Persian · phrase · Spirit & the Divine
Khalwat-dar-Anjuman
ख़लवत-दर-अंजुमन
said khal-WAT-dar-an-ju-MAN
also written: khalwat-dar-anjuman
Meaning
'Solitude in the crowd' — the Naqshbandi principle of inward seclusion with God while outwardly engaged in society.
Literally: solitude within the assembly
How Iqbal uses it
Iqbal admired this ideal of inward solitude amid worldly engagement, matching his call for a spirituality lived in action.
See it in the verse
Khalwat-dar-Anjuman 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
Duniya ki mahfilon se ukta gaya hoon ya rab
Kya lutf anjuman ka jab dil hi bujh gaya ho
Kya lutf anjuman ka jab dil hi bujh gaya ho
I have grown weary of the world's gatherings — what pleasure is there in company when the heart itself has gone dark?
Restlessness · Self-Knowledge
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
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