Tulip In The Desert A Selection If The Poetry Of Muhammad Iqbal

by Mustansir Mir

Muhammad Iqbal (1877?1938) is one of the pre-eminent writers of the Indian subcontinent and the attention he has received from writers, translators and critics in western as well as Islamic countries testifies to his stature as a world literary figure. In his translation of Iqbal's poetry, Mustansir Mir seeks to convey every level of meaning and mood in the poems, while making the text as readable and idiomatic as possible.

Genres: Poetry

171 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Abdullah Shams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Iqbal is open to Interpretation, and this is one of it.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Iqbal's study of world politics had convinced him that power could be countered only with power and that the appeal to morality or good sense, which is typically made by the weak, goes unheeded by the strong."

"The ideal world thus exists within us only, and only has to be brought out and given tangible form."

"Iqbal is influenced by Ibn Khaldun's philosophy of history: the forces that generate a new civilisation arise from an environment that sets a premium on toughness, promotes self-pride and self-reliance, and engenders a spirit of adventure and self-sacrifice. In the life of a nation individuals are important but not indispensable."

"This revolution of time is eternal;
Only you are real, the rest is nothing but tales and legends.
No one has ever seen yesterday or tomorrow:
Today is the only time that is yours!"

"In Rome an old monk said to me:
'I have a piece of wisdom, and I give it to you:
Every nation causes its own downfall-
You were destroyed by fate, we by our strategy.'"

"I do not know the birds in the garden,
On the branch where my nest is built I sing alone.
If you are weak of heart, stay away from me,
For my song drips blood."