Persian · adjective · Qualities & Descriptions
Wala-Shan
वालाशान
said waa-laa-SHAAN
also written: wala-shan, walashan, vala-shan
Meaning
Of exalted dignity; high in glory and grand of station — an epithet of kings and nobles.
Literally: High of dignity.
See it in the verse
Wala-Shan in Iqbal’s couplets
Dhoondne wala sitaron ki guzargahon ka
Apne afkaar ki duniya mein safar kar na saka
Apne afkaar ki duniya mein safar kar na saka
He who charts the very pathways of the stars could not journey through the world of his own thoughts.
Self-Knowledge · Selfhood
Nigah-e-faqr mein shaan-e-sikandari kya hai
Khiraaj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
Khiraaj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
In the eyes of true inner wealth, what is the grandeur of an Alexander? What is an emperor who must beg for tribute?
Freedom · Selfhood · Humility
Moti samajh ke shan-e-kareemi ne chun liye
Qatre jo the mire araq-e-infial ke
Qatre jo the mire araq-e-infial ke
Mistaking them for pearls, a generous grace gathered up the drops that were only my sweat of shame.
Humility · Hope
Nigah-e-faqr mein shan-e-sikandari kya hai
Khiraj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
Khiraj ki jo gada ho wo qaisari kya hai
In the eyes of a free spirit, what is the splendour of an Alexander? An empire that begs for tribute is no empire at all.
Selfhood · Freedom · Self-Knowledge
Mata-e-be-baha hai dard-o-soz-e-arzumandi
Maqam-e-bandagi de kar na lun shan-e-khudawandi
Maqam-e-bandagi de kar na lun shan-e-khudawandi
The ache and fire of longing is a priceless treasure; I would not trade the striving of a seeker even for the splendour of a master.
Aspiration · Restlessness · Self-Knowledge