کرگس کا جہاں اور ہے شاہیں کا جہاں اور

Abstract

In this essay discussion has been carried out on a symbolic character in Iqbal's poetry. This symbolic character is the Eagle ('Shaheen'). The essay states that Iqbal has symbolized human greatness and virtue through the eagle. The choice of eagle from among the birds for this purpose is not arbitrary. There are certain qualities in the eagle that not only make it very unique among others but also grant it status of a dervish among the bird family. Iqbal did not choose the eagle due to its bloodletting but due to its self reliance, self assurance, high ambition and high flight. The eagle always hunts for its own to eat, and never feeds on prey that is left over by others. Iqbal is the flag bearer of 'ego', propagates and promotes it, whereas personality of the eagle is an addendum of the characteristics which strengthen and consolidate the ego. This is the reason that Iqbal chooses only this bird among other predator birds for his objective.