Allama Iqbalis the poet of the East. Not only a professor, but also a philosopher, advocate, poet, and politician, his contributions were vast and diverse. Through his profound insights, he authored numerous influential books in Urdu, English, and Persian, solidifying his authority in various languages. His impact transcends time, serving as an unwavering source of inspiration for millions worldwide. AllamaIqbal’s teachings encouraged individuals to embrace progress, freedom, happiness, and self-respect, resonating across cultures and continents. His verses have woven into the very fabric of education, discussed passionately within schools, colleges, universities, and even the peaceful corners of mosques. His poetic expressions often reflect themes of remembrance for Islam’s past glories, an earnest lamentation for its current decline, and an earnest call to unite and enact reform, echoing with a timeless urgency that continues to shape generations. was a visionary philosopher, poet, and thinker whose poetry ignited the flames of self-discovery and empowerment among Muslims in the Indian subcontinent during a crucial period in history. His verses carried profound metaphors and messages, among which the Shaheen (falcon) stood as a symbol of strength, aspiration, and the relentless pursuit of higher ideals. Given below are some of the prominent messages squeezed from the amazing writings of the poet of the East with special reference to Shaheen:
The MetaphorofShaheen
The symbol of the “shaheen” (eagle) in AllamaIqbal’s poetry is a powerful representation of his ideals. The shaheen embodies the spirit of freedom, ambition, and self-soaring aspiration. Iqbal employed this majestic bird to epitomize the Individual’s journey towards self-realization and the pursuit of lofty goals. Just as the shaheensoars high, defying limitations, Iqbal urged humanity to transcend mediocrity, break free from constraints, and embrace its inherent potential. The shaheen symbolizes not only the resilience of the self but also the collective yearning of a nation to rise, awaken, and contribute to a brighter future. The following couplets reflect Iqbal’s emphasis on self-elevation, aspiration, and the pursuit of higher ideals, using the “shaheen” symbol to convey his message of transcendence and self-discovery.
“Shaheen se bhizyadauchayonmeinudnekiazadi,
Haasilhaiusinsaankojoimaandaarhaikhud se.”
‘’ShaheenKabhiparwaz se thakkarnahingirta,
Par dumhai agar tu, tohnahinkhatra-e-iftaad.’’
Inquisitiveness and Curiosity: Iqbal values curiosity, symbolized by the Shaheen’s sharp vision and vigilance. He believes that individuals should possess inquisitiveness, as it enables them to explore the mysteries of the universe and acquire knowledge.
The Call for Freedom: Freedom, both personal and intellectual, is a recurring theme in Iqbal’s poetry. He appreciates the Shaheen’s freedom and connects it to human freedom, urging individuals, particularly the Muslim youth, to break free from mental slavery and pursue their destinies with vigor.
A Quest for Higher Aims: The Shaheen’s lofty flight symbolizes the pursuit of noble goals. Iqbal encourages individuals to adopt this quest for higher aims, striving to reach beyond their limits and make a meaningful impact on the world.
The Power of Detachment: Iqbal emphasizes the importance of choosing one’s companions wisely. The Shaheen avoids the company of pigeons and crows, symbolizing the need to surround oneself with those who elevate one’s character and ambitions rather than lead them astray.
Rejecting Superficial Comforts: Iqbal often criticized the notion of building nests, symbolizing a rejection of superficial comforts. The Shaheen does not seek the security of a nest but instead chooses the ruggedness of mountains and cliffs. This characteristic encourages individuals to resist the allure of comfort and strive for higher purposes.
Contentment and Independence: In Iqbal’s verses, the Shaheen embodies contentment and independence. It is a bird that thrives on the bare necessities of life and does not succumb to the temptations of materialistic pleasures. The poet admonishes against becoming like pigeons or crows, easily enticed by worldly desires.
Service to Country:AllamaIqbal believed that serving one’s country was a sacred duty. He emphasized the importance of individuals actively participating in the progress and development of their nation. He saw service to the country as a way to fulfill one’s responsibilities and contribute to the collective growth and welfare of society.
Service to Humanity:ForIqbal, service to humanity was a higher calling that transcended national boundaries. He envisioned a world where individuals worked together to alleviate human suffering and promote justice and compassion. He believed that helping others and working for the betterment of society were integral aspects of a meaningful and purposeful life.
Search for the Creator:AllamaIqbal encouraged individuals to engage in a personal quest to discover and connect with the Creator. He believed that understanding one’s relationship with the divine was essential for leading a fulfilling and spiritually enriched life. He urged people to explore their inner selves and seek a deeper understanding of their purpose in the context of the universe.
Self-Realization:Iqbal stressed the importance of self-realization as a means to unlock one’s true potential. He believed that individuals should strive to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities. Through self-reflection and introspection, people could work towards personal growth and contribute more effectively to the world around them.
Quran is the Best Guide for Humanity:AllamaIqbal regarded the Quran as an eternal source of guidance for humanity. He believed that the Quran’s teachings encompassed a comprehensive framework for living a just, ethical, and harmonious life. He emphasized the need for individuals to deeply engage with the Quran’s wisdom and derive insights that could shape their actions and attitudes.
Gain Education:Education held a special place in Iqbal’s philosophy. He believed that gaining knowledge was vital for individual and societal progress. Education empowered people to think critically, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Iqbal advocated for a holistic education that combined spiritual and intellectual growth.
Remember Your Glorious Past:AllamaIqbal urged people to connect with their rich historical and cultural heritage. He believed that acknowledging and learning from the past was essential for charting a successful future. By remembering the achievements and lessons of their ancestors, individuals could draw inspiration and insight to overcome challenges and shape their destiny.
To conclude, AllamaIqbal’s message to the world encapsulates the imperative of self-discovery, service to humanity, and the pursuit of knowledge. He beckons individuals to rekindle their connection with faith, realize their potential, and contribute to a just, compassionate, and enlightened global community, guided by the eternal wisdom of the Quran.
Metaphors in Poetry: AllamaIqbal’s Majestic “Shaheen”
In the rich tapestry of poetic expression, metaphors stand as beacons of creativity and insight, illuminating the depths of human thought and emotion. A metaphor is a literary device that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary by drawing striking comparisons between seemingly unrelated entities. Within the realm of Urdu and Persian poetry, the metaphorical brilliance of AllamaIqbal, often hailed as Mufakkir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan), shines resplendently. Among his many metaphorical creations, none is as powerful and enduring as the “Shaheen” or falcon.
The Essence of Metaphor in Poetry
Metaphors are the artistic brushstrokes that transform the canvas of words into a vivid tapestry of imagery and meaning. They allow poets to convey complex ideas, emotions, and concepts by likening them to more familiar or tangible objects. In poetry, metaphors evoke powerful sensations, stimulate the imagination, and invite readers to explore deeper layers of understanding.
Dr. Yusuf Khan writes, “Iqbal’s conscience and emotions are stirred most profoundly by poetry. It’s the manifestation of ‘power’ that drives him, which is why he prefers eagles and falcons over nightingales and moons as metaphors.”
AllamaIqbal’s preference for the symbol of the falcon (Shaheen) is explained in a letter attributed to Zafar Ahmed Siddiqi, where he writes, “The analogy of the falcon is not just a poetic comparison; in this bird, one finds all the qualities of Islamic asceticism. It is self-reliant and fiercely protective, falcon never feeds on prey that has been hunted by someone else’s hands. It is indifferent to building a nest, aiming for great heights, and it is solitary and sharp-sighted.”
According to Iqbal, the above mentionef same qualities are found in a faithful man. He desires to see these same qualities in the youth as well. Apart from the falcon, no other bird can serve as a role model for the youth in this way. In Urdu poetry, no poet has portrayed the falcon from this perspective
One of the most iconic couplets that encapsulate the essence of the Shaheen reads: “TuShaheenHai, ParwazHaiKaamTera, TereAageAsmaanAurBhiHain” (You are a falcon; flight is your vocation:You have other skies stretching out before you). These lines are a testament to Iqbal’s ability to distill profound wisdom into succinct verses. The metaphor of the falcon embodies the idea that every individual possesses the potential to rise above mediocrity and achieve greatness.
Iqbal’s poetry beautifully contrasts the falcon’s unbounded ambition with the limitations of other birds. He writes, “ParwazHaiDono Ki IssiAikFiza Mein, KargasKaJahanAurHai, ShaheenKaJahanAur” (The vulture and the falcon soar in the same air, but in worlds apart). Through this analogy, Iqbal underscores that while some may settle for a mundane existence, the Shaheen aspires for grandeur.
Furthermore, Iqbal’s verses depict the arduous path to greatness. He pens, “Qana’at Na KarAlam-e-Rang-o-Bu Par ChamanAurBhi, AshiyanAurBhiHain” (Do not be content with the world of color and smell; other gardens there are, other nests too). Iqbal urges individuals to surpass the ordinary and venture into uncharted territories, reminding us that there is always more to explore, learn, and achieve. Iqbal is emphasizing the idea that there is more to the world than what meets the eye. He suggests that beyond the ordinary world with its colors and fragrances, there exist additional realms of existence, both metaphorically and perhaps even spiritually.
Iqbal’s portrayal of the Shaheen resonates with his broader philosophy of self-realization. He encourages individuals to rise above their circumstances, embrace their inherent potential, and strive for excellence. The Shaheen, in Iqbal’s poetry, becomes a symbol of unbounded aspiration, the pursuit of knowledge, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. Just as the falcon defies its limitations to soar to greater heights, Iqbal invites us to overcome obstacles and realize our fullest potential.
In the poem “Shaheen” bal-e-Jibril,” AllamaIqbal presents the (Shaheen) falcon in the following way:
Khayabanion Se HaiParhaizLazim
AdaeenhainInkiBohatDilbarana
Hawa-e Bayaan Se HotiHain Kari JawaanMard Ki Zarbat –e GhaziyanaHamaam o kabotarkabhokanahi main
KeHaiZindagiBaazkiZaahidana
Jhapṭna, Palṭna, PalṭKarJhapṭna
LahooGaramRakhneKaHaiEkBahaana
YePoorab, YePacham, Chakoron Ki DuniaMeraNeelgunAasmaanBaikaranaPrindon Ki DunyaKaDarveshHoon Main KeShaheenBanatanahiaashiyana
Translation
One must shun the garden dwellers They have such seductive charms! The wind of the desert is what gives The stroke of the brave youth fighting in battle its effect I am not hungry for pigeon or dove For renunciation is the mark of an eagle’s life To swoop, withdraw and swoop again Is only a pretext to keep up the heat of the blood East and West these belongs to the world of the pheasant, The blue sky… vast, boundless ….is mine
AlamaIqbal presents the concept of the “Shaheen” (falcon) as a symbol of strength, independence, and spiritual elevation. The central thesis of this poem revolves around the idea that the Shaheen represents a lofty and free-spirited individual who is detached from the ordinary desires of life and is instead focused on a higher purpose, which is often associated with spiritual and intellectual pursuits.falcon’s ability to swoop, turn, and swoop again symbolizes its unwavering determination. It keeps the blood warm with the passion for adventure.
Iqbal contrasts the Shaheen with “garden dwellers” and “pigeon or dove,” symbolizing those who are content with a mundane and comfortable existence. The Shaheen, on the other hand, is depicted as someone who seeks challenges, is unbound by geographical or worldly limitations (“East and West”), and embraces the vastness of the universe as their own.
The poem encourages readers to aspire to the qualities of the Shaheen, emphasizing the importance of courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of higher ideals. It serves as a call to break free from the constraints of a conventional life and soar to greater intellectual and spiritual heights. Ultimately, Iqbal’s “Shaheen” symbolizes a spiritual and intellectual awakening and a yearning for a purposeful and transcendent life.
In conclusion, the Shaheen in AllamaIqbal’s poetry is more than a mere bird; it is a representation of the human spirit’s ceaseless journey towards self-discovery and growth. Through these verses, Iqbal inspires us to break free from the constraints that hold us back, encouraging us to emulate the Shaheen’s audacity in our pursuit of excellence. As we read these lines, let us remember that, like the falcon, our potential knows no bounds, and our dreams can propel us to the highest realms of achievement.
The writer is a Columnist & Motivational Speaker and an Associate Editor of the Weekly Publication ‘Education Quill.’ He currently serves as the Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Kashmir.akhoon.aubaid@gmail.com
