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نہیں ہے نا امید اقبال اپنی کشت ویراں سے by Allama Muhammad Iqbal — Analysis & Translation

2 min read Urdu

Original Poem

نہیں ہے نا امید اقبال اپنی کشت ویراں سے زرا نم ہو تو یہ مٹی بڑی زرخیز ہے ساقی

Translation (English)

Iqbal is not without hope for his empty field If it gets a bit of moisture, this soil can be very productive, O cupbearer

About the Poet

Allama Muhammad Iqbal (20th century)

Sir Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) was an Islamic philosopher and poet, regarded as the national poet of Pakistan. His vision of a separate homeland for Muslims in British India inspired the Pakistan Movement. He is considered one of the most influential Muslim thinkers of the 20th century.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Historical Context

Literary Form
Ghazal
When Written
Early 20th century
Background
This poem reflects Iqbal's optimism and belief in the potential for growth and prosperity, even in seemingly barren or hopeless situations. It is a metaphor for the potential of the Muslim community in the Indian subcontinent.

Sources: https://www.rekhta.org/couplets/nahiin-hai-naa-umiid-iqbaal-apnii-kisht-e-viiraan-se-allama-iqbal-couplets?lang=Ur, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iqbal

Detailed Explanation

In this couplet, Allama Iqbal expresses a message of hope and potential. The 'barren field' symbolizes a situation that seems desolate or unproductive, much like the challenges faced by the Muslim community in the Indian subcontinent during his time. Iqbal suggests that with just a little effort or 'moisture', even the most unpromising circumstances can become fertile and productive. The 'cupbearer' (Saqi) is a traditional figure in Persian and Urdu poetry, often symbolizing the divine or spiritual inspiration. Thus, Iqbal is urging for a small but significant change that can lead to great growth and prosperity. This reflects his broader philosophical and political vision for the rejuvenation of the Muslim world.

Themes

  • Hope
  • Potential
  • Growth
  • Optimism

Literary Devices

  • Metaphor: The barren field represents hopeless situations.
  • Symbolism: 'Saqi' symbolizes divine or spiritual inspiration.
  • Imagery: The image of a barren field becoming fertile with moisture.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
نہیں نفی no, not nahin
ہے موجود ہے exists hai
نا ہرگز نہیں absolutely not naa
امید توقع hope umeed
اقبال شاعر کا نام Iqbal (poet's name) Iqbaal
اپنی خود کی his own apni
کشت کھیت farm kasht
ویراں خالی empty veeraan
سے کی طرف سے by se
زرا تھوڑا slightly zara
نم نمی dampness nam
ہو ہونا become ho
تو پھر then to
یہ یہاں here yeh
مٹی زمین earth mitti
بڑی بہت greatly bari
زرخیز پیداواری productive zarkhez
ساقی شراب پلانے والا wine server saqi

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