Meaning
A mirror-holder; one who holds up the glass, or that which reflects and reveals.
Literally: mirror-keeper
How Iqbal uses it
The mirror-bearer before the beauty, and figuratively anything that reflects a truth; the heart itself is called aaina-daar of the divine.
See it in the verse
Aaina-daar in Iqbal’s couplets
Uthho meri duniya ke ghareebon ko jaga do
Kakh-e-umara ke dar-o-deewar hila do
Kakh-e-umara ke dar-o-deewar hila do
Rise, and awaken the poor of my world — shake the doors and the walls of the mansions of the privileged.
Justice · Action
Tu bacha bacha ke na rakh ise tera aaina hai wo aaina
ke shikasta ho to aziz-tar hai nigah-e-aaina-saaz mein
ke shikasta ho to aziz-tar hai nigah-e-aaina-saaz mein
Do not keep your mirror anxiously protected — yours is the kind of mirror that, even when shattered, is dearer in the eyes of its maker.
Courage · Selfhood · Adversity
Khol kar aankhen mere aaeena-e-guftar mein dekh
Aane wale daur ki dhundli si ek tasveer dekh
Aane wale daur ki dhundli si ek tasveer dekh
Open your eyes and look into the mirror of my words — see the faint, blurred picture of the age that is coming.
Awakening · Hope · Leadership
Ishq ki tegh-e-jigar-dar uda li kis ne
Ilm ke haath mein khali hai niyam ai saqi
Ilm ke haath mein khali hai niyam ai saqi
Who has carried off love's brave, heart-piercing sword? Knowledge holds only an empty scabbard now.
Love · Action · Courage