In this evocative Persian Ghazal, Bu Ali Qalandar (Sharafuddin) addresses his own soul, offering counsel on the path to Divine Union. In “Ay Sharaf Khuahi Agar Wasl e Habib,” the poet describes the paradoxical nature of the spiritual journey—where the Beloved is closer than the jugular vein, yet the seeker feels a vast distance. The Kalam moves through themes of spiritual sickness, the “magical” nature of poetic inspiration, and the constant vigilance required of a heart containing the secrets of God.
اے شرف خواہی اگر وصل حبیب
نالہ مے زن روز و شب چون عندلیب
Ay Sharaf Khuahi Agar Wasl-e-Habib
Nala Mai Zan Roz-o-Shab Choon Andaleeb
O Sharaf! If you desire union with the Beloved;
Then like the nightingale, continue to lament day and night.
من مریض عشقم و از جان نفور
دست بر نبض من آرد چون طبیب
Man Mareez-e-Ishqam-o Az Jan Nafoor
Dast Bar Nabz-e-Man Aarad Choon Tabeeb
I am a patient of Love and weary of my very life;
Why should a physician place his hand upon my pulse?
رسم و راہ ما نداند ہر کہ او
در دیار عاشقی ماند غریب
Rasm-o-Rah-e-Ma Nadand Har Ke Oo
Dar Diyar-e-Aashiqi Manad Ghareeb
One cannot know our customs and our ways;
If they remain a stranger in the land of Love.
شربت دیدار دلداران خوش است
گر نصیب ما نباشد یا نصیب
Sharbat-e-Deedar-e-Dildaran Khush Ast
Gar Naseeb-e-Ma Nabashad Ya Naseeb
The nectar of witnessing the Beloved is sweet and pleasant;
Even if it is not in my fate, oh, what a destiny that would be!
ما ازو دوریم دور اے وائے ما
از رگ جان است او ما را قریب
Ma Az-Oo Dooreem Door Ay Waaye Ma
Az Rag-e-Jan Ast Oo Ma Ra Qareeb
We are far, so very far from Him—alas, woe to us!
While He is closer to us than our own life-vein.
بر سرم جنبیدہ تیغ محتسب
در دلم پوشیدہ اسرار عجیب
Bar Saram Junbeeda Tegh-e-Muhtasib
Dar Dilam Posheeda Asrar-e-Ajeeb
The sword of the Censor swings above my head;
While within my heart, strange and wondrous secrets are hidden.
بو علی شاعر شدی ساحر شدی
این چہ انگیزی خیالات غریب
Bu Ali Shaer Shudi Sahir Shudi
In Che Angezi Khayalat-e-Ghareeb
O Bu Ali! You have become a poet, no, a magician!
What sort of extraordinary and strange thoughts you are stirring up.
Vocabulary & Meanings
- Sharafuddin: The formal name of Hazrat Bu Ali Shah Qalandar.
- Wasl: Spiritual Union.
- Choon: Like / Similar to.
- Andaleeb: Nightingale.
- Nafoor: Tired / Weary.
- Nabz: Pulse.
- Muhtasib: The religious censor or guardian of outward law.
- Sahir: Enchanter / Magician.