Poetry

Abdul Ahad Zargar: Fakiri

In the realm of Kashmiri literature, where the ethereal meets the earthly, one name stands out as a beacon of spiritual expression: Abdul Ahad Zargar. Born in 1882, during a time of great transition in the region, Zargar’s poetic journey unfolded against the backdrop of a changing Kashmir.
As the region shifted from Sikh rule to the newly formed state of Jammu and Kashmir, Zargar’s poetry mirrored the complexities and uncertainties of the era. Amidst the political and social transformations, he found solace and inspiration in the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Kashmir.
Zargar’s poetic brilliance was nurtured by his deep devotion to the Qadri silsila, the order of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani R.A. This spiritual affiliation shaped his worldview and infused his verses with profound insights into the nature of existence, the pursuit of divine love, and the path of self-realization.
Throughout his life, Zargar embraced the life of a fakir, a wandering mystic who renounces worldly attachments in search of spiritual enlightenment. His experiences as a fakir, living a life of simplicity and detachment, provided him with a unique perspective on the human condition and the eternal quest for meaning.
Zargar’s poetry, with its fiery intensity and lyrical beauty, resonated deeply with the people of Kashmir. His verses captured the essence of their collective joys, sorrows, and aspirations, becoming a voice for the voiceless and a source of solace for the weary souls.
Today, ‘Fakiri,’ one of Zargar’s most celebrated poems, continues to enchant audiences. Its verses, like a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of Kashmir’s valleys, have been sung by numerous folk artists, weaving a tapestry of spiritual longing and divine union.

Here are two reprises of the poem and the text in Kashmiri and its english translation.

  • By Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh Bandipori – Listen
  • By Ali Mohd Sheikh-Kashmiri  – Listen
Fakiri Abdul Ahad Zargar
"Fakiri, the Burning sun of me, 
The house of God, the only way to be. 
Supreme king, appearing now and then, 
In God's abode, the path we must ken.
Fakiri, the exhilarating garden's bloom, 
Colorful garments, wrapping in a room. 
Wine of truth, poured in unity's decanters, 
In God's dwelling, the sole path that matters.
Fakiri, the heady fragrance of flowers, 
Alluring ornaments for ears in hay's bowers. 
Effulgent light, embracing all the air, 
In God's sanctuary, the only path to bear.
Fakiri, treasure of knowledge for the learned, 
Crown for truth-seekers, their souls discerned. 
Reward for the righteous, their deeds repaid, 
In God's realm, the only path to be laid.
Fakiri, guide to the secret treasure's hold, 
Leader to Love's divine court, bold and bold. 
King of the nib and slate, wisdom's embrace, 
In God's dwelling, the only path of grace.
Fakiri, owner of secrets and the Pious, 
Fearless vanquisher of materialistic bias. 
'Kalima' between two 'Meem's of Arabic's sway, 
In God's presence, the only path to stay.
Fakiri, the 'Hoo' I saw, that breathes, 
Form of soul, within my mortal sheath. 
Ark of Prophet Noah, divine and true, 
In God's abode, the only path to pursue.
Fakiri, enduring till eternity's reign, 
Intoxicates me and 'saqi,' we both gain. 
Name for the master of every wine's array, 
In God's dwelling, the only path to stay.
Fakiri, Ahad Zargar at your door does lay, 
You appear gloriously, both in and out, I say. 
Dwelling in every nook and cranny of me, 
In God's embrace, the only path to be."

Another translation by Ebn Mushtaq Shah, Srinagar is reporduced below.

Fakiri
the Burning sun of me,
the house of God ,the only way
the supreme king who  appears now and then
the house of God, the only way

Fakiri
the exhilarating garden as it blossoms,
the colorful garments as they wrap around ,
the wine of truth for unity decanters,
the house of God, the only way

Fakiri
the heady fragrance for the panging flowers ,
the alluring ornaments for the ears in hay ,
the effulgent light for all the environ,
the house of God , the only way

Fakiri
the treasure of knowledge for learned ,
the crown for those who seek the truth,
the reward for those who are righteous ,
the house of God , the only way

Fakiri
the guide to the secret treasure,
the leader to the divine court of Love,
the king of the nib and slate ,
the house of God , the only way

Fakiri
the owner of secrets and the Pious,
the fearless vanquisher of materialism,
the ‘Kalima’ between two ‘Meem’s of Arabic,
the house of God , the only way

Fakiri
the “Hoo” I saw , that exhales,
the form of soul that enters my mortal cage ,
the ark of Prophet Noah,
the house of God the only way

Fakiri
has been and will endure till eternity,
intoxicates me and ‘saqi’, us both,
the name for master of every wine,
the house of God , the only Way

Fakiri
Ahad Zargar lays down at your door,
You appear gloriously within and without,
You dwell in every nook and cranny of me,
the house of God , the only way

Another Translation by Inder Salim is given below.

Fakiri:
The only sun with a human heart,
The only Kabba, the only door;
The only garden which flowers:
The only thing,
Endlessly wrapped with colourful garments;

Fakiri:
The real wine in the unity goblets;
The only fragrance of the flowers of pain,
The only light, the only university
Where intellectuals meet, the only
Thing which enlightens a student.
And the only performance for the learned.

Fakiri :
The only meaningful secret of the representative,
The only leader of the Love;
The only nib for the King to write.

Fakiri:
The only true guide,
The only thing that vanquishes the anger,

Fakiri:
The only ‘Kalima’ between
Two ‘meems’ of Arabic language

Fakiri:
The only breath which we exhale,
The only soul which occupies
The mortal cage;
The only new prophet whom we may know.

Fakiri The only thing which existed, and The only thing which will endure. The only thing which intoxicates Both the Saqi and drinker, The only name which we can give to a drink.

Fakiri
The only thing for Ahad Zargar
The only thing which constitutes my body particles.
The only thing which reflects inside-outside-inside-outside.

3 Comments

  • Yasser

    The Fakiri poem you have posted is incomplete as well as at places incorrect when compared with the singing version. Can you explain the difference?

  • Naqeeb

    Thanks for uploading this wonderful and materpiece of Abdul Ahad Zargar the great Kashmiri Sufi Saint and poet.. and equally sung by Ali Mohammad Sheikh

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