Dil-e-sangeen-e-khusrau Par Bhi Zarb-e-kohkan Pahunchi — Sheikh Ibrahim Zauq
Meaning
Even Khusrau's stony heart felt the blow of the mountain-digger (Farhad); if he merely struck his pick against the mountain's peak, that was no great feat.
Explanation
This couplet draws on the famous tale of Farhad, the devoted lover who cut through mountains with his axe to win his beloved. The poet makes a clever point. He says Farhad's real achievement wasn't carving stone. The true mark of his axe reached the stone-hard heart of the king himself, stirring even that cold, powerful ruler. Striking the mountain, says the poet, was nothing remarkable. What truly matters is that his passion and labour moved something far harder to break, a heart made of stone. It celebrates the quiet power of love and persistence, suggesting that genuine devotion can soften even the most unyielding heart. That, the poet insists, is the real victory worth praising.
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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