Sher on Jannat

We are well aware of the actual reality regarding Paradise, but...

To keep the heart happy, Ghalib, this idea is quite good.

The poet expresses a witty skepticism regarding the religious promise of the afterlife. He implies that while he knows the 'truth' about Paradise (perhaps that it is metaphorical or non-existent), the concept itself serves a useful psychological purpose. It acts as a comforting illusion that allows people to find joy and endure life's hardships through hope.

We are well aware of the actual reality regarding Paradise, but...

To keep the heart happy, Ghalib, this idea is quite good.

The poet expresses a witty skepticism regarding the religious promise of the afterlife. He implies that while he knows the 'truth' about Paradise (perhaps that it is metaphorical or non-existent), the concept itself serves a useful psychological purpose. It acts as a comforting illusion that allows people to find joy and endure life's hardships through hope.

Let the promised paradise be yours, O ascetics; may it stay blessed for you.

As for me, I seek to stand face to face with You.

The speaker dismisses paradise as a reward meant for the pious who bargain for comfort. Instead, he desires direct encounter with the Divine—presence over prizes. The couplet contrasts transactional religiosity with bold, intimate longing. Its emotional core is fearless selfhood that wants God, not merely God’s gifts.

Let the promised paradise be yours, O ascetics; may it stay blessed for you.

As for me, I seek to stand face to face with You.

The speaker dismisses paradise as a reward meant for the pious who bargain for comfort. Instead, he desires direct encounter with the Divine—presence over prizes. The couplet contrasts transactional religiosity with bold, intimate longing. Its emotional core is fearless selfhood that wants God, not merely God’s gifts.

Even if a heaven contains houris for countless ages,

what would anyone do with such a heaven?

The poet (Dagh Dehlvi) dismisses the usual picture of paradise—eternal pleasures and houris—as meaningless. The question is rhetorical: if the beloved (or true fulfillment) is absent, even heaven has no value. The couplet turns religious reward into a metaphor for shallow desire, asserting that love’s craving outweighs promised bliss.

Even if a heaven contains houris for countless ages,

what would anyone do with such a heaven?

The poet (Dagh Dehlvi) dismisses the usual picture of paradise—eternal pleasures and houris—as meaningless. The question is rhetorical: if the beloved (or true fulfillment) is absent, even heaven has no value. The couplet turns religious reward into a metaphor for shallow desire, asserting that love’s craving outweighs promised bliss.