Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish: Echoes of Elegance in Urdu Poetry

 یہ آرزو تھی تجھے گل کے رو بہ رو کرتے 

ہم اور بلبل بیتاب گفتگو کرتے 

پیامبر نہ میسر ہوا تو خوب ہوا 

زبان غیر سے کیا شرح آرزو کرتے 

مری طرح سے مہ و مہر بھی ہیں آوارہ 

کسی حبیب کی یہ بھی ہیں جستجو کرتے 

ہمیشہ رنگ زمانہ بدلتا رہتا ہے 

سفید رنگ ہیں آخر سیاہ مو کرتے 

لٹاتے دولت دنیا کو میکدے میں ہم 

طلائی ساغر مے نقرئی سبو کرتے 

ہمیشہ میں نے گریباں کو چاک چاک کیا 

تمام عمر رفوگر رہے رفو کرتے 

جو دیکھتے تری زنجیر زلف کا عالم 

اسیر ہونے کی آزاد آرزو کرتے 

بیاض گردن جاناں کو صبح کہتے جو ہم 

ستارۂ سحری تکمۂ گلو کرتے 

یہ کعبے سے نہیں بے وجہ نسبت رخ یار 

یہ بے سبب نہیں مردے کو قبلہ رو کرتے 

سکھاتے نالۂ شبگیر کو در اندازی 

غم فراق کا اس چرخ کو عدو کرتے 

وہ جان جاں نہیں آتا تو موت ہی آتی 

دل و جگر کو کہاں تک بھلا لہو کرتے 

نہ پوچھ عالم برگشتہ طالعی آتشؔ 

برستی آگ جو باراں کی آرزو کرتے 

ये आरज़ू थी तुझे गुल के रू-ब-रू करते 

हम और बुलबुल-ए-बेताब गुफ़्तुगू करते 

पयाम्बर न मयस्सर हुआ तो ख़ूब हुआ 

ज़बान-ए-ग़ैर से क्या शरह-ए-आरज़ू करते 

मिरी तरह से मह-ओ-मेहर भी हैं आवारा 

किसी हबीब की ये भी हैं जुस्तुजू करते 

हमेशा रंग-ए-ज़माना बदलता रहता है 

सफ़ेद रंग हैं आख़िर सियाह मू करते 

लुटाते दौलत-ए-दुनिया को मय-कदे में हम 

तिलाई साग़र-ए-मय नुक़रई सुबू करते 

हमेशा मैं ने गरेबाँ को चाक चाक किया 

तमाम उम्र रफ़ूगर रहे रफ़ू करते 

जो देखते तिरी ज़ंजीर-ए-ज़ुल्फ़ का आलम 

असीर होने की आज़ाद आरज़ू करते 

बयाज़-ए-गर्दन-ए-जानाँ को सुब्ह कहते जो हम 

सितारा-ए-सहरी तकमा-ए-गुलू करते 

ये का'बे से नहीं बे-वज्ह निस्बत-ए-रुख़-ए-यार 

ये बे-सबब नहीं मुर्दे को क़िबला-रू करते 

सिखाते नाला-ए-शब-गीर को दर-अंदाज़ी 

ग़म-ए-फ़िराक़ का उस चर्ख़ को अदू करते 

वो जान-ए-जाँ नहीं आता तो मौत ही आती 
दिल-ओ-जिगर को कहाँ तक भला लहू करते 

न पूछ आलम-ए-बरगश्ता-तालई 'आतिश' 

बरसती आग जो बाराँ की आरज़ू करते 

Rough Translation

"This desire was to confront you face to face,
We, like the nightingale, engaged in impassioned conversation.

If the Prophet was not attainable, then so be it,

What description of desire could one express in a foreign tongue?

Like me, the sun and moon are wanderers,

In search of some beloved, they too quest.

The colors of time always keep changing,

Eventually, they turn the white hair black.

We, the wealth, intoxicate the world in our tavern,

Turning the golden sea into a cup of wine.

Throughout my life, I kept tearing the robe of poverty,

Forever a mendicant, I remained a mendicant.

Seeing the chain of your tresses, the world marvels,

Wishing to be a captive, they desire freedom.

Boldly, we call the life-giving vein 'morning,'

Up to the morning star, we pierce the throat.

Our beloved turns away from the Kaaba for no reason,

Without cause, the dead turn towards their qibla.

Teaching the nightingale the style of crying,

We turn the wheel of separation into an enemy.

If the essence of life does not arrive, then death does,

How long can the heart and liver endure shedding tears?

Do not ask the world, the astrologer of the flaming star,

We crave the rain of fire in the desert of desire."

Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish: Echoes of Elegance in Urdu Poetry

Introduction:

In the rich tapestry of Urdu poetry, the name Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish shines as a luminary from the 19th century. His poetic brilliance, encapsulated in the celebrated "Gulzar-e-Aatish," resonates through time, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Let's embark on a poetic journey, exploring the life, legacy, and enduring allure of Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish.

Origins and Early Life:

Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish, born in 1778 in the cultural hub of Delhi, was destined to become a beacon in the world of Urdu and Persian poetry. His early life unfolded against the backdrop of the Mughal era, witnessing the zenith of artistic and literary refinement.

Gulzar-e-Aatish: A Magnum Opus:

At the heart of Aatish's literary legacy lies "Gulzar-e-Aatish," a divan that encapsulates the essence of his poetic prowess. Each verse within this opus is a testament to his command over language, his exploration of love, beauty, and the mystique that pervaded his time.

Love and Mysticism:

Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish's poetry is infused with the timeless themes of love and mysticism. His verses paint vivid images of passion, longing, and the ineffable connection between the human soul and the divine. In the realm of Urdu poetry, Aatish's expressions of love stand as perennial echoes of the human experience.

Literary Contribution and Influence:

Aatish's contribution to Urdu literature extends beyond his poetry. He played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of his era, influencing subsequent generations of poets. His literary contributions acted as a bridge between classical and modern Urdu poetry.

Historical Context and Mughal Era:

To truly appreciate Aatish's work, one must delve into the historical context of the Mughal era. The decline of the Mughal Empire and the emergence of British colonial rule created a poignant backdrop for Aatish's verses, reflecting the socio-political upheavals of his time.

Legacy and Enduring Popularity:

Despite the temporal and cultural shifts, Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish's legacy endures. His verses continue to captivate hearts, and "Gulzar-e-Aatish" remains a source of inspiration for poets and enthusiasts alike. In an era of rapid change, his poetry stands as a timeless testament to the enduring power of language and emotion.

Aatish's Unique Style:

Aatish's poetry is characterized by its intricate language, profound symbolism, and a deep understanding of classical poetic conventions. His unique style, often ornamented with metaphors and allusions, adds layers of meaning to each verse, inviting readers to unravel the depths of his expressions.

Cultural Significance:

Beyond its literary significance, Aatish's poetry holds cultural importance. It reflects the cultural amalgamation of the Mughal era, blending Persian and Urdu influences. Studying Aatish's work provides not only a linguistic journey but also a cultural exploration of a bygone era.

Conclusion:

In the mosaic of Urdu poetry, Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish stands as a luminary, casting a timeless glow over the corridors of literary history. Through his magnum opus, "Gulzar-e-Aatish," he invites readers to partake in the beauty of language, the nuances of love, and the mysticism that transcends time. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, Aatish's verses continue to resonate, reminding us that the eloquence of his words transcends the boundaries of time and space. In the realm of Urdu poetry, Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish remains an immortal bard, weaving a tapestry of emotions that reverberate with the human experience.

Disclaimer

This blog offers an appreciative overview of Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish and his contribution to Urdu poetry. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, interpretations may vary, and historical details could be subject to differing perspectives. The content is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to explore primary sources for a comprehensive understanding. Any inadvertent errors or omissions are not intentional. This blog aims to celebrate Aatish's cultural significance, and for precise details, readers should refer to scholarly works and recognized experts. The author does not claim absolute accuracy but seeks to kindle an appreciation for Aatish's timeless literary legacy.