Meaning
A sword, scimitar.
How Iqbal uses it
Shamsheer is one of Iqbal's favourite symbols, the sword that figures the cutting energy of conviction and the resolve to fight injustice. He makes it stand for the force of a faith that acts rather than merely meditates.
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