Maykhana-e-Ishq (The Tavern of Love) by Syed Naseer ud din Gilani

 آج میخانے میں نیت میری بھر جانے دے

بادۂ ناب کے ساقی مجھے پیمانے دے

کس کو معلوم کہ کل کون رہے گا زندہ

آج رندوں کو ذرا پی کے بہک جانے دے

دیکھ اے دل نہ آنچ آئے وفا پر کوئی

جو بھی آتی ہے مصیبت میرے سر آنے دے

تجھ سے بھی دست و گریباں کبھی ہوگا واعظ

وحشیِ عشق کو رنگ اور ذرا لانے دے

اے مرے دستِ جنوں بڑھ کے الٹ دے پردہ

حسن شرمانے پہ مائل ہے تو شرمانے دے

اک دو جام سے کیا پیاس بجھے گی ساقی

مے پلاتا ہے تو ایسے کئی پیمانے دے

عشق ہے عشق نصیر اُن سے شکایت کیسی

وہ جو تڑپانے پہ آمادہ ہیں تڑپانے دے

1️⃣ Enjoy the Present Moment

“Who knows who will be alive tomorrow?”

The poet reminds us that life is uncertain. Since tomorrow is not guaranteed, one should fully embrace today. The “tavern” represents a place of freedom from worries, and “wine” symbolizes joy, spiritual intoxication, or deep love. The message: live deeply in the present.

2️⃣ Loyalty and Endurance

“Let every hardship fall upon my head, but let no harm touch loyalty.”

Here the poet values faithfulness above personal comfort. He is ready to suffer himself, but he will not allow his loyalty (to a beloved or to love itself) to be damaged. This reflects strength of character and devotion.

3️⃣ Love Beyond Preaching

Addressing the preacher (واعظ)

The poet suggests that even a moral preacher, who criticizes wine or passion, may one day experience the struggle of love. Love is shown as a powerful force that even the most rigid or pious person cannot escape.

4️⃣ Madness of Love

“O my hand of madness, lift the veil…”

Love is described as a beautiful madness. The lifting of the veil symbolizes revealing beauty or truth. If beauty blushes, let it — meaning love should unfold naturally, without restraint.

5️⃣ Insatiable Thirst

“One or two cups cannot quench the thirst.”

This thirst is not just for wine — it represents an endless longing for love, passion, or spiritual fulfillment. The desire is deep and cannot be satisfied by small measures.

6️⃣ Acceptance of Pain in Love

“Love is love… what complaint can there be?”

The final message is surrender. True love includes suffering. If the beloved causes pain, the lover accepts it willingly. Pain becomes part of devotion.