خُدی

علامہ اقبالUrdu2 lines1 public analyses

rekhta.org · Open source

Original Poetry
Translation
خُدی کو کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر تقدیر سے پہلے
Raise yourself so high that before every fate
خُدا بندے سے خود پوچھے، بتا تیری رضا کیا ہے
God Himself asks the person, what do you want?
 

Explanation

In this couplet, Allama Iqbal emphasizes the concept of 'Khudi', which translates to selfhood or self-realization. The poet urges individuals to elevate their sense of self to such a level that even God considers their desires before determining their fate. The phrase "خُدی کو کر بلند اتنا" suggests a spiritual and moral elevation, advocating for personal growth and empowerment.

The imagery of God asking the individual about their wishes before destiny unfolds is powerful, suggesting a partnership between divine will and human aspiration. This reflects Iqbal's belief in the potential of the human spirit to influence its own destiny through self-awareness and action.

Emotionally, the poem inspires a sense of empowerment and responsibility. The tone is motivational, encouraging readers to strive for greatness and self-improvement.

Iqbal uses metaphor and hyperbole effectively to convey his message. The idea of God consulting a human before deciding their fate is a metaphor for the power of self-realization. The ghazal form, with its brevity and depth, enhances the impact of the message.

This couplet is significant in Iqbal's body of work as it encapsulates his philosophical views on selfhood and destiny. It reflects his vision for the empowerment of individuals, particularly in the context of the socio-political challenges faced by Muslims in British India during his time.

Word Dictionary19

WordIn UrduIn EnglishPron.
خُدیخود کی پہچانselfhoodkhudi
کوکے لئےtoko
کربناmakekar
بلنداونچاhighbuland
اتنااتنی حد تکso muchitna
کہتاکہthatkeh
ہرتمامeveryhar
تقدیرقسمتdestinytaqdeer
سےکے ذریعےthroughse
پہلےابتدا میںat the startpehle
خُدااللہGodkhuda
بندےانسانservantbande
خوداپنے آپby oneselfkhud
پوچھےسوال کرےaskspooche
بتاکہوtellbata
تیریآپ کیyourteri
رضامرضیwishraza
کیاکون ساwhichkya
ہےموجود ہےexistshai

Poet & Context

Era20th century

Sir Muhammad Iqbal was an Islamic philosopher and poet, whose Urdu poetry is among the greatest of the 20th century. He played a significant role in inspiring the Pakistan Movement with his vision for Muslims in British India. Born in Sialkot, he studied in Europe and became a prominent thinker and poet.

View on Wikipedia
WhenEarly 20th century
WhyThis poem reflects Iqbal's philosophy of 'Khudi' or selfhood, which emphasizes self-realization and empowerment. It encourages individuals to elevate their self-worth to the extent that their destiny aligns with divine will.
FormGhazal

Themes & More

self-realizationdestinydivine willempowerment
metaphor: God asking the servanthyperbole: elevate self so highimagery: partnership between divine and human will