Rahim

Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana (December 17, 1556 – 1626), also known as Rahim was a poet who lived during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar.

Abdul was one of the nine important ministers in his court. Rahim is known for his Hindi couplets and his books on astrology. The village of Khankhana, which is named after him, is located in the Nawanshahr district of the state of Punjab, India.

A Muslim by birth, Rahim was also a devotee of Lord Krishna and wrote poetry dedicated to him.

Abdul Rahim was known for his manner of giving alms to the poor. He never looked at the person he was giving alms to, keeping his gaze downwards in all humility. When Tulsidas, a Hindu poet-saint, heard about Rahim’s behavior, he wrote a couplet and sent it to Rahim:
“Why give alms like this? Where did you learn that? Your hands are as high as your eyes are low” Realizing that Tulsidas was well aware of the reasons behind his actions, and was merely giving him an opportunity to say a few lines in reply, he wrote to Tulsidas saying:
“The Giver is someone else, giving day and night. But the world gives me the credit, so I lower my eyes.”

SAYS RAHIM
Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana

Says Rahim do not snap ever
the thread of love
once broken, it does not unite
if it does, knots appear.

Says Rahim do not spurn the trivial
seeing the weighty
when you need a sewing needle
of what use a sword.

Says Rahim keep your sorrow
to your own heart
others will taunt you
none willing to share.

Says Rahim a man with no education
wisdom, religion and generosity
an animal without a tail or horns
futile is his birth in this world.

Says Rahim pleased I am not
being offered ambrosia without respect
better to die with dignity
drinking poison.

Says Rahim a dilemma indeed
when you speak out the truth
worldly ties break
with lies you don’t ever reach God.

Says Rahim the sun rises with glowing rays
it sets with equal grace
so does a good man
living through ups and downs.

Body, a paper toy
turns into pulp in a trice
strange, so says Rahim
yet filled with much pride.

How will the weak ever live
fighting the strong?
Says Rahim like being at war
with the crocodile while in water.

A tree does not eat its own fruits
no pond drinks up its own water
a good man saves for others’ needs
so says Rahim.

Blessed is the love the fish has for water
lifeless without it
says Rahim a bumble bee is different
hopping flower to flower.

Blessed is the swamp
insects thrive on
says Rahim so vast the sea
yet everyone comes away thirsty.

Says Rahim my Lord’s image is embedded in my eyes
there is place for none else
like a traveller turning away
from a full caravansary.