Earth is Better than Paradise: Allama Iqbal poem from Zabur-i Ajam

Earth is Better than Paradise: Allama Iqbal poem from Zabur-i Ajam

The following poem is taken from Part II of Muhammad Iqbal’s Zabur-i Ajam (“Psalms of Persia”).

Its main theme is the need to discover Khudi [self] through bold and confident action in the face of the hardships, which are mentioned using fearful but actually fascinating things.

Jahan Rang o Boo Paida – Allama Iqbal Zaboor i Ajam

English Translation

The world of color and scent is front of eyes; you say that it is a mystery.
Just strike its string with your Self, for you are the pick and it, the music instrument

The facade confused by our view shatters with pure eyes
You say that it is a obstruction, it is a veil, but it is a metaphor only

Come, pull the ropes of skies blue curtains
For, like a flame, it is exposed to the chaste glance

To me, this dust bowl is better than the lofty heaven
It is a place of desire and longing, an abode of fire and passion

At one time, I lose myself; at another, I lose Him
Yet find both. What mystery is this? What mystery is this?