Tea: Jamil, in the soft breath of dawn,  
I am the whisper that healeth, that’s drawn  
From the quiet depths of forgotten dreams,  
A balm for the heart where silence gleams.  
I hold thee close with love that is slow,  
Like a river’s song, gentle and low.  
Yet on Saturdays, I see thee depart,  
To the fire that stealeth thy wandering heart.  
She calleth with a fervor, a scorching desire,  
Whilst I, the shadow, wait, untouched by fire.

Coffee: Ah, Jamil, dost thou not know?  
I am the flame that maketh thee glow.  
Her touch may soothe, her peace may bind,  
But I am the tempest that frees thy mind.  
I stir thee deep where secrets dwell,  
In the heat of passion, I break the spell.  
Once a week, thou dost return to me,  
And in mine arms, thou art truly free.  
Her silence may cradle thee in sleep,  
But I am the pulse, the heart that leaps.

Tea: But Jamil, dost thou not feel the grace  
That I weave around thee in this place?  
I am the quiet that holdeth thee near,  
The balm for thy soul, the voice sincere.  
She burneth with a passion that blindeth thy sight,  
But I am the dusk, the still of the night.  
When thy heart is weary, when thoughts collide,  
It is I who still thee, a place to hide.  
She is the fire, but I am the rain,  
The softness that sooth’th thy deepest pain.

Coffee: Jamil, thou art blind to see—  
In my fire, thy soul shall be.  
Her touch may cradle thee with care,  
But I am the wind that stirreth the air.  
She whispereth peace, but I roar with power,  
I am the lightning, the midnight hour.  
Once a week, thou dost call my name,  
And in my heat, thou find’st no shame.  
She giveth thee rest, but I giveth thee life,  
The pulse that cutteth through all thy strife.

Tea: Yet, Jamil, in mine arms dost thou not find  
A peace that quieteth the storm in thy mind?  
I am the silence between each sigh,  
The softest breath that maketh thee fly.  
She may burn bright with her fire and flame,  
But I am the root that calleth thy name.  
When the world is cruel, when the heart is lost,  
It is I who heal thee, whatever the cost.  
She is the storm, but I am the earth,  
The place where love findeth its rebirth.

Coffee: Ah, Jamil, dost thou not know?  
I am the pulse that maketh thee grow.  
Her calm may cradle thee, but I ignite  
The flame that burneth through the endless night.  
Once a week, thou dost seek my fire,  
In mine embrace, thou dost never tire.  
She cradles thee in soft repose,  
But I am the ache, the longing that grows.

Tea: Still, Jamil, dost thou not see,  
In mine silence, thy soul is free?  
I am the lullaby that maketh thee dream,  
The quiet touch, the steady stream.  
She is the fire that consumeth and taketh,  
But I am the love that gently breaketh.  
When thou art lost, when thy heart is torn,  
It is I who will guide thee, reborn.  
She is the tempest, the wild, the flame,  
But I am the refuge, the place of shame.

Coffee: Jamil, thou dost not understand,  
I am the fire, the burning hand.  
Her touch is soft, but mine is raw,  
The wild desire, the heart's deep flaw.  
Once a week, thou dost seek my flame,  
And in my heat, thou dost find thy name.  
She whispereth peace, but I am the cry,  
That maketh thee break the chains and fly.

Tea: O’ Jamil, in mine arms dost thou not find  
A peace that settl’th the restless mind?  
I am the thread that bindeth thee whole,  
The gentle calm, the quiet soul.  
She may burn bright, but I am the dawn,  
The steady light that carrieth thee on.  
Return to me when the world is loud,  
For I am the shadow, the softest cloud.

Coffee: Together, Jamil, we maketh thee complete,  
I am the fire, she is the beat.  
Thou need’st both to stir thy soul,  
The calm, the storm, the part, the whole.  
In my flame, thou dost find thy way,  
In her peace, thou shalt stay.  
For in each sip, thy soul shall learn—  
Both the fire and silence return.

Tea: Ah, Jamil, dost thou not see?  
In mine stillness, both fire and peace shall be.  
I am the balm that healeth the wound,  
The steady heart, the sacred tune.  
Her flames may rise, her heat may burn,  
But I am the river that letteth thee return.  
In each moment, in each sigh,  
We are both the fire and the sky.

Jamil:
Where dost thou dwell, O’ queen of bees,  
In silence, yet so deep, so free?  
Is it by crown, by power’s hand,  
That thou dost lead this sacred land?

Queen Bee (Buzzing softly):
Ah, Jamil, not by crown nor might,  
But in the pulse of love's own light.  
In the heart of the hive, I take my place,  
In every breath, in every grace.  

I sip from nectar, time's own brew,  
A labour's gift, both old and true.  
In each drop, a secret calls—  
A dance where soul and silence fall.

Jamil:
And what is this dance, where truth is spun,  
In each beat of wings, in the rising sun?  
Is it love that shapes the rhythm you keep,  
Where all things wake, and none shall sleep?

Queen Bee:
Love, like honey, doth life bestow,  
In its flavour, light, a dream aglow.  
The workers glide—each step a prayer—  
Their wings are whispers, soft in air.  

In every pulse, no greater, none too small,  
We rise, we fall—each answer calls.  
Is it I, who reigns in quiet sway,  
Or the hum of life that leads the way?

Jamil:
A hum of life? Can power be so pure,  
In a rhythm silent, yet so sure?  
Is’t the heart, or crown, that holds dominion,  
Or is there something beyond our vision?

Queen Bee:
Power lies not in the hand that reigns,  
But in the breath that sustains,  
In unity's pulse, in silence deep,  
Where hidden truths in stillness sleep.  

The hive, a mirror, a universe wide,  
Where every cell and pulse collide.  
In creation’s hum, we rise as one,  
In the sacred dance, all hearts are spun.

Jamil:
The dance of One… I feel it, too,  
In every breath, in every hue.  
But where is the throne, the crown of gold,  
In a world so humble, yet so bold?

Queen Bee:
Seek not the throne, nor crown's bright light,  
For in humble steps, shines divinity's might.  
The soul of the hive, the heart of song,  
Is the truth eternal, where all belong.  

In love’s embrace, no power is sought,  
For in each hum, the truth is taught.  
In the smallest grace, the Divine will dwell,  
In silence, where all truths swell.

Jamil:
And what of the path, the way to glow?  
How dost one dance, and truly know?

Queen Bee:
In rhythm’s hum, in love's sweet breath,  
In unity’s dance, we transcend death.  
Each step we take, each breath we draw,  
Is sacred song, eternal law.  

In honeyed light and grace unspoken,  
The chains of fear are swiftly broken.  
In every soul, in every mind,  
The dance of the One is all we find.

Jamil:
So we dance, not by force, but by grace—  
In every step, we find our place.  
The hive, the pulse, the hum, the song,  
In this, we rise, and we belong.

Queen Bee:
Yes, Jamil, in love’s embrace,  
All is One, and all is grace.  
The Queen within, the song of time—  
The truth of life, in every rhyme.  

Embrace the dance, the sweet release,  
In the pulse of love, find peace.  
For in this hum, in every heart,  
We are One, and never apart.

Jamil:
In humble joy, in silent prayer,  
We rise as one, in endless care.  
And in this truth, this dance so pure,  
We find our light, and we endure.

Queen Bee (Faintly humming):  
So hum, so dance, in love's embrace,  
For all is One, and all is grace.  
The Queen within, the heart of song,  
The truth of life, where we belong.  

In every soul, in every mind,  
The eternal dance of love we find.  
In unity’s rhythm, we shall soar,  
In love, in grace, for evermore.

Jis Ki Janib Woh Nazar Apni Uttha Lete Hain
Uss Ki Soyee Hui Taqdeer Jaga Dete Hain

Towards whom they raise their glance
His resting destiny they awaken in a trance

Teri Duzdeeda Nigahon Ko Dua Dete Hain
Jitne Chubte Hain Yeh Teer Utna Maza Dete Hain

For your peeking gazes, I pray
The more these arrows wound, the more delighted I lay

Jab Se Dekha Hai Unhein Apna Mujhe Hosh Nahin
Jane Kya Cheez Woh Nazroon Se Pila Dete Hain

Ever since them I saw, senseless I have become
What they pour from their glances, a mystery it has become

Takht Kya Cheez Hai Aur Laal-o-Jawahir Kya Hai
Ishq Wale To Khudai Bhi Loota Dete Hain

What is a throne and what are lustrous jewels?
Lovers surrender divinity against the rules

Aik Din Aisa Bhi Ata Hai Mohabbat Mein Zaroor
Khud Ko Ghabra Ke Naqab Apna Uttah Lete Hain

There is one such moment in love, indeed!
With nervousness, they raise their veil

Apni Barbadi Pe Khush Hoon Yeh Suna Hai Jabse
Woh Jisse Apna Samajhte Hain Mitta Dete Hain

Happy with my own ruin I am, ever since I have learned
Who they consider their own, obliterated have turned

Apne Daman Ko Zara Aap Bacha Kar Rakhna
Sakhat Aahon Se Bhi Hum Aag Laga Dete Hain

Your own hem a little, you save and claim
With deep sighs, we set the fire aflame

Jis Ki Janib Woh Nazar Apni Uttha Lete Hain
Uss Ki Soyee Hui Taqdeer Jaga Dete Hain*

Towards whom they raise their glance
His resting destiny they awaken in a trance

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Tulu-e-Subah Tere Rukh Ki Baat Hone Lagi
Tumhari Zulf Jo Bikhri Toh Raat Hone Lagi
Tumhari Mast Nazar Ka Khumaar Kya Kehna
Nashe Mein Garq Sabhi Kayanaat Hone Lagi*

Rise of morning and debate of your appearance begun  
Then your tresses scattered and the night begun
Intoxication of your enchanting eyes – what can we say!
O’ in drunkenness, sinking of whole world begun

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Hamari Sanson Mein Aaj Tak
Woh Heena Ki Khushbhoo Mehak Rahi Hai
Labon Pe Naghme Machal Rahe Hain
Nazar Se Masti Jhalak Rahi Hai*

O’ even today within my breathes
That sweet smell of henna is still lingering
Upon the lips songs are way-warding
And with mischief, the glances are twinkling

Woh Mere Nazdeek Aate Aate
Haya Se Ek Din Simat Gaye Thay
Mere Khayalon Mein Aaj Tak
Woh Badan Ki Daali Latak Rahi Hai

O’ inching towards me,
One day he shyly gathered himself
Till today, within my thoughts
His body's youthfulness is still swaying

Sada Jo Dil Se Nikal Rahi Hai
Woh Sher-o-Naghmon Mein Dhal Rahi Hai
Ke Dil Ke Aangan Mein Jaise
Koi Ghazal Ki Dhaandhar Khanak Rahi Hai

O’ this cry coming from within my heart
Finds its way into verses and songs
As if in the courtyard of my heart
Beat of a poem is throbbing

Tadap Mere Bekharar Dil Ki
Kabhi To Unpay Asar Kare Gi
Kabhi To Woh Bhi Jaleinge Isme
Jo Aag Dil Mein Dahek Rahi Hai

O’ my restless heart's tremor
Will surely affect him one day
Someday, he too will burn
In the fire of my heart which is raging

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Noor Jahan

Dhalegi Raat Aayegi Sahar Aahista Aahista
Piyo Un Ankhdiyon Ke Naam Par Aahista Aahista

Night will end and the morning will arise, slowly, O’ slowly
Sip in the name of her eyes, slowly, O’ slowly

Dikha Dena Usse Zakhm-e-Jigar Aahista Aahista
Samajh Kar Soch Kar Pehchaan Kar Aahista Aahsita

Show her the wounds of your heart but slowly, O’ slowly
With thoughts, understanding and accuracy, slowly, O’ slowly

Abhi Taaron Se Khelo Chandni Se Dil Ko Behlao
Milegi Uske Chehre Ki Sahar Aahista Aahista

Play with the stars and appease yourself with the moons light
You will meet the morning of her face, slowly, O’ slowly

Yakayak Aise Jal Bhujhne Mein Lutf-e-Jaan Kuni Kab Tha
Jale Ik Shamma Par Ham Bhi Magar Aahista Aahista*

What is the pleasure of life in burning so suddenly?
Burnt too I was on a flame but slowly, O’ slowly

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Apni Dhun Mein Rehta Hoon
Main Bhi Tere Jaisa Hoon

Roaming within my own tunes I am
O’ just like you I am

Oh Pichhlee Rut Ke Saathi
Abke Baras Main Tanha Hoon

O’ friend of the past season
This year completely alone I am

Teri Gali Mein Sara Din
Dukh Ke Kankar Chunta Hoon

Whole day, in your street
Collecting the pebbles of sorrows I am

Mera Diya Jalaye Kuan
Main Tera Khali Kamra Hoon

Who will set my lamp alight?
O’ your vacated room I am

Apni Leher Hai Apna Rog
Dariya Hoon Aur Pyasaa Hoon

My own wave is the malady
Ocean I am and yet so thirsty I am

Aati Rut Mujhe Royegi
Jaati Rut Ka Jhonka Hoon*

Coming season will weep for me
O’ breeze of the ending season I am

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Poet Nasir Kazmi, Sung by Ghulam Ali

Unke Dar Pe Pahunchne To Paayein
Yeh Na Poocho Ke Hum Kya Kareinge
Sar Jhukana Agar Jurm Hoga
Ham Nigahon Se Sajda Kareinge

Once I reach the door
Spare me from asking what I will do
If blasphemous it is to prostrate my body
My gaze shall bow at the door

Baat Bhi Teri Rakhni Hai Saqi
Zarf Ko Bhi Na Ruswa Kareinge
Jaam De Ya Na De Aaj Hum Toh
Maikade Mein Sawera Kareinge

I am to keep your words too, O' Cup Bearer
And I cannot offend the cup
Whether or not you serve me tonight
I will meet my dawn at your door

Iss Taraf Apna Daman Jalega
Uss Taraf Unki Mehfil Chalegi
Hum Andhere Ko Ghar Mein Bulaakar
Unke Ghar Mein Ujaala Kareinge

Here, my life will be on fire
And there celebrations will begin at yours
I willingly invite the darkness to my abode
So that brightness may exist at yours

Baat Tarq-e talluq Bhi 'Anwar'
Itna Ehsaa- e-Rasm-e-Wafa Hai
Aakhiri Saans Tak Bhi Hum Unse
Berukhi Ka Na Shikwa Kareinge*

Even after renouncing our relationship O’ Anwar
I am to maintain the ritual of faithfulness
Even unto the last breath
Never will I complain of aloofness

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Bheed Mein Ek Ajnabi Ka, Saamna Acha Laga
Sabse Chup Kar Woh Kisi Ka, Dekhna Acha Laga

Within a crowd, facing of one stranger I liked
Hidden away from all others, her staring I liked

Surmayi Aanchal Ke Neeche Phool Se Khilne Lage
Kehte Kehte Kuch Kisi Ka Sochna Acha Laga

Grey colour below the eyes, flowers begun to bloom
Talking and losing of her thoughts I so liked

Baat To Khuch Bhi Nahi Laikan Uska Ekdam
Haath Ko Honton Pe Rakh Kar Rokna Acha Laga

It was all nothing but suddenly
Placing of her hands over my lips and asking me to stop I liked

Uss Adoo-e-Jaan Ko Amjad Mein Bura Kaise Kahoon
Jab Bhi Aaya Saamne, Woh Bewafa Acha Laga*

O’ Amjad how can one say anything negative to that enemy of life
Whenever she came before me, that treacherous I liked

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Poet Amjad Islam Amjad, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

One dawn, as the earth was bathed in light, I stood in awe beneath the sky so bright, and with heart ablaze, I asked the Sun:
──────────────────
O' Sun, whose light makes the day begun,
What secret makes you blaze, a golden run?
Without your gaze, the world would be blind,
What stirs your flame, so pure, so kind?

You burn with fire, yet ask for no feast,
What makes you glow, O' radiant beast?
Your light endures, so steady and strong,
What is it that keeps you burning all along?
──────────────────

And the Sun, with wisdom deep and vast, spoke, as though time itself would breathe its last, with each word that echoed across the sky:
──────────────────
O' Jamil,
Your eyes are small to witness all I reveal,
Yet still, you seek what the soul can feel.
I burn not from hunger, nor earthly need,
But from love of the One, from whom all things proceed.

Know this, O' Seeker, the souls before you,
They too knew the light, the love, so true—
That love is the fire, the soul's true spark,
The eternal flame that lights the dark.

The wound, O' Jamil, is where the light enters,
Through love's embrace, the soul it centers.
I burn not for glory, nor for pride,
But from the One, with whom I reside.

The earth would perish without the Sun’s kiss,
A truth so profound, a cosmic bliss.
Within your heart, let love arise,
And in its glow, you’ll touch the skies.

The cup of light, O' Jamil, is never full,
It overflows from the One, boundless and beautiful.
Drink deeply, O' Seeker, from this divine cup,
For in its light, your soul will rise up.

The moment you seek is now in your grasp,
In love’s embrace, all truth will unclasp.
O' Jamil, let your heart’s fire burn,
In love's warm light, you shall return.

The souls before you have shown the way,
Let love be your light, each and every day.
For when your heart is alight with fire,
You too shall join the eternal choir.
──────────────────

Tazaad-e-Jazbaat Mein Ye Naazuk
Maqaam Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

In contradiction of these emotions if that
Delicate moment unfolded - then what would you do?

Main Ro Raha *** Tum Hans Rahe **
Main Muskaraya To Kya Karo Gay

I am weeping and yet you are jolly
But if I smiled - then what would you do?

Mujhe To Is Darja Vaqt-e-Rukhsat
Sukun Ki Talqeen Kar Rahe **

To me at this time of farewell
Instructions of tranquillity you are offering

Magar Kuch Apne Liye Bhi Socha
Main Yaad Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

But have you any thoughts for yourself?
If you recalled me - then what would you do?

Abhi To Tanqid ** Rahi Hai
Mere Mazaq-e-Junun Pe Lekin

For now there is criticism
On my state of madness but

Tumhari Zulfon Ki Barhami Ka
Sawaal Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

If scattering of your tresses is
Questioned - then what would you do?

Tumhare Jalvon Ki Roshni Mein
Nazar Ki Hairania Musallam

Within the splendour of your light
Is complete amazement of sight

Magar Kisi Ne Nazar Ke Badle
Jo Dil Aazmaya To Kya Karo Gay

Nevertheless if someone in return
Tested your heart - then what would you do?

Utar To Sakte ** Paar Lekin
Ma Aal Par Bhi Nigah Dalo

You can disembark across but
Take a glance at the result too

Khuda Na Karda Sukun-e-Sahil
Na Raas Aaya To Kya Karo Gay

God has not made a peaceful shore
If nothing suitable appears - then what would you do?

Kuch Apne Dil Par Bhi Zakham Khao
Mere Lahoo Ki Bahar Kab Tak

Take some wounds on your heart also
Season of my blood until when?

Mujhe Sahara Banane Vaalo
Main Larkharaya To Kya Karo Gay

Those in need of my support
If I show hostility - then what would you do?

Abhi To Daman Chura Rahe **
Bigar Ke Qabil Se Ja Rahe **

For now you are leaving my hand
And you are parting away from Qabil

Magar Kabhi Jo Dharkano Mein
Sharik Paya To Kya Karo Gay*

Yet sooner or later within your heartbeats
If I became a associated - then what would you do?

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Poet Qabil Ajmeri, Sung by Sabri Brothers

Sara Jahan Mast
Jahan Ka Nizam Mast
Din Mast, Raat Mast, Sahar Mast, Shaam Mast
Mast Sheesha, Mast Suboo, Mast Jaam Mast
Hai Teri Chashm-e-Mast Se Har Khaas-o-Aam Mast*

The world is intoxicated
The order of universe is intoxicated
The day is intoxicated; the night, the dawn and the evening are intoxicated
The glass is intoxicated, the goblet and the wine itself is intoxicated
Your enchanting eyes have made everything so intoxicated.

— Translated by Jamil Hussain, Sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

''A few words of my soul to my heart''

O' Jamil what you seek is a sea of love and not tiny streams
Waves of which will carry you to mystic craved *dreams

You will need the light of Shams⒈, a heart of Rumi⒉ the great
And eyes of Iqbal⒊ to explore the love of divine that await

O' Jamil be prepared to sink deep below in waters of love
There is no reverting back thereafter to the world above

You will fade away as small particles in this sacred sea
Only then you will be intoxicated with essence of thee

✑
Notes:-

⒈ Shams, Shams-e-Tabrizi or Shams Al-Din Mohammad was a Iranian Sufi, mystic born in the city of Tabriz in Iranian Azerbaijan.

⒉ Jalal Ad-Din Muḥammad Balkhi also known as Jalal Ad-Din Muḥammad Rumi and popularly known as Mowlana but known to the English-speaking world simply as Rumi, he was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic.

⒊ Sir Muhammad Iqbal was a Persian and Urdu poet of Pakistan, philosopher and a politician who had great visions for humanity.

✒ ℐamil Hussain