Qawwali

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Where is the destination of the Path of Reproach; we too will see it.

We too shall go through this night; we too will see the day.

O heart, stop! We also will see the beauty of the lovely face;

Let the thirst of the wine-drinkers be whetted a bit.

How long will they suppress the bubbling of the wine—we will see.

We will see how long they will keep away the goblet and the flask.

Let the call come forth in the assembly from the Path of Reproach.

We shall see: Whom will the noise of the uncalled-for council stop?

We shall see who, after leaving, would have the strength to return.

Today the bold people of the heart have set out to test their life and faith;

Let them bring the troops of the rivals—we will see.

Let them come to the place of execution—we are ready to view that scene!

However heavy, O friend, this last moment of night might be,

We will see the light which is hidden in this hour;

We will see the star which will shine upon Dawn’s brow.

             

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From: Dast-i ṣabā (Hand of the Wind). Dihlī: Senṭral Buk Ḍipo, 1952. pp. 39 – 40

Place of Execution is quoted in full in Urdu Poetry, 1935-1970