Destination of love by Ahmad-i-Jam

Sohaib Qureshi has translated 12th century mystic Ahmad-i Jam’s verse – thanks to his endeavours

Manzil-i ishq az makàn-i dìgar ast
Mard-i ìn ràh rà nishàn-i dìgar ast

Bar sar-i bazàr-i sarràfàn-i ishq
Zìr-i har dàr-ì jawàn-i dìgar ast

Kushtagàn-i khanjar-i taslìm rà
Har zamàn az ghaìb jàn-i dìgar ast

Ahmadà! Tà gúm nagardì, hushyàr!
Kìn jaras az karwàn-i dìgar ast

 

Destination of love is from another dwelling
Man of this path has another attribute.

In the bazaar of those who understand the value of love
There is a different youth under every gallows.

Those slain by the dagger of submission
Each moment find a new life from the Unknown.

O Ahmad! Till you lose yourself, beware
Since this bell is from another caravan.

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