Kazi Nazrul Islam Poems: Kazi Nazrul Islam was a profound Bengali poet, musician, and lyricist. Islam also played a vital role in the Indian Independence movement against the British rule. His poetry is known for its fiery spirit of rebellion against oppression, social injustice, and inequality. Nazrul’s verses often reflected the struggles of the familiar people and celebrated their indomitable spirit. Besides his poetry, Islam was also famous for his music and composed a lot of songs that are famous in the Bengali culture. His songs, known as Nazrul Sangeet, encompass various themes, including love, devotion, and patriotism.
Also Read: Rumi Quotes In English
1-Kazi Nazrul Islam Poems: The Rebel (Bidrohi)
I am the rebel, eternal and free,
No force can shackle my spirit’s decree.
I am the storm that fiercely roars,
I am the river that fiercely soars.
I wear no chains, I fear no fall,
I challenge every barrier, I conquer all.
I am the rebel, I am the song,
I am the right that conquers the wrong.
In me, the eternal spirit resides,
I am the truth that forever abides.
I am the voice of the silent cries,
I am the light in the darkest skies.
I am the rebel, bold and strong,
I am the hero in every song.
In the face of oppression, I proudly stand,
I am the rebel, the soul of the land.
Explanation :
The poem “The Rebel” is also known as “Bidrohi” in Bengali culture. The poet portrays the sense and essence of a rebellion and freedom fighter. The poet captures the indomitable spirit of those who fight against oppression and injustice. Nazrul’s words resonate with the eternal struggle for freedom, making “The Rebel” a timeless piece of literature.
What are Kazi Nazrul Islam Poems known for?
Nazrul Islam is best known for his poetry, which often expressed themes of freedom, humanity, and social justice.
2-Kazi Nazrul Islam Poems: My Golden Bengal
My Bengal of gold, I love you,
Forever your skies, your air set my heart in tune
As if it were a flute.
In spring, O mother mine,
The fragrance from your mango groves
Makes me wild with joy—
Ah, what a thrill!
During the storms the winds of May
Were kindled to a frenzy,
The whirlwinds plundered the village
As if it were a straw hut,
And the river
Carried away the boat of the hapless peasants.
O mother mine, words from your lips
Are like nectar to my ears,
A cascade of pure honey
Explanation :
The poem “My Golden Bengal” is also known as “Amar Shonar Bangla”. The poem was written during the time of British rule in India as a fervent expression of love for the poet’s homeland, Bengal. The poet personifies Bengal as his mother and the poem shows the love, pride, and longing for his homeland. The poem captures the essence of the cultural richness and natural beauty of Bengal and is often sung as a patriotic song at various cultural events and celebrations.
What is Nazrul Sangeet?
Nazrul Sangeet is a song composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam.
3-Kazi Nazrul Islam Poems: Woman
I sing the song
of equality;
In my view gender difference
is essentially a triviality.
Everything that is great in the world,
all the works, beneficial and good,
half must be credited to woman,
and to man half only we should.
All the vice or bad in the world,
and the pain or flowing tear,
for half, man should be blamed,
the other half only woman should bear.
Who belittles you as woman,
connecting you to Hell’s flame?
Tell him that for the first ever sin
not woman, but man must carry the blame.
Or, it may be that sin or Satan
is in reality neither man or woman;
Satan is gender-neutral, so
it flows equally in woman or man.
All the flowers blossomed in the world,
and all the fruits grown,
isn’t in beauty, nectar and fragrance of those
woman’s contribution?
Have you seen Taj Mahal’s marble?
It’s spirit, have you seen?
At the heart of it Momtaj, woman;
outside is Shahjahan, the King and lover so keen.
The fortune of knowledge, or of music,
or, the fortune of all harvest,
woman’s grace has made it so worthwhile,
flowing from every home and nest.
In the hardship of day and its scorching heat,
you can see reflection of man;
in the soothing breeze
and in peace of night, who shines but woman?
During the day she is source of strength.
She glows in affection at night;
when man needs comfort and love,
her grace and sweetness flow to make his life bright.
With man behind the plough,
the crop field became bountiful, indeed;
the greenery was only more beautiful,
as woman sowed the seed.
Man carries the plough, woman carries the water;
from soil and water mixed together,
the crop grows in abundance,
ears of paddy – like blooming heather.
Of course, the metals –
gold and silver: ordinary otherwise;
those become fancy jewelry
with woman’s touch that underlies.
In longing for woman, or in her communion,
man found where the poets’ hearts belong,
as his words became poetry
and sounds turned into song.
Man’s present – the passion; woman’s is affection –
with the communion that hungry loves entail,
comes the children – all magnificent
from man the great that even angels hail.
All the great victory of the world
and all the grand voyages,
gained grandeur and nobility from sacrifice of
mothers, sisters, and wives, throughout the ages.
How much blood man has offered
is recorded in annals of history;
how many women became widow –
No record of that – Is it a mystery?
How many mothers poured their hearts,
and how many sisters did serve?
the memorials of heroes – great or small
do not show that – do you not observe?
Victory hasn’t kissed man’s sword,
because of the valor of man alone;
the inspiration and pride woman brought
to men, that should also be known.
While king rules the kingdom
and queen rules the king,
the misery and sadness go away,
joy and happiness her grace does bring.
Man!
heartless, like a stone;
to make human out of him,
woman gave half of her heart as loan.
All the great celebrities, immortal –
whose fame knows no bound;
we celebrate in their memory
regularly, every year around.
They came to this world,
as at moment’s passion they were fathered;
but Raam found shelter in jungle,
while all the care and nurture Sita gathered.
Wasn’t it the woman who taught baby-‘men’
love mercy and compassion?
Didn’t she touch their eyes with kohl
as a shadow of her sad affection?
Man paid that debt off
in a very strange way;
holding on lap she who kissed him,
behind curtain and wall, she was put away.
Man the great;
Is he so, really?
who cuts open his mother’s throat
at the command of his Muni father, bending his knee?
In the world’s bed, half the deity: woman
just turned the side;
so far woman has taken enough,
now man will be confined.
Gone
is that age,
when man was the master
to enslave woman in his wish’s cage.
This age is of empathy, of being human,
of equality is this new time;
no one would be the other’s prisoner –
don’t you hear that chime?
If man imprisons woman,
then the turn will come sure;
in the same prison he built,
he will rot and die without a cure.
Take this lesson –
a wisdom always right and true,
if you make suffer someone,
suffering will catch up with you.
Listen!
you the creature of this earth!
the more you oppress others,
your humanness? gradually, there will be dearth.
In the dungeon of treasure
with jewelry of silver and gold,
who confined you, O woman,
who is that animal with heart so cold?
No more agitation or bewilderment
to express yourself any more;
now you are timid, vulnerable, and
speak only from behind the wall or door.
You can’t look eye to eye, and still wear
bracelet and anklets – the prisoner’s symbol;
tear off the veil of yours,
unchain yourself, it has taken enough toll.
The veil that made you timid,
let that go away;
all those ornaments and symbols of servitude,
throw away, throw away.
Woman!
To this world precious you really are!
Don’t roam in jungle or
to sing to trees you wander afar.
When did the Regent of Death come
flying on the wing of night’s shade,
snatched you to captivity
in its dungeon where nobody can raid.
In that bondage of old time,
you are still living dead;
from that time world’s light is stolen
and our vision is obscure in dread.
Come like a lightening, O mother,
breaking away from that pit;
your broken grass bracelets
will keep your path lit.
The animal, that is man’s hunger –
at the fling of your leg,
will dropp dead at your feet, and
together, with smashed undertaker, will earnestly beg.
Your ambrosia all of us enjoyed,
now different is the need,
the hand that offered ambrosia before
to the monsters must now offer hemlock, indeed.
Not very far
is that cherished day,
when with homage to man,
to woman also homage, the world will pay.
Explanation :
The poem “Woman” is also known as “Nari”. The poet gives a powerful tribute to women. The poet expresses women as a symbol of strength, power, and determination, the poet also highlights the roles of women as a mother, sisters, and daughters emphasizing their importance in society.”Women” is a heartfelt ode to the strength and dignity of women, and it reflects Nazrul’s progressive and inclusive vision of society, where women are rightfully honored and cherished.
Is Nazrul considered the National Poet of Bangladesh?
Yes, Kazi Nazrul Islam is often regarded as the national poet of Bangladesh.
4-Kazi Nazrul Islam Poems: Allah Is My Lord, I Fear No One
Allah is my Lord. I fear no one.
Muhammad is our prophet.
Throughout the world, his praise is sung.
I have my Quran.
Why should I fear any one?
Islam is my religion.
The Kalima is my amulet,
The Tauhid my guide,
Iman is my shield and the crescent my reading fight.
Allah-u-Akbar is my battle cry,
And my final destination is Paradise
where the Arsh of Allah lies.
The Muslims of the world, in China or in India,
in Egypt or in Arabia,
are my brothers dear.
Here all are equal,
There is no class distinction here.
Here we wake up and arise
at the sound of the same takbir
Here we are one body one heart one soul
Here the prince and the pauper play the same
noble role.
In this world of Islam
I know that the ultimate victory will be mine,
I know that through Islam alone
can I achieve my final goal.
Explanation :
The poem “ Allah Is My Lord, I Fear No One” is a poem that shows the unshakeable faith in Allah. The poet says that he fears no one he just fears Allah. The poem reflects the poet’s spiritual beliefs and his trust in Allah. Nazrul’s verses continue to inspire readers with their message of fearlessness, faith, and unwavering conviction in the face of difficulties.
5- Mother, I May Have Been A Naughty Child
Mother, I may have been a naughty child,
But I am your child nevertheless!
You own the world, mother, you are the queen of the world,
And look at me, I go about in the habit of a beggar.
You are bent on neglecting me,
But I love you anyway, it is you, only you that I call upon.
Just as a child runs to his mother even after she has scolded him,
So do I run to you.
How could you push me away from you, mother,
You are my mother, are you not?
Oh, why did you cast me away, mother,
Leave me to play in the dust?
I would have been a better child,
Had only you been a little more kind to me.
I am sad and angry, mother,
I shall go away anywhere my eyes and my feet take me to.
I do not care now whether i live or die now, mother,
I am going away.
Explanation :
The poem “Mother, I May Have Been A Naughty Child” shows the deep bond between a mother and her child. The poet was very naughty when he was a child and now as he grows up he realizes his mistake and apologizes to his mother. The poem is a tender expression of remorse, love, and the unconditional understanding that exists between a mother and her child.
Did Nazrul participate in the Indian Independence Movement?
Yes, Kazi Nazrul Islam played a vital role in the Indian freedom struggle.
6- A Tribute From The Poet
Allahu Akbar!
Allahu Akbar!
From Allah comes today
Rahmat, Kauthar.
Those of whom Allah is patron
This victory is of them,
It is the victory of God’s Will,
Not for our vain fame.
It is a victory, but
Merely the stepping stone, no more;
From so much bondage-affliction
Toward above we have to soar.
So much division, schism
Jealousy, greed and arrogance,
All these will simply disappear
With His one merciful glance.
You are the new travelers
You are bound toward Him,
Following your footsteps
Here comes a heavenly beam.
Yes, coming are the travelers
Young warriors of new age,
Soon world’s misery and suffering
Will be confined in their cage.
Explanation :
The poem “A Tribute From The Poet” shows the poet’s love for his lord, Allah. The poem expresses gratitude for the poets’ ability to immortalize moments, thoughts, and feelings, making them timeless for readers. This poem is a form of tribute from the poet to his lord for giving him a good life.
What is the birth date of Kazi Nazrul Islam?
Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24, 1899.
7- Adorn Her
How can I adorn her,
With one basketful of flowers?
The sky is overcast
With her dishevelled
Cloudy hair,
Oh, how can I adorn her ‘?
Why have you, oh gardener,
Given me so few flowers,
That they should disappear
Before I could adorn her?
Ketaki the monsoon’s bride
Putting the veil aside.
Behind thorny secret,
Woodland hides.
The unruly Kamini withers
Before I can touch her.
Drunk in her own fragrance
The tipsy chapa dances.
The shameless damsel Togor
Looks with her big eyes.
But before she could wither
The poor Bokul dies.
Explanation :
In the poem “Adore Her” Nazrul portrays a vivid image of a woman’s beauty and grace. He uses rich and poetic language to describe the elegance and allure of the woman, comparing her to various natural and celestial elements. The poem celebrates the timeless and captivating essence of femininity, highlighting the woman’s charm, strength, and grace.
How many songs did Kazi Nazrul Islam compose?
Kazi Nazrul Islam composed over 4,000 songs.
8- I Have Been Caught In Your Love’s Snare
I have been caught in your love’s snare, my eternal husband
Peace eludes me everywhere because of you.
If I want to hide inside me, my heart gets burnt-
How can I hide in this fire, my lord
You can’t utter your foolish heart’s thoughts, at your tongue’s
edge
Can’t express nor hide such is the pain inflicted by you.
One who has seen you even once can’t find words to
describe your beauty
And mindlessly cries all day long, love-torn and helpless.
Explanation :
In the poem “I Have Been Caught In Your Love’s Snare” Nazrul explores the theme of love’s enthralling and captivating power. The speaker expresses being ensnared in the irresistible charm and allure of love. The poem is filled with intense emotions, describing the overwhelming sensations of being in love and feeling completely captivated by the beloved’s presence.
What is Nazrul Jayanti?
To honor the legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam Bangladesh and some parts of Bengal celebrate Nazrul Jayanti.
9- All Midnight I Suddenly Wake Up
At midnight I suddenly wake up hearing someone’s voice
is that you, is that you?
I feel the load of some memory in my breast –
is that you, is that you?
Some one’s hungry love roams about seeking aIms
Some one’s piteous eyes like the stars in the night-sky
look at the sought-after face – is that you, is that you?
The wind at night carries someone’s lingering sigh
And stirs my heart; Oh my distant beloved
is that you, is that you?
Like the ocean-wave whose crying bruises my heart
The nightingale in the wood ceaselessly chirps on the champah tree
is that you, is that you?
Explanation :
In the poem “All Midnight I Suddenly Wake Up” the speaker awakens in the middle of the night, experiencing a surge of intense emotions and existential contemplation. The poem is a beautiful exploration of the inner turmoil and introspection that often accompanies moments of solitude and silence. Through his expressive verses, Nazrul delves into the universal human experience of grappling with inner thoughts and emotions during the stillness of the night.
When is Nazrul Jayanti celebrated?
Nazrul Jayanti is celebrated every year on May 24th.
10- Come Silently Like The Moon
O, my love
Come silently in the middle of the night
As gliding moonlight
With your tender touch
Bring sweet dreams to my eyes
O, my love, never again
I will need to open the door,
Come quietly through the door of my heart
Be there forever in my sweet memory
Come as the fragrance of un-blossomed flowers
Swaying in the evening breeze
Sing out my name over and over again
Like love-stricken evening bird in the wilderness
Come as tear drops in my eyes
Whisper in my ears like soothing tune of flute
Come as my lost love
O my ever lost love
Be there as eternal pain in my heart.
Explanation :
In this poem, the speaker implores the beloved to approach quietly, akin to the subtle and serene arrival of the moon. The verses are imbued with a sense of anticipation and desire, reflecting the speaker’s longing for the beloved’s presence. Nazrul’s words are poetic and evocative, capturing the essence of romantic yearning and the delicate beauty of love.
11- Janmadin
Shuvodin, shuvo raatri
Shuvo brishti, shuvo kaatri
Aankhi jolche belaai bohir
Dolche naa paa saari saari
Shuvodin, shuvo raatri
Chhilo jaak, keboli kaak
Dolchhilo shaak, boshlo paa
Gonthe mukto mridu-matto
Aache tobo hashi kotha
Shuvodin, shuvo raatri
Shuye aache kaanpe akkash
Dolche kuyasha ghore
Tomar hashi mukhor dine
Ami bhorechi taare
Shuvodin, shuvo raatri
Explanation :
The poem “Janmadin” (The Birthday) is a celebration of a joyful and auspicious day. Nazrul beautifully captures the essence of a birthday through vivid imagery. The poem begins with well wishes for a happy day and night, with blessings for a peaceful rain and a joyous boat ride. The poet describes the eyes welling up with tears of joy, while the feet remain untouched by the wetness of the surroundings.
12- Sarbahara
Prachir odbhut, dhonya odbhut, shancho dhanya aami
Sarbohara
Tomar krishna kalo e nayan
Nayaner dekhechho shancho apan
Tomar dekhechho kaal
Aamay dekho, dekho amay
Tomar rup dekhechho
Bhaagyo odbhut, dhonyo odbhut
Prachir odbhut, dhonyo odbhut, shancho dhanya aami
Jani tomar bhaashay
Aamay bhoi dekhechho
Tomar krishna kalo e nayan
Nayaner dekhechho shancho apan
Tomar dekhechho kaal
Aamay dekho, dekho amay
Explanation :
“Sarbahara” is a powerful poem that reflects the spirit of the proletariat, the working class. Nazrul, often referred to as the “Rebel Poet,” captures the essence of the struggles and aspirations of the common people. The poem begins with the speaker asserting their identity as a part of the proletarian class, using vivid and striking imagery. The mention of the dark eyes symbolizes a keen awareness and perception of the surrounding realities. The repetition of “Dekho amay” (Look at me) emphasizes the demand for recognition and visibility.
13- Shat-il-Arab
Shat il Arab holo kebo muktihin noor
Dujon tara angina, sobuj birallo door
Fankar chaai shatadhara shat-dhaaray
Tomar naamer shagar, tomay anayaaray
Gogon hoye ashrujhor, aami hobo sarthopor
Nilakash theke jure jodi ghor hoto mor
Shat il Arab holo kebo muktihin noor
Dujon tara angina, sobuj birallo door
Boishakhi palash, Tomar kobitar kash
Choturange moray, shorirer kapaash
Shudhu tomaariy amrit, shudhu tomar paane
Tumi achho mor mati, aami kache aachhi bhaabe
Jagorone jhoreche tomay aj amader preme
Sudhao kobir ognimoy bhashai maha jwale
Dhulo dhulo dhulo, dharai dharai dharai
Kobe proloy shese, shatadhara hobe baaire
Gogon hoye ashrujhor, aami hobo sarthopor
Nilakash theke jure jodi ghor hoto mor
Shat il Arab holo kebo muktihin noor
Dujon tara angina, sobuj birallo door
Explanation :
“Shat-il-Arab” is a poem that celebrates the spirit of freedom and draws upon the metaphor of the waves of the Arabian Sea. The poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, uses powerful and evocative imagery to convey a sense of liberation, hope, and the desire for independence.
14- Nirjharini
O waterfall, descend, descend
From the bosom of the hills, descend
Descend with your rhythm, your song
With the melody of a thousand water drops
Descend like a cascade of pearls
Showering beauty upon the rocks
Where the wildflowers bloom, where the trees whisper
And the breeze carries the scent of freedom
Your journey is a dance, a celebration
A symphony echoing through the valleys
Embrace the earth with your liquid embrace
Let your laughter be the music of the mountains
Descend, O waterfall, like a cascade of dreams
Awaken the spirit of the land
Quench the thirst of the arid soil
And in your descent, carry the tales of the hills
Descend, O waterfall, with the fervor of a rebel
Breaking free from the heights, breaking all barriers
In your descent, find liberation
And become the anthem of the untamed rivers
O waterfall, descend, descend
From the bosom of the hills, descend
Carry the freshness of the mountains
And let your journey be an eternal hymn of nature.
Explanation :
“Nirjharini” is a poem that personifies a waterfall as a symbol of beauty, freedom, and rebellion. Nazrul Islam uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey the essence of the waterfall’s descent from the hills. The waterfall is described as a cascade of pearls, symbolizing its purity and grace. As it descends, it showers beauty upon the rocks, creating a vivid picture of a landscape adorned with wildflowers and filled with the whispers of trees.
These are some of the best poems by Kazi Nazrul Islam. Stay tuned for more updates and poems.