رخت جاں بت کدہء چیں سے اٹھا لیں اپناسب کو محو رخ سعدی و سلیمی کر دیں

English translation

We should lift our dearest chattel from the China's temple.* We should fascinate all with the face of Sa'di and Sulaima.**
* This is a part of the often repeated message of Allamah Iqbal that Muslims should return to Islam for guidance in knowledge and for inspiration for noble deeds. The mention of China is a delicate reference to the Hadith that one should acquire knowledge even if it is in China. **It was a tradition in pre Islamic Arabic poetry to write poems about their beloveds. However, the identity of the beloved was not revealed and she was represented by one of the several legendary beauties of the Arab folk lore, such as Salmah, Sulaima, Lubnah, Lailah etc.)

Translated by Dr M.A.K. Khalil