যেদিন আমি হারিয়ে যাব, বুঝবে সেদিন বুঝবে, অস্তপারের সন্ধ্যাতারায় আমার খবর পুছবে -

Sunday 30 May 2010

সর্বহারা

O Destitutes!
Original: Sharbohara by Kazi Nazrul Islam
[Apparently, there are two poems by the same title.]
Translation: Mohammad Omar Farooq
9/12/99

Translation

With the curved smile on your tender lips, O crescent, is it a crooked suggestion?
Are you looking for companions to join you to loot every home in desperation?

As if at the command of Allah you are proclaiming from the sky,
O martyrs, why the rich do not pay zakat any more - ask, ask them why?

In surplus of these wealthy and rich, there is definitely a right
of all those hungry and deprived: this is Allah's message, so clear and trite.

Take away their surplus and their undeserving wealth; yes, take away!
You will be fulfilling a divine command, who stands in the way?

Why are you like living dead, imprisoned by powerlessness or decrepitude,
The plate of food rests close to you, yet why embracing death in hunger is your attitude?

Have you no courage to extend your hand! Is your hand disabled or feeble?
I am, the bandit, here to collect the poor-due; get up and join me, don't quibble!

I have brought the message of Allah through the Eid's crescent that shines above,
We will break our fast with all those treasured surplus during this Ramadan - a month we all love.

Everyone will eat and satisfy their hunger during this Eid celebration,
Don't despair and resign; rather loot your share of the blessings of God in rightful jubilation.


Annotations:
ZAKAT: An Islamic levy incumbent upon those who are financially capable.
It is second pillar of Islam.

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