Shabistari If a Muslim were to know what an idol is He would know that religion is idol-worship And if the associator (mushrik) were to know what an idol is Where would he have gone wrong in his religion? Original: مسلمان گر بدانستی که بت چیست بدانستی که دین در بتپرستی است وگر مشرک ز بت…
Hafez in qawwal
This ghazal, attributed to Hafez, is probably not by him, but is still beautiful nonetheless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=44&v=Iz9hU6JjZXk Translation: I saw Beloved in the Stranger I saw a Flower in the Ash The one the Preacher so tried to hide I saw that Beloved in the square. In every direction, the splendor of Beloved, I see In every…
Yoruba poetry in praise of Olodumare
The remarkable Mayowa Adeyemo performs a powerful poem in praise of Olodumare, the Supreme Deity. Original: Odíderé ayékòótá máa wolè máràba Odéderé ayébòútó máa wolè máràba oò ri’ báyé nwá doríto dò tó dobúépo ọmọ ò gbọ́ tí baba mo, baba ò gbó dimọ má, aya ò gbọ́ lọkọ mo gbogbo rè wá polúkúrámusu…
Your face like the moon
Translation: May your charming face ever shine like the full moon; May you hold eternal sway over the domains of beauty. By your amorous glance you have killed a poor man like me; How magnanimous of you? May God give you a long life. Pray do not be cruel lest you should feel ashamed of…
I stole a glance from Niẓam
Translation: Let the housewife say what she will, I stole a glance from the eyes of Nizam. His darling face and his charming form I have hidden in the depths of my heart. Let Khusrao perish at the feet of Nizam, I have just sold him a priceless maid [Khusrau himself] Khusrau! It…
Favorite Verses of Amir Khusro
Translation: Love of you brings news of a world beyond consciousness and brings the pious to down goblets of wine Your cheek broke the repentant vows of dozens of ascetic devotees and nearly had them wearing black Yearning for you is the sheriff who seizes sultan reason by the hair …
Bulleh Shah-My Beloved Reveals Untold Secrets
Behad Ramzan Dasda Mera Dholan Mahi (My beloved reveals untold secrets) Transliteration and Translation Ve Di??? Bhena Dus Mullah Ouh Alif Seedha Kam Khat Aaya O Yaar ??? Hun Des Vataa Hun Ik Wat Aaya Sohna Meem Da Ghunghat Pa Ke Dekh… Ali Haidera Pehle Ahad Si Hun Ahmad Bun…
The Wisdom of Khusrau
Translation: Poverty is more pleasant than majesty; depravity, more pleasant than piety. Majesty has its headaches, and when last I looked beggary was more pleasant. Since kings let no one approach them, being indigent among the poor is more pleasant When pride gets into someone’s…