“Musalman Aan Faqeer Kaj Kulaahay” is a heart-wrenching quatrain from Allama Iqbal’s final work, Armaghan-e-Hijaz. It depicts the modern Muslim as a “beggar with a tilted cap”—outwardly proud but inwardly hollow—begging for a single glance of mercy from the Prophet ﷺ.
The Plea for a Glance
مسلماں آں فقیر کج کلاہے
رمید از سینہ او سوز آہے
Musalman Aan Faqeer Kaj Kulaahay
Rameed Az Seena-e-Oo Soz-e-Aahay
The Muslim is that beggar with a tilted cap (pride);
Yet the burning fire of a deep sigh has fled from his chest.
Crying Without Knowing Why
دلش نالد چرا نالد؟ نداند
نگاہے یا رسول اللہ نگاہے
Dilash Naalad Chira Naalad? Nadand
Nigaahay Ya Rasulullah Nigaahay
His heart laments, but why does it lament? He knows not.
A glance, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Just one merciful glance!
Lughat: Vocabulary Insights
- Kaj Kulaah (کج کلاہ): One who wears a cap tilted to the side (symbolizing pride/style).
- Rameed (رمید): Fled, vanished, or escaped.
- Naalad (نالد): Cries, laments, or moans.
- Nigaah (نگاہ): A glance, vision, or look of mercy.
The Poet of the East:
Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal (علامہ محمد اقبال)
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