तिरे ख़ंजर ओ तेग़ की आब-ए-रवाँ हुई जब कि सबील-ए-सितम-ज़दगाँ गए कितने ही क़ाफ़िले ख़ुश्क-ज़बाँ कोई तिश्ना-ए-आब-ए-बक़ा न रहा
— Bahadur Shah Zafar
Meaning

When the flowing water of your dagger and sword became a public fountain for the oppressed, countless caravans departed with parched tongues, and none remained thirsty for the elixir of life.

Explanation

The poet weaves a brilliant play on the word 'aab', which means both the water of life and the glistening luster of a sword's edge. When the beloved's blade became a fountain quenching the thirst of the oppressed lovers, countless souls perished with dry tongues, yet martyrdom granted them true immortality. In surrendering to this sacred wound, they achieved eternal life, leaving behind no craving for the mythical nectar of immortality.

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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