Top 10 Shayari by Khwaja Haider Ali Aatish Lakhnawi: A Journey Through His Poetic Legacy

          Growing up without a father, he faced numerous challenges and social rejection. With limited access to proper education, his tone and conversational style became deeply local and raw. Later, he moved from Delhi to Lucknow under the one and only patronage of Nawab Muhammad Taqi Khan. In Lucknow, he was captivated by Urdu poetry and literature, beginning his poetic journey at the age of 29 as a disciple of Mashafi. Despite his difficult financial circumstances, he led a simple life, channeling his struggles and emotions into his poetry. His work, rich in profound ideas, rebellion, romance, religion, and musical meters, resonated deeply with the people of his time, solidifying Aatish's place as a towering figure in Urdu literature. In this blog, we present the top 10 Shayari by Aatish that continue to inspire and move generations.

Top 10 Shayari By Khwaja Haider Ali Aatish Lakhnawi

1. Jis Ko Kahte Hain Chodawin Ka Chand

Jis Ko Kahte Hain Chodawin Ka Chand

Teri Tasvir Hai Jawani Ki

Translation:

Which is Known as the Moon of Fourteenth Night (Full Moon)
Is the Picture of  Your Youth

Explanation:

                   

The couplet compares the mesmerizing beauty of a full moon on the fourteenth night to the youthful charm of the beloved. The poet suggests that the brilliance and perfection of the moon—often considered the ultimate symbol of beauty—are merely a reflection or representation of the beloved's youth. In this way, the poet elevates the beloved's allure, implying that even nature's finest wonders pale in comparison. It's a heartfelt tribute to the splendor of youth and the deep admiration the poet holds for the person being described.

2. Uth Gayi Hain Samne Sai Kesi Kesi Suraten 

Uth Gayi Hain Samne Sai Kesi Kesi Suraten

Roiye Kis kai liye Kis Kis ka Matam Kijiye

Translation: 

So many faces have vanished before me
Whom should I cry for, whose loss should I mourn?

Explanation:

This couplet captures the overwhelming grief of losing countless loved ones, leaving the poet unsure of whom to mourn first. The vivid imagery of "vanished faces" evokes a haunting sense of absence, while the rhetorical questions emphasize the poet's helplessness in the face of such immense loss. The repetition of "Kis" intensifies the sorrow, portraying grief as something too vast to process fully. By contrasting the presence of cherished faces with their sudden disappearance, the poet highlights the fleeting nature of life. This Shayari beautifully expresses the universality of mourning, where pain feels infinite, and prioritizing grief becomes an impossible task.

3. Har Roz Roz e Eid Hai, Har Shab Shab e Barat

Har Roz Roz e Eid Hai, Har Shab Shab e Barat

Sota Hun Hath Gardan e Miinaa Mai Dal Kar

Translation:

Every day is the day of Eid, Every night is the Night of Salvation
I sleep with my hand around the neck of the wine goblet

Explanation:

This couplet conveys a sense of indulgence and detachment from worldly concerns. The poet likens the joy of daily celebrations to the happiness of Eid and the spiritual reverence of nights to Shab-e-Barat. However, instead of adhering to traditional piety, the poet finds solace and contentment in wine, symbolized by sleeping with his arm around the goblet. This imagery contrasts spiritual rituals with worldly pleasures, creating a paradox that reflects a carefree or even rebellious outlook on life. The couplet subtly questions societal norms while celebrating personal freedom and the pursuit of happiness in unconventional ways.

4. Apni Nazar Mai Tur Sai Shola Buland Hai

Poshak Surkh Pehne Hain Wo Baam Per Khare

Apni Nazar Mai Tur Sai Shola Buland Hai

 Translation:

Dressed in red, beloved stands on the rooftop
In my eyes, a flame on Mount Tur burns brightly

Explanation:

This couplet beautifully captures a moment of intense admiration and longing. The sight of the beloved dressed in red, a color symbolizing passion and vitality, ignites a burning desire in the poet’s heart. The imagery of the "flame" represents both the poet’s admiration and the consuming nature of their emotions. By placing the beloved on the rooftop, the poet elevates her presence to a celestial or unattainable level, intensifying the allure. This Shayari uses vivid imagery and symbolism to explore the captivating power of love and the way it can set the soul ablaze with fervor.

5. Parhi Namaz e Janaza To Aa Kai Gairon Nai

Parhi Namaz e Janaza To Aa Kai Gairon Nai

Mare The jinke liye Wo Rahe Wuzu Karte 

Translation:

My funeral prayers were offered by strangers
The one for whom I died, was busy with ablution

Explanation:

This couplet captures a profound sense of abandonment and betrayal. The poet contrasts the mourning of the public, who offer funeral prayers for the poet's loss, with the indifference of those for whom the poet had sacrificed—those who remain busy with trivial actions, like performing ablution, without acknowledging the poet's deep grief or death. The poet's anguish lies in the realization that while others mourn and show concern, the people who matter most to them remain unaffected, focusing on routine rituals rather than the emotional devastation of the poet. This Shayari expresses deep loneliness, highlighting the painful distance between the poet’s sacrifice and the apathy of those who were once central to their world.

6. Bara Shor Sunte the Pehlo Mai Dil Ka

Bara Shor Sunte the Pehlo Mai Dil Ka

Jo Chira To ik Katra e Khun na Nikla 

Translation:

There was much noise about the heart's pain in the past
But when it was pierced, not a drop of blood came out

Explanation:

This couplet poignantly explores the theme of emotional pain and vulnerability. The poet reflects on how others had often heard the dramatic noise of the heart's sorrow—perhaps the outward expression of grief or the words shared about it. Yet, when the moment of true suffering arrived, symbolized by the heart being pierced, there was no physical manifestation of pain, no blood. This suggests that the poet’s emotional wounds were so deep and profound that they could not be expressed through mere words or outward reactions. It highlights the intensity of internal suffering, where the pain is too immense to even be reflected outwardly. The Shayari beautifully captures the contrast between the external noise of sorrow and the quiet, unspoken depths of true emotional torment.

7. Sun To Sahi Jahan Mai Hai Tera Fasana Kya

Sun To Sahi Jahan Mai Hai Tera Fasana Kya

Kahti Hai Tujhe Sai Halk e Khuda Gaiibana Kya

Translation:

Listen, what is your legend in the world
What god's creation says to you in secret

Explanation:

This couplet encourages the listener to recognize their greatness and potential. The poet tells them to listen carefully, as the world is speaking of their legend, indicating that their actions, achievements, or destiny are already being noticed. The second line, "What God's creation says to you in secret," suggests that the universe, with all its wonders, is inviting them to explore and discover hidden truths. The poet is encouraging the listener to pay attention to the signs and lessons that nature, knowledge, and creation offer, urging them to observe, learn, and uncover the profound wisdom that lies waiting to be discovered. This message is a call to action to engage with the world, observe its mysteries, and reclaim the knowledge and freedom that their ancestors once possessed.

8. Koi Ishq Mai Mujhe Sai Afsun Na Nikla

Koi Ishq Mai Mujhe Sai Afsun Na Nikla

Kabhi Samne Ho kai Majnu Na Nikla

Translation:

Nobody has been greater than me in love,
Even Majnu would not dare face me directly

Explanation:

In this couplet, the poet proudly claims that their love surpasses everyone’s, even Majnu’s. Majnu, the famous lover from the Layla-Majnu story, is known for his extreme devotion, which leads him to madness. By saying that even Majnu wouldn’t dare face them, the poet emphasizes the unmatched intensity and supremacy of their own love, highlighting their unparalleled passion and devotion. This Shayari expresses confidence in their emotional depth, suggesting that no one, not even the most legendary lover, can rival them.

9. Khabar Lijiye Dahun Bigra

Lage Mou Bhi Charane, Dete Dete Galiyan Sahib

Zuban Bigri to Bigri thi, Khabar Lijiye Dahun Bigra

Translation:

                              They also started to make faces to mock, while cursing, sir

Earlier, Their tongue was bad, but now you have to visit them as their mouth has gone bad

Explanation: 

This couplet captures the poet's frustration and sharp criticism. The first line highlights how the person has not only cursed but also mocked, adding insult to injury with mocking gestures. The second line suggests that while their speech was once flawed or inappropriate, it has now worsened to the point that it’s beyond repair. The poet compares this to a situation where one must now "visit the sick," implying that the person's words have deteriorated so badly that they are now causing harm or illness, making them unfit to engage in meaningful or respectful communication. This Shayari expresses the idea that careless or disrespectful speech can deteriorate a person's integrity, eventually isolating them from others. This shows the importance of a good use of language by an individual.

10. Hum Sai Khilaf Ho Kar Kare Ga Zamana Kya

Tabl o Alam Hi Pass Hai Apne na Mulk o Maal

Hum Sai Khilaf Ho Kar Kare Ga Zamana Kya

Translation: 

We Have Neither Drums and Knowledge nor Country and Wealth

What will people do to oppose us?

Explanation:

This couplet reflects defiance and resilience in the face of adversity. The poet acknowledges a lack of traditional means of power—such as wealth, knowledge, and land—that people often use to secure their place in the world. Despite these absences, the poet expresses confidence and challenges the opposition by asking, "What can people do to oppose us?" This highlights a deeper, unshakable strength within—an inner resolve that doesn’t rely on material or conventional power. The Shayari reflects the belief that true strength comes from determination, courage, and an unwavering spirit, regardless of external resources or support.

Khwaja Haider Ali Aatish Lakhnawi’s poetry continues to inspire and captivate generations, offering a deep reflection of life, love, and defiance. Through his words, he immortalized his struggles, personal insights, and rebellion against societal norms. His works, enriched with profound ideas and emotional depth, remain timeless treasures in Urdu literature. Whether it’s the romantic imagery, the exploration of loss, or the call for introspection, Aatish’s poetry remains a powerful tool for reflection and connection.