✒️:. Umar Farooq Bhat
اے طائر لاہوتی! اس رزق سے موت اچھی
جس رزق سے آتی ہو پرواز میں کوتاہی
The “ethereal bird” in this verse represents a soul or a person who aims high and longs to soar freely in life. Iqbal tells us that it is better to face death than to live on a livelihood that stops one from flying(Flying here means the ultimate aim of the muslims i,e we should prefer death than to live on a livelihood which creates any hindrance or takes us away from our final destination: Aakhirah). or takes away one’s freedom and self-respect. In other words, earning money or living a comfortable life is meaningless if it comes by sacrificing honor and independence.This idea holds a special meaning in Kashmir, a land known for its natural beauty but also for many social and economic struggles. The people of Kashmir, through many difficulties, deeply value their dignity. Many there prefer honest jobs, like farming, crafting, or small businesses, even if the money is less, rather than work that hurts their pride or demands dishonesty. Young people often leave good-paying jobs if those jobs go against their values. Elders in families and communities always remind the younger generation that honor is more important than wealth. In these simple but strong everyday choices, the spirit of Iqbal’s poem continues to live.
From an Islamic point of view, this poem fits well with the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Islam encourages people to earn through honest, patient, and dignified work. It warns against making money through ways that degrade one’s self-respect. The Quran teaches that true blessings come with faith and integrity, not by compromising one’s principles. Islam values a clean conscience and honor more than just material wealth. Iqbal’s words beautifully capture this truth by valuing freedom of spirit and moral strength above worldly comforts.
An inspiring real-life story from Pakistan shows the power of this poem’s message. A man working as a bank employee felt stuck in a job that drained his soul. One day, he read this very couplet by Allama Iqbal and realized that continuing in that job meant losing his freedom and dignity. Without saying anything, he went to his boss and handed over his resignation letter. The only thing written in it were these two lines of poetry:
اے طائر لاہوتی! اس رزق سے موت اچھی
جس رزق سے آتی ہو پرواز میں کوتاہی
This quiet but powerful act showed how much the man valued freedom and self-respect over money and comfort. He left the job to find a way to live that honored his principles.
In today’s world, where many people face pressure to compromise their values for money or ease, Iqbal’s lines remind us to be brave and patient. Especially in Kashmir, where people deal with many challenges, this message gives them strength to hold on to who they are. It encourages everyone to seek respect and honor in their work and life, making them stronger and prouder.
Overall, Allama Iqbal’s couplet tells us that it is better to die than to live a life where freedom, dignity, and the chance to “fly” are taken away. This wisdom is seen every day in Kashmir, where many choose honor over wealth, reflecting strong Islamic values about honesty and respect. His poetry continues to inspire us to live with courage, honor, and truth in every part of life.
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