Bal-e-Jibril: 124, Masjid-e-Qurtaba (The Mosque Of Cordoba), was written by Allama Iqbal during his visit to Spain, particularly in Cordoba. The poem is considered one of the greatest of Islamic monuments. Allama Iqbal had a great reverence for Andalucia and great Umayyad General Tariq bin Zayyad, who led a handful of Arab forces via sea to invade and conquer southern Spain.
Masjid e Qurtuba
Gabriel's Wing: 124
THE MOSQUE OF CORDOBA
(Haspania Ki Sarzameen, Bil-Khasoos Qurtaba Mein Likhi Gyi)
(Written in Spain, especially Cordoba)
Silsalah-E-Roz-O-Shab, Naqsh Gar-E-Hadsaat
Silsalah-E-Roz-O-Shab, Asal-E-Hayat-O-Mamaat
The succession of day and night, is the architect of events.
The succession of day and night, is the fountain‐head of life and death.
Silsalah-E-Roz-O-Shab, Taar-E-Hareer-E-Do Rang
Jis Se Banati Hai Zaat Apni Qaba’ay Sifat
The succession of day and night, is a two‐tone silken twine,
With which the Divine Essence, prepares Its apparel of Attributes.
Silsalah-E-Roz-O-Shab, Saaz-E-Azal Ki Faghan
Jis Se Dikhati Hai Zaat Zair-O-Bam-E-Mumkinaat
The succession of day and night, is the reverberation of the symphony of Creation.
Through its modulations, the Infinite demonstrates the parameters of possibilities.
Tujh Ko Parakhta Hai Ye, Mujh Ko Parakhta Hai Ye
Silsalah-E-Roz-O-Shab, Sayr Fee Kainat
Now sitting in judgement on you, Now setting a value on me.
The succession of day and night is the touchstone of the universe;
Tu Ho Agar Kam Ayaar, Main Hun Agar Kam Ayaar
Mout Hai Teri Baraat, Mout Hai Meri Baraat
But what if you are found wanting, What if I am found wanting.
Death is your ultimate destiny, Death is my ultimate destiny.
Tere Shab-O-Roz Ki Aur Haqiqat Hai Kya
Aik Zamane Ki Ro Jis Mein Na Din Hai Na Raat
What else is the reality of your days and nights,
Besides a surge in the river of time, sans day, sans night.
Aani –O-Fani Tamam Mojazaat Haye Gunar
Kaar-E-Jahan Be-Sabaat, Kaar-E-Jahan Be-Sabaat!
Frail and evanescent, all miracles of ingenuity,
Transient, all temporal attainments; Ephemeral, all worldly accomplishments.
Awwal-O-Akhir Fana, Batin-O-Zahir Fana
Naqsh-E-Kuhan Ho Ke Nau, Manzil-E-Akhir Fana
Annihilation is the end of all beginnings; Annihilation is the end of all ends.
Extinction, the fate of everything; Hidden or manifest, old or new.
Hai Magar Iss Naqsh Mein Rang-E-Sabaat-E-Dawam
Jis Ko Kiya Ho Kisi Mard-E-Khuda Ne Tamam
Yet in this very scenario indelible is the stamp of permanence
On the deeds of the good and godly.
