Arabic · noun · Selfhood & Will
Faqr
फ़क़्र
said faqr
also written: faqeeri, faqiri, faqeer, faqir
Meaning
Spiritual poverty; the dervish's chosen detachment from wealth and power.
Literally: “Poverty, need.”
How Iqbal uses it
Not destitution but a sovereign indifference to gold and crowns. The gaze of faqr makes the splendour of Alexander look like nothing; a beggar for tribute is no true king. Iqbal's faqr is wealth turned inside out — the freedom of a man who wants nothing the world can give or take.
See it in the verse
Faqr in Iqbal’s couplets
Nigah-e-faqr mein shan-e-sikandari kya hai
Khiraj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
Khiraj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
In the eyes of a free spirit, what is the splendour of an Alexander? An empire that begs for tribute is no empire at all.
Selfhood · Freedom · Self-Knowledge
Mera tariq amiri nahin faqiri hai
Khudi na bech gharibi mein nam paida kar
Khudi na bech gharibi mein nam paida kar
My way is not wealth but a chosen poverty; do not sell your selfhood, make your name even in want.
Selfhood · Courage · Humility
Faqir-e-rah ko bakhshe gae asrar-e-sultani
Baha meri nava ki daulat-e-parvez hai saqi
Baha meri nava ki daulat-e-parvez hai saqi
To the wayfaring beggar were granted the secrets of kingship; the price of my song is the whole treasure of Parvez.
Self-Knowledge · Humility · Selfhood