SHEIKH IBRAHIM ZAUQ

 SHEIKH IBRAHIM ZAUQ

Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim Zauq, known by his pen name "Zauq," was a luminary of Urdu poetry and a profound scholar in the realms of literature, poetry, and religion. Born in Delhi in 1790 to a humble family, his early life was marked by adversity, yet he displayed an innate talent for poetry from a young age. Zauq's journey into the world of verse began in a maktab, where he was introduced to the art by Hafiz Ghulam Rasool, a poet himself, who bestowed upon him the pen name "Zauq." Despite limited resources and formal education, Zauq's passion for poetry continued to grow, leading him to Shah Naseer, a renowned poet of his time, who became his mentor. Zauq's dedication to his craft propelled him into the vibrant mushairas (poetry gatherings) of his era, where he quickly gained recognition. His poetic prowess attracted the attention of Meer Kazim Husain Beqarar, who was closely connected to Crown Prince Zafar. This connection would prove pivotal as it granted Zauq entry into the royal court. Over the years, Zauq's literary talents flourished, and he earned the prestigious position of the poet laureate at the Mughal Court, a role he held until his passing in 1854. His poetry is revered for its linguistic precision, mastery of difficult meters, and eloquent eulogies composed to seek royal patronage. Zauq's ghazals, known for their simplicity and ethical themes, bear testament to his deep religiosity. Despite being overshadowed by contemporaries like Ghalib, Zauq left an indelible mark on Urdu literature, and his legacy endures through his qasidas, ghazals, and mukhammas. His poetic style, distinct from that of Ghalib, is celebrated for its melodious language and memorable phrases. Beyond his literary contributions, Zauq's rivalry with Ghalib is a well-documented aspect of Urdu poetry's history, and his enduring influence continues to be celebrated in both literature and popular culture. Today, the memory of Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim Zauq lives on as a testament to the enduring power of Urdu poetry and its capacity to elevate a humble youth into a revered figure in the annals of literary history. - 

शेख़ इब्राहीम ज़ौक़

वो कौन है जो मुझ पे तअस्सुफ़ नहीं करता
पर मेरा जिगर देख कि मैं उफ़ नहीं करता

क्या क़हर है वक़्फ़ा है अभी आने में उस के
और दम मिरा जाने में तवक़्क़ुफ़ नहीं करता

कुछ और गुमाँ दिल में न गुज़रे तिरे काफ़िर
दम इस लिए मैं सूरा-ए-यूसुफ़ नहीं करता

पढ़ता नहीं ख़त ग़ैर मिरा वाँ किसी उनवाँ
जब तक कि वो मज़मूँ में तसर्रुफ़ नहीं करता

दिल फ़क़्र की दौलत से मिरा इतना ग़नी है
दुनिया के ज़र-ओ-माल पे मैं तुफ़ नहीं करता

ता-साफ़ करे दिल न मय-ए-साफ़ से सूफ़ी
कुछ सूद-ओ-सफ़ा इल्म-ए-तसव्वुफ़ नहीं करता

ऐ 'ज़ौक़' तकल्लुफ़ में है तकलीफ़ सरासर
आराम में है वो जो तकल्लुफ़ नहीं करता

source Lehja youtube channel

Who is it that does not sympathize with me,

But, seeing my condition, I do not complain?

Is it anger or just a pause before arrival,

And my breath does not pause, nor stop.

May my faith in your infidelity not falter,

That's why I don't turn into the Joseph's sun.

I don't read any letter except mine, not interested in another,

Until the message is meant only for me.

My heart is so rich in the wealth of poverty,

I have no desire for the world's gold and silver.

Till the Sufi purifies the heart from the ego,

I do not engage in the gains and purities of Sufism.

Oh Zauq, all this pretense is quite painful,

He who does not pretend finds peace in it."

These verses are attributed to the poet Ustad Zauq.