Quest Of Learning Poem by Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali

To the brim filled their cup from the fount of each tavern
From rivers quenched thirst, the big and the small
Moth-like they fluttered around flame in the cavern
Command of the Prophet they held close to heart
'Treat knowledge as if it were treasure once lost
Hold fast when you find it, no matter what cost.'

In seeking of knowledge they did not have peers
In every pursuit they were foremost and first
In charity unrivalled, in giving, what cheer!
Navigators, world famous, seamen par-excellence
In all the great nations their influence extended
To learn their trade methods every Quom contended.