Meaning
Of fiery breath; whose every word or sigh scorches like fire.
Literally: fire-breath
How Iqbal uses it
The passionate speaker or singer whose breath itself burns; a stock epithet for ardour that inflames the listener.
See it in the verse
Aatish-nafas in Iqbal’s couplets
Be-khatar kud pada aatish-e-Nimrood mein ishq
Aql hai mahv-e-tamasha-e-lab-e-baam abhi
Aql hai mahv-e-tamasha-e-lab-e-baam abhi
Love leapt fearlessly into the fire — while reason still stood on the rooftop's edge, lost in watching the spectacle.
Courage · Love · Action
Jina wo kya jo ho nafas-e-ghair par madar
Shohrat ki zindagi ka bharosa bhi chhod de
Shohrat ki zindagi ka bharosa bhi chhod de
What kind of living is it that hangs on another's breath? Give up even your reliance on a life of fame.
Selfhood · Freedom · Self-Knowledge