"The Melody of Devotion: Unlocking the Kalma's Divine Verse"

 

Kalam Hazrat Sultan Bahu

Within me resounds the melody of Kalma,
The melody that love has taught me to hear.
Why don’t you put away your books,
And forget that you have learnt from them –
For within the Kalma you will find The fourteen inner realms.
Scholars sharpen reeds into pens,
But they are not capable of writing the true Kalma.
This Kalma has rid me of all afflictions Of the body and mind –
Only a Master could have taught it to me, O Bahu.

Hazrat Sultan Bahu, a revered Sufi saint of the 17th century, was a poet, mystic, and spiritual guide in what is now Pakistan. His life was dedicated to the pursuit of divine love and unity with the Divine. Through his poetic works and teachings, he emphasized the significance of love and devotion as the path to God. His legacy endures in the form of his literary works, particularly his mystical poetry, which continues to inspire and guide seekers on their spiritual journeys. Hazrat Sultan Bahu's teachings remind us of the profound connection between the human soul and the divine, a central theme in Sufi mysticism.

 

In the profound verses of the poet, we find an exploration of the path to spiritual enlightenment, one guided by the resonant melody of the Kalma. These verses evoke the teachings and insights reminiscent of Sufi saints like Hazrat Sultan Bahu, emphasizing the transformative power of divine love and the limitations of scholarly knowledge.

The poem begins with the revelation of an inner melody, the resounding notes of the Kalma, a central concept in Islam and Sufi thought. This melody, however, is not merely a physical sound but a spiritual one, and the poet attributes its existence to the teachings of love. This is a profound idea, emphasizing that the inner melody is not something one stumbles upon accidentally but something that love and devotion unveil to the seeker.

The poet's words carry a sense of urgency and an invitation to experience this inner melody for oneself. They encourage the reader to put away their books and forget the knowledge gained from them. Here, the poet addresses the limitations of conventional scholarship in matters of the soul and spiritual realization. While books and scholarly learning have their place, they may not provide the direct experience of the Kalma, which transcends intellectual knowledge.

The mention of the "fourteen inner realms" within the Kalma is significant. These realms represent the profound depth of spiritual wisdom and understanding that can be unlocked by attuning oneself to the inner melody. It suggests that the Kalma is not a mere phrase but a gateway to deeper spiritual insights, accessible through love and devotion.

The next lines highlight the limitations of scholars in grasping the true essence of the Kalma. While scholars may sharpen reeds into pens and write volumes of knowledge, they may still fall short in comprehending the deeper truths that the Kalma holds. It is a reminder that spiritual wisdom often transcends intellectual pursuits and requires a heart and soul open to divine revelation.

The poet's assertion that the Kalma has freed them from all afflictions of the body and mind underscores its transformative power. It suggests that the inner melody of the Kalma is a remedy for the human condition, a source of solace and healing. This liberation from afflictions is not attributed to personal effort but is presented as a gift bestowed by a spiritual guide or master.

The poem concludes with a recognition of the role of the Master in imparting the true understanding of the Kalma. It is a tribute to the guidance of a spiritual mentor who has shared the profound wisdom of the inner melody. The mention of "O Bahu" suggests that the poet is addressing a spiritual figure or a beloved guide, and this figure's teachings have been instrumental in their journey.

In essence, this poem reflects the Sufi tradition's emphasis on the transformative power of love, devotion, and the guidance of a spiritual master. It speaks to the limitations of scholarly knowledge when it comes to spiritual understanding, emphasizing that the deepest insights require a heart attuned to the divine melody within. The poem's imagery and language evoke the mystical and spiritual dimensions of the inner journey, echoing the teachings of Sufi saints like Hazrat Sultan Bahu, who believed in the direct experience of the divine through love and devotion, transcending the confines of intellectual knowledge.