Ek Din Marna Hai AAKHIR MAUT HAI - Khwaja Azizul Hasan Majzoob

Ek Din Marna Hai Aakhir Maut Hai
Karle Jo Karna Hai Aakhir Maut Hai
Urdu Poetry by Khwaja Azizul Hasan Majzoob
Nazm (Poem): Muraqaba-e-Maut
Recitation: Raheel Farooq
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Aziz al-Hasan Ghouri, also known as Aziz al-Hasan Majzoob or Khwaja Aziz al-Hasan, was a distinguished Indian Islamic scholar and poet. Born on 12 June 1884 in Orai, India, he passed away on 17 August 1944. Majzoob was an alumnus of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, now known as Aligarh Muslim University, where he earned a BA and an LLB. He was also an authorized disciple of the renowned Islamic scholar Ashraf Ali Thanwi in Sufism.
A Poem on Death: A Reflection on Mortality
This poem by Majzooh is a profound reflection on the inevitability of mortality, urging readers to contemplate the transient nature of life and prepare for the afterlife. The poem's central theme revolves around the concept that every living being will eventually face death, and thus, one should live a life of purpose, faith, and preparation for the hereafter.
Khwaja Azizul Hasan Majzoob's poem about death is a masterpiece of Islamic and Sufi poetry that explores the profound and inevitable reality of mortality. The poem is not just a reminder of death but also a call to live a meaningful life in accordance with Islamic teachings and values.
The opening lines of the poem set the tone by reminding the reader that life is meant for worship and humility:
Tu baraye bandagi hai yaad rakh
Bahr-e-sar afgandagi hai yaad rakh
Warna phir sharmindagi hai yaad rakh
Chand roza zindagi hai yaad rakh
These lines emphasize that the purpose of life is to serve and worship Allah, and failing to do so will lead to regret. The poet reinforces the transient nature of life, urging readers to remember that life is short and temporary.
Theme of Inevitable Death
Throughout the poem, Majzoob repeatedly emphasizes the certainty of death:
Ek din marna hai aakhir maut hai
Kar le jo karna hai aakhir maut hai
This refrain serves as a constant reminder that death is inevitable, and one must prepare for it by living a righteous life. The poet uses historical references to reinforce this message, mentioning figures like Caesar, Alexander, and Rustam, who all succumbed to death despite their power and strength:
Qaisar aur Iskandar o Jam chal base
Zaal aur Suhrab o Rustam chal base
Kaise kaise sher o zaigham chal base
Sab dikha kar apna dum kham chal base
Reflection on Worldly Achievements
Majzoob critiques the pursuit of worldly achievements and material wealth, reminding readers that these will not save them from death:
Tu ne mansab bhi koi paya to kya
Ganj-e seem o zar bhi haath aaya to kya
Qasr-e aalishaan bhi banwaya to kya
Dabdaba bhi apna dikhlaya to kya
He questions the value of worldly success when it ultimately does not prevent one from dying. This theme is a central aspect of Sufi poetry, which often emphasizes the futility of materialism and the importance of spiritual fulfillment.
Preparation for the Afterlife
The poet urges readers to prepare for the afterlife by living a life of faith and good deeds:
Akhirat ki fikr karni hai zarur
Jaisi karni waisi bharni hai zarur
Zindagi ik din guzrni hai zarur
Qabr mein mayyet utarni hai zarur
Majzoob stresses that one's actions in this life will determine their fate in the hereafter. This is a crucial aspect of Islamic belief, where the deeds performed in this world are believed to have consequences in the afterlife.
The Temporary Nature of Life
The poem consistently reminds readers that life is temporary and that one should not be deceived by its fleeting pleasures:
Ishrat-e duniya-e faani hech hai
Paish-e aish-e jawidani hech hai
Mitne wali shadmani hech hai
Chand roza zindagani hech hai
Majzoob uses powerful imagery to convey the message that the joys of this world are insignificant compared to the eternal bliss of the afterlife.
The poem concludes with a call to action, urging readers to abandon frivolous pursuits and focus on their spiritual duties:
Kar na tu peeri mein ghaflat ikhtiyar
Zindagi ka ab nahin kuch aitbaar
Halq par hai maut ke khanjar ki dhaar
Kar bas ab apne ko murdon mein shumaar
Majzoob's poignant words serve as a wake-up call to live a life of faith, humility, and preparation for the inevitable day of death.
This poem's recurring refrain, "Ek din marna hai aakhir maut hai" ("One day you will die; after all, death is inevitable"), serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life. Through his eloquent verses, Majzoob conveys the importance of living a righteous life in preparation for the afterlife, emphasizing themes central to Islamic and Sufi thought. The poem's timeless message continues to resonate, encouraging readers to reflect on their lives and their ultimate destiny.
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