"Khudii" ...The Iqbalian Concept of "Self"

The Concept of Khudii or the 'higher Self' is synonymous with Allama Mohammed Iqbal, who was perhaps the
greatest philosopher-poet of the modern era, his stature and visionary outlook being percieved to be head and shoulders above the times that he and his contemporaries lived in. In fact, the greatest tribute to his stature among poets is that even to this day, poets , acaedemicians, researchers and scholars of urdu, farsi & Arabic poetry and philosophy the world over simply cannot but approach his works except with the deepest sense of awe and admiration at the depth of his thoughts.

Iqbal & the concept of Khudi are described by Dr Rafik Zakaria, a
leading indian author of our times, thus :-

While Faiz, Sahir and others enjoyed considerable popularity in India,
Iqbal has not been granted the same stature and popularity, despite the adoption
of his "Sare Jahan Se Achcha, Hindustan Hamara..." as the National Song of
India. The reasons are not far to seek, Iqbal has often been seen as one of the
initiators of the demand for Pakistan and one of its leading advocates.

The role of the politician in Iqbal has unfortunately overshadowed both his
contribution in the field of Urdu poetry as well as his inspiration to the
younger generation of the poets in the sub-continent, specially the Muslim
youth-- who made a swift turn towards the Left in the 1930's and gave a fresh
reign of life to Urdu.

The most important of Iqbal's contribution is the enunciation of the
concept of khudi (the self) and action. He abohorred inaction and laziness, and
gave the resounding call to his brethern:

Khudi ko kar buland itna, ke har taqdeer sey pehley,
Khuda bande sey poochey, bata teri raza kya hai.

(Raise thyself to such heights, That God Himself may Ask-
What do you wish me to write your fate ?)

Dr. Allama Iqbal takes this concept a step further again, in his famous lines :-

Nahiin Tera NashemaN , Qasr-e-Shahenshahii Ki Gumbadd Parr,
Tu Shaheen Hai, Basera kar, Pahadon Kii Chattanon Par.

It's not among the Domes of the Empire's Palaces that your abode lies,
For you are the Falcon, So make then your abode,
Among the high peaks of the lofty mountains.

Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal

( Still is one of my all-time favourite 'shers' , just as it has been a source of inspiration to thousands across the subcontinent.

The late Sunil Dutt, who began his highly publicised career as a popular actor , and later became a social activist ,before finally becoming a highly respected politician in India , had his own interpretation of these famous lines , which go thus...

"tu Shaheen Hai, Parvaz hai Kaam Tera"

meaning,

"You are the falcon, and to keep Soaring high among the lofty peaks , is your very nature ."

Riz