Baghdad Shehar Dee Kiya Nishani | Sultan Bahu

Baghdaad shehar dee kia nishanee,
Uchchean lameaan cheraan hoo.

Tan man meraa purze purze,
Jion darzee deaan leraan hoo.

Leraan dee gal kafanee paa ke,
Ralsan sang faqeeraan hoo.

Shehar Baghdaad de tukrre mangsaan,
Karsaan Meeraan Meeraan hoo.

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Translation: 

The city of Baghdad* is graced With tall,
elegant cypresses,
My fond memories of that fair city.

Tear my heart to shreds,
Like waste cloth in a tailor’s shop.

Wearing a cloak made with these shreds,
I will join the beggars in the lanes of Baghdad

And beg for alms, calling out:
“O Meeran, Meeran, my beloved Master!” **

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* Baghdad was the home town of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, founder of the Qadriya line of Masters, of which Hazrat Sultan Bahu was a member. There is no evidence to suggest that Bahu ever visited Baghdad. In this bait he seems to fondly reminisce about the Baghdad of his imagination – out of devotion for the founding Master, Shah Jilani.

** Meeran: literally, ‘the exalted one’; a term of endearment and reverence used for Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani.