Persian · noun · Poetry, Speech & Art
Naqsh-o-Nigaar
नक़्श-ओ-निगार
also written: Naqsh-o-nigar
Meaning
Ornamentation, decorative design, intricate patterning.
Literally: image and picture
How Iqbal uses it
Naqsh-o-nigaar is the world's decorative surface, beautiful yet outward; Iqbal cautioned against being held by such ornament when essence is what matters. He prized the inner truth beneath the decorated form.
See it in the verse
Naqsh-o-Nigaar in Iqbal’s couplets
Silsila-e-roz-o-shab, naqsh-gar-e-haadsat
Silsila-e-roz-o-shab, asl-e-hayat-o-mamat
Silsila-e-roz-o-shab, asl-e-hayat-o-mamat
The chain of day and night is the sculptor of all events; the chain of day and night is the root of life and of death.
Action · Self-Knowledge
Sultani-e-jamhur ka aata hai zamana
Jo naqsh-e-kuhan tum ko nazar aae miTa do
Jo naqsh-e-kuhan tum ko nazar aae miTa do
The age of the people's rule is arriving; whatever old patterns you still see, wipe them away.
Freedom · Awakening · Justice