POEM · PERMANENT EDITION

Muhammad Iqbal حکیمی، نامسلمانی خودی کی Hakeemi, namuslimani khudi ki ●sher 1 of 2

حکیمی، نامسلمانی خودی کی

Hakeemi, namuslimani khudi ki

کلیمی، رمزِ پنہانی خودی کی

Kaleemi, ramz-e-pinhaani khudi ki

Wisdom, the Self's non-conformity,
The spirit of Moses (Kaleemi), the Self's hidden mystery.

تجھے گُر فقر و شاہی کا بتا دوں

Tujhe gurr faqr-o-shahi ka bata doon

غریبی میں نگہبانی خودی کی!

Ghareebi mein nigehbani khudi ki!

Let me disclose to you the essence of both spiritual detachment and worldly rule:
In humility, the preservation of the Self!

Context

This quatrain, characteristic of Allama Muhammad Iqbal's philosophical poetry, explores the profound concept of 'Khudi' (Selfhood). It posits that the true wisdom of the self lies in its universal essence, transcending sectarian boundaries, and that its deepest spiritual power is a hidden, inherent mystery. The poem culminates by revealing the ultimate secret to achieving both spiritual detachment ('faqr') and sovereignty ('shahi'): the unwavering preservation and strengthening of one's 'Khudi', even amidst material humility. This reflects Iqbal's emphasis on inner spiritual development as the source of true strength and self-realization, irrespective of external circumstances.