Arabic · noun · Nation, Faith & Society
Khiraaj
ख़िराज
said khi-raaj
also written: Kharaaj
Meaning
Land tax or tribute paid to a state or sovereign.
How Iqbal uses it
The tax or tribute owed to a ruler. By extension the idiom khiraaj-e-aqeedat means a tribute of devotion or homage paid to the worthy.
See it in the verse
Khiraaj in Iqbal’s couplets
Nigah-e-faqr mein shaan-e-sikandari kya hai
Khiraaj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
Khiraaj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
In the eyes of true inner wealth, what is the grandeur of an Alexander? What is an emperor who must beg for tribute?
Freedom · Selfhood · Humility
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