Persian · noun · Character & Virtue

Khaaksaari

ख़ाकसारी
said khaak-saa-ree
also written: Khaksari, khaaksaari, khaksari, khaksaari
Meaning

Humility; the modesty of one who counts himself as dust.

Literally: humility, lowliness like dust

Usage & notes

Khaaksaari is humility — the lowliness of one who does not exalt himself before others. Iqbal honours genuine humbleness before God and truth, the modesty that accompanies real greatness; but he is wary of any humility that becomes self-abasement before the powerful or an excuse to deny the dignity of khudi. True lowliness for him is paired with inward strength, never with servility.