Sanskrit · noun · Poetry, Speech & Art

Sur

सुर

Meaning

A musical note or pitch; tune.

How Iqbal uses it

Sur is the true note one must find and hold; Iqbal used the image of being in or out of tune for the self in or out of harmony with its purpose. A self struck on the right sur sings; a false one jars.

See it in the verse

Sur in Iqbal’s couplets

Khudi ho ilm se mohkam to ghairat-e-Jibril
Agar ho ishq se mohkam to soor-e-Israfil

A selfhood made firm by knowledge can rival the angel of revelation; a selfhood made firm by love can rival the trumpet that wakes the world.

Selfhood · Love · Action

Related words

SANSKRIT

Lai

Rhythm, tempo, or cadence in music and verse.

PERSIAN

Aahang

Melody, harmony, tune; also intention or resolve.

SANSKRIT

Raag

A melodic mode or framework of Indian classical music; also passion or attachment.

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