Bayan Main Nukta-e-Tauheed Aa Tou Sakta Hai – Allama Iqbal

“Bayan Main Nukta-e-Tauheed Aa Tou Sakta Hai” is a powerful Ghazal by the Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal. In these verses, Iqbal critiques the superficiality of religious understanding and emphasizes that true spiritual insight (Tauheed) cannot reside in a mind cluttered with worldly idols or a heart that lacks the passion for freedom.

بیاں میں نکتہء توحید آتو سکتا ہے
تیرے دماغ میں بتخانہ ہو تو کیا کہیے

Bayan Main Nukta-e-Tauheed Aa Tou Sakta Hai
Tere Dimagh Mein But-Khana Ho Tou Kya Kahiye

The point of Oneness (Tauheed) can certainly be expressed in speech;
But what can be said if your mind itself is an idol-temple?

وہ رمزِ شوق کہ پوشیدہ لاَ الہٰ میں ہے
طریقِ شیخ فقیہانہ ہو تو کیا کہیے

Woh Ramz-e-Shauq Ke Poshida La-Ilaha Mein Hai
Tariq-e-Sheikh Faqihana Ho Tou Kya Kahiye

That secret of passion which is hidden within ‘La-Ilaha’;
But what can be said if the Sheikh’s way is merely legalistic?

سرور جو حق و باطل کی کار زار میں ہے
تو حرب و ضرب سے بیگانہ ہو تو کیا کہیے

Suroor Jo Haq-o-Batil Ki Karzar Mein Hai
Tu Harb-o-Zarb Se Begana Ho Tou Kya Kahiye

The ecstasy that lies in the battle between Truth and Falsehood;
But what can be said if you are a stranger to the struggle and strike?

جہاں میں بندہ حر کے مشاہدات ہیں کیا کیا
تیری نگاہ غلامانہ ہو تو کیا کہیے

Jahan Mein Banda-e-Hur Ke Mushahidaat Hain Kya Kya
Teri Nigah Ghulamana Ho Tou Kya Kahiye

How vast and varied are the observations of a free man in this world;
But what can be said if your own vision is that of a slave?

مقام فقر ہے کتنا بلند شاہی سے
روش کسی کی گدایانہ ہو تو کیا کہیے

Maqam-e-Faqr Hai Kitna Buland Shahi Se
Rawish Kisi Ki Gadayana Ho Tou Kya Kahiye

How much loftier is the station of spiritual poverty (Faqr) than royalty;
But what can be said if one’s conduct remains like that of a beggar?