Meaning
A sword, especially the curved scimitar; symbol of martial glory.
Literally: sword; scimitar
How Iqbal uses it
The shamsheer is the curved sword, the classic emblem of martial power. Iqbal turns the sword inward and upward: he prizes not the blade itself but the firm purpose and self-command that wield it for justice, and he scorns steel drawn for tyranny or greed. The flashing sword in his verse often stands for decisive conviction more than literal war.
See it in the verse
Shamsheer in Iqbal’s couplets
Main tujh ko batata hun taqdir-e-umam kya hai
Shamsheer-o-sinan avval taaus-o-rubab aakhir
Shamsheer-o-sinan avval taaus-o-rubab aakhir
Let me tell you the fate of nations: the sword and the spear come first, the peacock and the lute come last.
Action · Adversity · Leadership
Zamistani hawa mein garche thi shamshir ki tezi
Na chhute mujh se london mein bhi aadab-e-sahar-khezi
Na chhute mujh se london mein bhi aadab-e-sahar-khezi
Though the winter wind cut like the edge of a sword, even in London I never let go of the discipline of rising at dawn.
Action · Courage · Self-Knowledge