Allama Iqbal, known as the “Poet of the East,” is celebrated for his philosophical and inspirational poetry that touches on themes of self-realization, spiritual awakening, and the unity of the Muslim world. Here are a few verses from his famous Urdu poetry:
1. خودی کا فلسفہ (Philosophy of Selfhood)
Allama Iqbal emphasized the importance of self-awareness and empowerment. Here’s a deeper dive into his verses on khudi (selfhood):
خودی کو کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر تقدیر سے پہلے
خدا بندے سے خود پوچھے، بتا تیری رضا کیا ہے
(Raise your selfhood to such heights that before every decree,
God Himself asks you, what is your will?)
Iqbal’s philosophy urges individuals to cultivate their inner strength and self-confidence to shape their destinies.
اپنے من میں ڈوب کر پا جا سراغ زندگی
تو اگر میرا نہیں بنتا نہ بن، اپنا تو بن
(Dive into your own self to discover the essence of life,
If you cannot be mine, then at least be your own.)
This verse inspires the reader to explore their inner potential and stresses the importance of self-reliance.
2. عشق اور یقین (Love and Faith)
For Iqbal, true love was not romantic but a connection with God and the pursuit of truth.
عشق دمِ جبرئیل، عشق دلِ مصطفی
عشق خدا کا رسول، عشق خدا کا کلام
(Love is the breath of Gabriel, love is the heart of Mustafa,
Love is the messenger of God, love is the word of God.)
Iqbal believed that love was the driving force behind every divine act, and it serves as the foundation of faith and life.
ہزاروں سال نرگس اپنی بے نوری پہ روتی ہے
بڑی مشکل سے ہوتا ہے چمن میں دیدہ ور پیدا
(For thousands of years, the narcissus weeps over its blindness,
It is rare indeed for a visionary to be born in the garden.)
This verse reflects Iqbal’s belief in the rarity of true leaders and visionaries, urging individuals to strive for greatness and wisdom.
3. پرواز اور بلندی (Flight and Elevation)
Iqbal often used the metaphor of the shaheen (falcon) to represent freedom, ambition, and individuality.
نہیں تیرا نشیمن قصر سلطانی کے گنبد پر
تو شاہین ہے، بسیرا کر پہاڑوں کی چٹانوں پر
(Your abode is not on the domes of royal palaces,
You are a falcon; make your nest on the cliffs of mountains.)
Here, Iqbal reminds the youth to aim for higher ideals rather than settling for material comforts.
پرندوں کی دنیا کا درویش ہوں میں
کہ شاہین بناتا نہیں آشیانہ
(I am a dervish in the world of birds,
For the falcon does not build a nest.)
This reflects Iqbal’s belief in independence and self-sufficiency, advocating for a life of purpose rather than attachment.
4. نئی دنیا کی تلاش (Exploration of New Worlds)
Iqbal often wrote about pushing boundaries and venturing into the unknown:
ستاروں سے آگے جہاں اور بھی ہیں
ابھی عشق کے امتحاں اور بھی ہیں
(Beyond the stars, there are other worlds yet to be discovered,
The trials of love are far from over.)
Iqbal’s poetry inspires readers to dream beyond the ordinary and explore the infinite possibilities of life.
جہاں بانی سے ہے دشوار تر کارِ جہاں بینی
جگر خوں ہو تو چشم دل میں ہوتی ہے نظر پیدا
(Harder than ruling the world is understanding it,
When the heart bleeds, the eyes of the soul open.)
This verse emphasizes the importance of deep introspection and spiritual growth over mere worldly success.
5. اتحاد اور بھائی چارہ (Unity and Brotherhood)
Iqbal was a staunch advocate of Muslim unity and global harmony.
ایک ہوں مسلم حرم کی پاسبانی کے لیے
نیل کے ساحل سے لے کر تا بخاک کاشغر
(The Muslims must unite to guard the sanctity of the Kaaba,
From the shores of the Nile to the lands of Kashgar.)
This verse emphasizes the need for unity among Muslims, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
مذہب نہیں سکھاتا آپس میں بیر رکھنا
ہندی ہیں ہم، وطن ہے ہندوستان ہمارا
(Religion does not teach hostility among us,
We are Indians, and India is our homeland.)
This iconic verse from Sare Jahan Se Achha reflects Iqbal’s vision of coexistence and national pride.
6. فطرت کا جمال (Beauty of Nature)
Iqbal often found inspiration in nature and used it as a metaphor for life’s lessons.
گلزارِ ہست و بود نہ بیگانہ وار دیکھ
ہے دیکھنے کی چیز اسے بار بار دیکھ
(Do not look at the garden of existence like a stranger,
It is a sight worth seeing, so gaze upon it repeatedly.)
He urges readers to appreciate the beauty of life and its mysteries.
ہوا ہے گو تند و تیز ، لیکن چراغ اپنا جلا رہا ہے
وہ مرد درویش جس کو حق نے دیے ہیں انداز خسروانہ
(Though the wind is fierce and strong, the lamp continues to burn,
That dervish-like man who possesses kingly ways bestowed by God.)
This verse symbolizes resilience and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
