Meaning
A pearl-oyster; the shell that nurtures the pearl, emblem of hidden worth ripening in secret.
Literally: pearl-shell
See it in the verse
Sadaf-e-gauhar in Iqbal’s couplets
Giraanbaha hai to hifz-e-khudi se hai warna
Gauhar mein aab-e-gauhar ke siwa kuchh aur nahin
Gauhar mein aab-e-gauhar ke siwa kuchh aur nahin
If you are precious, it is from guarding your selfhood; otherwise a pearl is nothing but the lustre that is its own.
Selfhood · Self-Knowledge
Tamanna dard-e-dil ki ho to kar khidmat faqeeron ki
Nahin milta ye gauhar baadshahon ke khazeenon mein
Nahin milta ye gauhar baadshahon ke khazeenon mein
If you long for a heart that truly feels, then serve the poor and the humble; this jewel is not found in the treasuries of kings.
Humility · Love · Self-Knowledge
Har guhar ne sadaf ko toD diya
Tu hi aamada-e-zuhur nahin
Tu hi aamada-e-zuhur nahin
Every pearl has broken open its shell; only you are unwilling to come forth.
Selfhood · Courage · Awakening
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