नई तहज़ीब तकल्लुफ़ के सिवा कुछ भी नहीं चेहरा रौशन हो तो क्या हाजत-ए-गुलगूना फ़रोश
— Allama Iqbal
Meaning

The new refinement is merely a pretense; if the face itself is radiant, what need is there for the gossip-seller's display?

Explanation

This profound couplet speaks to the nature of true civilization and artificiality. Allama Iqbal suggests that what we often call 'new culture' or 'sophistication' (नई तहज़ीब) is merely a façade, a set of superficial manners (तकल्लुफ़). He argues that if a person's inner self—their true spirit—is radiant, then they have no need to display artificial gestures or pretense (गुलगूना फ़रोश). True grace comes from within, not from outward displays.

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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