इश्क़ का रस्ता सरासर है दम-ए-शमशीर पर बुल-हवस इस राह में रखना क़दम क्या सहल है
— Bahadur Shah Zafar
Meaning

The path of love is entirely like walking on the sharp edge of a sword. O creature of mere lust, is it really so easy to tread upon this road?

Explanation

In this couplet, the poet draws a striking line between soulful devotion (ishq) and shallow, selfish desire (havas). True love is envisioned as balancing upon the razor-sharp edge of a sword, where every single step demands vulnerability, courage, and immense sacrifice. Addressing the superficial lover who treats affection as a casual pursuit, the poet asks with a touch of irony if they truly believe such a perilous path can ever be walked with ease.

Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.

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