Ghazal of Altaf Hussain Hali : Echoes of the Heart: A Journey Through Timeless Ghazals

Ghazal of Altaf Hussain Hali 
Echoes of the Heart: A Journey Through Timeless Ghazals

Altaf Hussain Hali, often simply known as Hali, was a prominent Urdu poet and writer in the 19th century. Known for his contributions to Urdu literature, especially for bringing realism and social consciousness to ghazal poetry, Hali sought to connect poetry to the issues of society and individual experience. One of his most celebrated ghazals reflects his deep reflections on life, love, sorrow, and resilience.

कोई महरम नहीं मिलता जहाँ में
मुझे कहना है कुछ अपनी ज़बाँ में

क़फ़स में जी नहीं लगता किसी तरह
लगा दो आग कोई आशियाँ में

कोई दिन बुल-हवस भी शाद हो लें
धरा क्या है इशारात-ए-निहाँ में

कहीं अंजाम आ पहुँचा वफ़ा का
घुला जाता हूँ अब के इम्तिहाँ में

नया है लीजिए जब नाम उस का
बहुत वुस'अत है मेरी दास्ताँ में

दिल-ए-पुर-दर्द से कुछ काम लूँगा
अगर फ़ुर्सत मिली मुझ को जहाँ में

बहुत जी ख़ुश हुआ 'हाली' से मिल कर
अभी कुछ लोग बाक़ी हैं जहाँ में

There’s no confidant I find here,
I wish to speak in my own tongue here.

In this cage, I find no peace,
If only someone would set my nest on fire.

Let the pleasure-seekers rejoice a while,
What’s hidden has no worth in plain sight.

It seems the path of loyalty has reached its end,
I wither now in this test’s plight.

Take her name anew with grace,
For vastness lies within my tale’s embrace.

With a heart full of pain, I’ll accomplish much,
If ever this world grants me a moment.

How joyful it was to meet Hali,
A few good souls remain in this world.