In this segment from Asrar-e-Khudi, Allama Muhammad Iqbal pays a glorious tribute to the Patron Saint of Lahore, Hazrat Ali bin Usman al-Hajviri (Data Ganj Bakhsh R.A.). He describes how the saint’s spiritual presence brought life to the soil of Punjab.
سید ہجویر مخدوم اُمم
Syed e Hajvair Makhdoom e Umam
سید ہجویر مخدوم اُمم
مرقد اُو پیر سنجر را حرم
Syed e Hajvair Makhdoom e Umam
Marqad e Oo Pir e Sanjar Ra Haram
ہجویر کے سید (حضرت داتا گنج بخش) تمام امتوں کے مخدوم ہیں
آپ کا مزارِ اقدس پیرِ سنجر (حضرت معین الدین چشتی) کے لیے حرم کی حیثیت رکھتا ہے
The Chief of Hajvair is the master of nations;
His holy shrine is a sanctuary for the Saint of Sanjar (Khwaja Ajmeri).
خاک پنجاب از دم اُو زندہ گشت
صبح ما از مہر اُو تابندہ گشت
Khak e Punjab Az Dam e Oo Zinda Gasht
Subh e Ma Az Mehr e Oo Tabinda Gasht
پنجاب کی سرزمین آپ کی پھونک (روحانیت) سے زندہ ہو گئی
ہماری صبح بھی اسی سورج (آپ کی ذات) کی بدولت روشن ہوئی
The soil of Punjab was brought to life by his breath;
Our morning was made radiant by the sun of his grace.
Philosophical Insight
Iqbal highlights the immense spiritual stature of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (R.A.) by mentioning that even Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.), the Great Saint of Ajmer, sought spiritual benefit at his shrine. The metaphor of “breath” (Dam) refers to the life-giving power of a perfect saint, who can turn “dead” or “barren” hearts into living, vibrant souls. For Iqbal, the Saint of Lahore is not just a historical figure, but a perpetual source of light for the entire region.