Meaning
To sell one's conscience; to act against one's principles for gain.
Literally: to sell one's conscience
See it in the verse
Zameer bech dena in Iqbal’s couplets
Mira tariq amiri nahin faqiri hai
Khudi na bech gharibi mein naam paida kar
Khudi na bech gharibi mein naam paida kar
My way is not wealth but faqr, the dervish's poverty. Do not sell your selfhood; make your name in poverty itself.
Selfhood · Humility · Courage
Mera tariq amiri nahin faqiri hai
Khudi na bech ghareebi mein naam paida kar
Khudi na bech ghareebi mein naam paida kar
My way is not wealth but inner sufficiency — do not sell your selfhood; earn your name even in poverty.
Selfhood · Freedom · Courage
Zameer-e-laala mein roshan charagh-e-aarzu kar de
Chaman ke zarre zarre ko shaheed-e-justuju kar de
Chaman ke zarre zarre ko shaheed-e-justuju kar de
Light the lamp of longing in the heart of the tulip — and make every grain of the garden a martyr to the search.
Aspiration · Hope · Restlessness
Mera tariq amiri nahin faqiri hai
Khudi na bech gharibi mein nam paida kar
Khudi na bech gharibi mein nam paida kar
My way is not wealth but a chosen poverty; do not sell your selfhood, make your name even in want.
Selfhood · Courage · Humility