Meaning
Intimate confidences and supplications exchanged between lovers or with the divine.
Literally: secrets and entreaties
See it in the verse
Raaz-o-Niyaaz in Iqbal’s couplets
Kabhi ai haqeeqat-e-muntazir nazar aa libas-e-majaz mein
Ki hazaron sajde tarap rahe hain meri jabeen-e-niyaz mein
Ki hazaron sajde tarap rahe hain meri jabeen-e-niyaz mein
O long-awaited Truth, show yourself once in the dress of the visible — for a thousand prostrations are stirring restlessly on my brow of longing.
Love · Aspiration · Restlessness
Khudi kya hai raaz-e-darun-e-hayat
Khudi kya hai bedaari-e-kaayenat
Khudi kya hai bedaari-e-kaayenat
What is selfhood? The secret hidden inside life. What is selfhood? The waking-up of the whole universe.
Selfhood · Self-Knowledge · Awakening
Khudi ki shokhi-o-tundi mein kibr-o-naaz nahin
Jo naaz ho bhi to be-lazzat-e-niyaz nahin
Jo naaz ho bhi to be-lazzat-e-niyaz nahin
There is no arrogance or vanity in the spirited fierceness of selfhood — and any pride it does carry is never without the sweetness of humility.
Selfhood · Humility
Tu raaz-e-kun-fakan hai apni aankhon par ayan ho ja
Khudi ka raazdan ho ja, khuda ka tarjuman ho ja
Khudi ka raazdan ho ja, khuda ka tarjuman ho ja
You are the secret of creation — become visible to your own eyes. Become the confidant of your selfhood, the interpreter of the divine.
Self-Knowledge · Selfhood · Awakening
Khudi ke zor se duniya pe chha ja
Maqam-e-rang-o-bu ka raaz pa ja
Maqam-e-rang-o-bu ka raaz pa ja
By the force of your selfhood, rise and overspread the world — and seize the secret of this realm of colour and scent.
Selfhood · Action · Aspiration
Use subh-e-azal inkar ki jurat hui kyunkar
Mujhe malum kya wo raaz-dan tera hai ya mera
Mujhe malum kya wo raaz-dan tera hai ya mera
How did he find the daring to refuse at the dawn of time? How would I know whose confidant he is, yours or mine.
Courage · Selfhood