The Philosophy of Urdu Poetry: A Pilgrim's View

I am merely a traveler, an average person navigating the maze of language and desire; I am not a scholar. I stumbled upon Urdu poetry somewhere along the line. With a thirst, not a map. And I discovered philosophy encased in elegant language in addition to art.

Urdu poetry listens as much as it speaks. It can hear the cries of heartbroken people, the pauses between prayers, and the divine voice in a drop of wine. In this context, love is more than just romance—it is self-annihilation. Pain is purification, not suffering. The poets—Ghalib, Iqbal, and Mir—are seekers and alchemists who transform suffering into treasure rather than performers.

Metaphors are veils in this world, not just tools. The "shama" (candle) is more than just wax and flame, and the "gul" (rose) is more than just a flower. Every couplet represents a step on a journey: a journey toward truth, beauty, and an elusive Beloved who is frequently both God and a person.

Meaning must be felt; it is not something that is given to you, according to Urdu poetry. lived. The finite and the infinite are conversing. Additionally, it provides something uncommon for those who are willing to share their wounds: a sense of belonging rather than answers.

I continue, humbled. Among the verses, a pilgrim.