POEM · PERMANENT EDITION

Muhammad Iqbal کوئی دیکھے تو میری نَے نوازی Koi dekhe to meri nay-nawazi ●sher 1 of 2

کوئی دیکھے تو میری نَے نوازی

Koi dekhe to meri nay-nawazi

نفس ہندی، مقامِ نغمہ تازی

Nafas Hindi, maqam-e naghma Tazi

If only someone would see my art of song,
My breath is Indian, the melody's mode Arabic.

نِگہ آلُودۂ اندازِ افرنگ

Nigah alooda-e andaaz-e Afrang

طبیعت غزنوی، قسمت ایازی!

Tabiyat Ghaznavi, qismat Ayazi!

My gaze is stained by European fashion,
My nature is Ghaznavi, my fate Ayazi!

Context

This Urdu poem explores a complex, hybridized identity, characteristic of South Asian Muslim intellectual thought. It describes an artistic soul that is Indian, yet draws its melodic essence from Arabic/Persian traditions. The speaker's perspective is influenced by Western styles, while his nature embodies the ambition of Ghazni, paradoxically tied to the humble fate of his loyal companion, Ayaz. This juxtaposition reflects a profound internal negotiation between diverse cultural heritage, aspirations, and destiny.