Iqbal's "Jibreel-o-Iblees" is a poem about an encounter of Iblis and Jibreel. Iblis is asked about the conduct and progress of his exile from Paradise.
Iqbal's "Jibreel-o-Iblees" [Gabriel and Iblis]
Jibreel:
Jibreel:
Old friend, how goes the world of color and smell?
Iblis:
Burning and suffering, scars and pain, seeking and longing!
Jibreel:
They are talking about you in the celestial spheres.
Could your ripped garment still be mended?
Iblis:
Ah, Gabriel, you do not know this secret:
Iblis:
Burning and suffering, scars and pain, seeking and longing!
Jibreel:
They are talking about you in the celestial spheres.
Could your ripped garment still be mended?
Iblis:
Ah, Gabriel, you do not know this secret:
When my wine jug broke it turned my head.
I can never walk this place again!
How quiet this region is! There are no houses, no streets!
One whose despair warms the heart of the universe
What suits him best: 'Give up hope' or don't give up hope!
Jibreel:
You gave up exalted positions when you said "No."
The angels lost face with God - What a disgrace that was!
Iblis:
With my boldness I make this handful of dust rise up.
My mischief weaves the garment that reason wears.
From the shores you watch the clash of good and evil.
Which of us suffers the buffets of the storms - you or I?
Iblis:
Both Khizr and Ilyas feel helpless:
The storms I have stirred up rage in oceans, rivers, and streams.
Iblis:
If ever you find yourself alone with God, ask Him:
Whose blood was it that colored the saga of Mankind?
I rankle in God's heart like a thorn. But what about you?
All you do is chant "He is God" over and over!
I can never walk this place again!
How quiet this region is! There are no houses, no streets!
One whose despair warms the heart of the universe
What suits him best: 'Give up hope' or don't give up hope!
Jibreel:
You gave up exalted positions when you said "No."
The angels lost face with God - What a disgrace that was!
Iblis:
With my boldness I make this handful of dust rise up.
My mischief weaves the garment that reason wears.
From the shores you watch the clash of good and evil.
Which of us suffers the buffets of the storms - you or I?
Iblis:
Both Khizr and Ilyas feel helpless:
The storms I have stirred up rage in oceans, rivers, and streams.
Iblis:
If ever you find yourself alone with God, ask Him:
Whose blood was it that colored the saga of Mankind?
I rankle in God's heart like a thorn. But what about you?
All you do is chant "He is God" over and over!
