خلوت
English title: SOLITUDE
رسوا کيا اس دور کو جلوت کي ہوس نےروشن ہے نگہ ، آئنہ دل ہے مکدر
Much greed for show and fame has put this age to shame: The glance is bright and clear, heart's mirror, but is blear.
بڑھ جاتا ہے جب ذوق نظر اپني حدوں سےہو جاتے ہيں افکار پراگندہ و ابتر
When zeal and zest for sight exceed their greatest height, thoughts soar to highest point and soon are out of joint.
آغوش صدف جس کے نصيبوں ميں نہيں ہےوہ قطرہ نيساں کبھي بنتا نہيں گوہر
That vernal drop of rain the state of pearl can't gain, if destined not to dwell, in lap of mother shell.
خلوت ميں خودي ہوتي ہے خودگير ، و ليکنخلوت نہيں اب دير و حرم ميں بھي ميسر
Retreat is blessed state 'bout Self gives knowledge-great Alas! This state divine, isn't found in fane or shrine.
Sources and translator credits
- Original text transcription: Zarb-e-Kalim — خلوت — Digital transcription file at commit 39d44fc0c2b8ca25769c4b36e6eac4d90cb42b35; the source dataset does not identify the underlying print edition.Verified against this pinned digital transcription file; not checked against a print edition.Source
- Iqbal Demystified source list: Zarb-e-Kalim — Pinned digital dataset commit 39d44fc0c2b8ca25769c4b36e6eac4d90cb42b35; the underlying print edition is not identified by the dataset.Community dataset list; not reconciled against a print edition.Source
- Zarb-e-Kalim English translation at allama-iqbal.com — Solitude — Public digital poem page, retrieved 2026-10-06; pinned to allama-iqbal.com commit 82547635bb6b758c45082084b2f152fc453a8056.Translation by Syed Akbar Ali Shah; English Translation by: Syed Akbar Ali ShahSource