has given his whole life to you Oh, Nijam.Would you please take care of my veil (or self esteem) ,The road to the well is much too difficult.
