Couplets › Aspiration
From Bal-e-Jibril (1935) · originally composed in Urdu
Tu huma ka hai shikari abhi ibtida hai teri
Nahin maslahat se khali ye jahan-e-murgh-o-mahi
Nahin maslahat se khali ye jahan-e-murgh-o-mahi
“You are a hunter of the huma, your journey has only just begun; this world of birds and fish is not without its hidden purpose.”
Romanहिन्दी
तू हुमा का है शिकारी अभी इब्तिदा है तेरी
नहीं मस्लहत से ख़ाली ये जहान-ए-मुर्ग़-ओ-माही
नहीं मस्लहत से ख़ाली ये जहान-ए-मुर्ग़-ओ-माही
The couplet in Devanagari — it carries the authenticity of the original, and every Hindi reader can read it.
♪ Hear the coupletA recitation in a synthesized voice.
The Interpretation
The huma is the legendary high-flying bird of fortune and greatness. Iqbal tells the listener their true quarry is something rare and lofty, and reminds them they are still at the start. The ordinary world around them is not pointless; it carries a wisdom that prepares them for the higher pursuit.
For You, Today
Aim higher than you currently dare, and forgive yourself for being early in the journey. The small, ordinary phase you are in is not wasted time; it is shaping you for the larger thing you are meant to hunt.
In the same spirit
Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain
Abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain
Abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain
Beyond the stars there are worlds yet — there are still more trials of love to come.
Aspiration · Love · Restlessness
Mohabbat mujhe un jawanon se hai
Sitaron pe jo dalte hain kamand
Sitaron pe jo dalte hain kamand
My love is for those young ones who cast their lasso upon the stars.
Youth · Aspiration
Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri
Zindagi shama ki surat ho khudaya meri
Zindagi shama ki surat ho khudaya meri
My longing rises to my lips as a prayer: O God, may my life be like a candle's flame.
Hope · Aspiration