METAPHYSICS IN THE METAPHORS-- A STUDY OF IQBAL'S POETRY-II

• Published date: 31 December 2022

This study has examined in detail the use of metaphors by Iqbal in his Urdu poetry with its translation and the researcher has explained how these have become pervasive to human language. Iqbal has attempted to persuade the readers of his poetry using different metaphors; therefore, this study has explored the work of Iqbal to understand the underlying message of his poetry. Furthermore, this study has provided an account on Iqbal's life, examining his early life and his education. A section of the study provides description of the published work of Iqbal in different languages including Persian, Urdu and English. However, for the purpose of this research, analysis has only been conducted on Iqbal's Urdu poetry. It has facilitated the researcher to understand the different functions of metaphors and their use in Iqbal's poetry. The main purpose is to determine different symbols that Iqbal has used to refer to various concepts such as love, nation, and perfect man and so on.

Metaphors of Faqr

After analyzing thoroughly the teachings of Islam through message of Holy Quran and the Prophet (PBUH), it is revealed that Muslims must develop an attitude of Faqr. Once, a Muslim is able to reach the perfection of Faqr he/ she will be able to embody the whole of Islam.

(i). Faqr as a quality of an emperor

“Faqr” 1

Ek Faqr Hai Shabiri, Is Faqr Se Hai Meeri

Meeras-e-Musalmani, Sarmaya-e-Shabiri!

Translation:

One faqr is Shabiri, and it has qualities of emperor

Which is Muslim heritage and real wealth of Shabir

Iqbal has referred to Faqr as a quality of an emperor (Shabir). The poet assumes with the help of Faqr it is possible to have all the wealth that one desires to achieve. In Iqbal's poetry he defines Faqr as being a major wealth for the entire Muslim nation. He has referred to the target domain (Faqr) with a source domain Shabir (emperor) to define his concept in an orientational manner. However, in this context it is imperative to understand the concept of Shabir (emperor), as it has derived from the Islamic traditions that have influenced the metaphorical structuring of statements in Iqbal's poetry to a great extent. Shabbir is referred to Hazrat Imam Hussain, who has been a brave leader in the Islamic history. Hence, Iqbal has explained the term Faqr through the term Shabbir.

In these couplets, Iqbal is attempting to define the Muslim nation that they can achieve the strengths of an emperor, if they are able to have Faqr. Hence, in an orientational manner Iqbal has defined the metaphor of Faqr by referring to the concept of Shabbir.

(ii). Faqr as Spiritual poverty

“Faqr” 2

Ek Faqr Sikhata Hai Sayyad Ko Nakhcheeri

Translation:

There is a faqr that teaches the hunter to be a prey;

(iii). Faqr as Pride

“Faqr” 3

Faqr Se Khulte Hain Asrar-e-Jahangeeri

Translation:

There is another that opens the secrets of mastery over the world.

Iqbal has defined Faqr in to two different concepts those are pride and spiritual poverty. However, in the above-mentioned couplets, Iqbal has mainly referred to Faqr as spiritual poverty. He has explained the circumstances that would eventually result from being in poor condition of soul. Iqbal has mainly used conceptual metaphors that have explained the underlying concept of his use of these words to define the condition of people. In his opinion, Faqr has been referred to as a situation that either would lead the person to become a prey of the hunter, or learnt the mastery over the world. It is essential to analyze the concept of Faqr through Iqbal's perception. Poverty can result in two possible situations for an individual that can be either positive or negative.

Moreover, it is the attitude of a man that enables him to recognize the benefits of the situation. Even in Quran, it is highlighted according to Islamic beliefs to adopt an attitude that is beneficial for one. Hence, in difficult circumstances and in a situation of complex challenges it is important to have Faqr to be able to overcome them and face them with great strength.

A major principle behind these couplets is to understand that it is not important to be involved in the worldly affairs. In order to get success, our purpose should be only to please Allah. Our worldly association, the relationships and interactions we have should solely be on the teachings of Islam and the guidance of our God. This is the attitude that is needed to be developed in ourselves to achieve success in both this world and hereafter. For example, respecting elders, taking care of others should be done with the intention to please Allah and to seek His pleasure.

An individual should maintain Faqr in all circumstances with the expectation to receive reward from Allah; this will make it possible for him/ her to rise above worldly failures and success. As mentioned in Surah Yunus 11-62 “khaufun alaihim wala hum yahzanoon”-you should not be worried about the things that happen in this world, or be sad about it. Iqbal has conceptualized this metaphorically by connecting Faqr with the “secrets of the mastery of the worlds”. Thus, an individual may not only limit himself to seek worldly pleasure, rather be able to look beyond that and achieve greater success in both the worlds. By being able to achieve Faqr, an individual can embody Islam.

(iv). Faqr as Misery:

Faqr” 4

Faqr Se Qoumon Mein Maskeeni-o-Dilgeeri

Translation:

There is a faqr that is the root of needfulness and misery among nations;

(v). Faqr as Elixir:

“Faqr” 5

Ek Faqr Se Mitti Mein Khasiyat-e-Ikseeri

Translation:

There is another that turns mere dust into elixir.

Again referring to Faqr, Iqbal explains that if a man is engaged in the worldly affairs and continue to achieve individual success, it will result in misery for the entire nation. Iqbal had wanted to unite the Muslims and desired them to live their lives according to the teachings of Islam. Therefore, he has stated that an individual may have an attitude through which he would desire to fulfill his individual needs. However, this will only lead him to misery and sadness for the entire nation as well. Hence, the focus should be to make collective efforts with the purpose of developing a united nation based on Islamic principles and the commandments of Allah. Iqbal, through his poetry, has attempted to convey the message of Quran, mentioning this couplet was intended to bring revolution in the lives of victims of imperialism.

Iqbal also desired to develop such self-awareness amongst people, particularly the Muslims, to live a life that has guided them today to this age of technology. In Iqbal's perception, understanding the happenings of world is a part of Sufism. His philosophy was against the Western thinking and culture that has limited people to their body only, and therefore, they are not aware of their souls. It is important to understand the soul also, to develop a close association with Allah. Furthermore, he believed that being limited to worldly success could just give man lust and greed. Thus, he wants man to interact with God and have pure souls. The concept behind the use of Faqr is to understand the meaning of developing an attitude to seek Allah's blessings. If an individual's only desire is to please Allah, he can then surely achieve success.

Iqbal has metaphorically defined Faqr as having the ability to turn “mere dust into elixir”, meaning that a small particle can have enough power to be turned into elixir i.e. to achieve immortality. The poet has focused on understanding the soul to achieve the super-goals of life.

Metaphors of Ishq (Love)

The concept of Ishq (Love) according to Iqbal's philosophy can be considered as the root of the message that Iqbal wanted to convey. While, the literal meaning of Ishq can be considered as love, but the concept of Iqbal to define the metaphor goes beyond that. Iqbal has not only used the metaphor linguistically, but has conceptualized it to express his philosophy. Love is merely an insignificant fraction of what Iqbal has attempted to define in his terminology. Ishq can be considered as a concept to define the entire philosophy of Iqbal that may include the concepts of love, help, service and the need to surrender one's legitimate rights.

(i). Ishq as Madness

“Ilm-o-Ishq (Knowledge and Love)” 6

Ilm Ne Mujh Se Kaha Ishq Hai Diwana-Pan

Ishq Ne Mujh Se Kaha Ilm Hai Takhmeen-o-Zan

Translation:

Knowledge said to me, Love is madness;

Love said to me, Knowledge is calculation

According to Iqbal's view, Ishq can facilitate people to dominate the world and control the laws of nature by fulfilling Allah's commands. Briefly, Ishq in the poet's view and his philosophy can be referred to things that are good in this world; on the contrary, Aql or wisdom is temporary and bad. In the above couplets, Iqbal has referred to love as madness. Nonetheless, he has defined madness a motivational source for being close to Allah. Iqbal assumes in this context Ishq (love) and Ilm (knowledge) as living things. He has tried to explain the philosophy of love in a manner as he is conversing with Ishq (love). However, he defined love as madness. As mentioned earlier, the metaphor “falling in love” can be understood as being out of control.

When a person falls in love his senses are lost, therefore, Iqbal has defined love as being in a state of madness. Moreover, it is essential to understand that Ishq (love) is not bound of any limits or calculations it is limitless. Thus, Iqbal desires the Muslims to have similar Ishq (love) for Allah, which is infinite.

(ii). Love as a Miracle

“Ilm-o-Ishq (Knowledge and Love)” 7

Ishq Ke Hain Maujazat Saltanat-o-Faqr-o-Deen

Ishq Ke Adna Ghulam Sahib-e-Taj-o-Nageen

Translation:

Kingdom, faith, and faqr are all miracles of Love

The crowned kings and lords are base slaves of Love

One can understand from these couplets that Iqbal's philosophy of Ishq has explained love in several contexts. Therefore, Iqbal wanted the Muslim nation to revolve from the rule and control of the West. He...