Word Meaning
कलीमी
kalīmī
Meaning
The role, power, or miraculous mission of Prophet Moses (Kalimullah).
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetics, 'kalīmī' refers to the attributes, divine mission, and spiritual authority of Prophet Moses, who is venerated as Kalīmullāh (the one who conversed with God). In this couplet by Iqbal, it represents prophetic resolve and righteous confrontation, emphasizing that without tangible strength or action (symbolized by the staff, 'asā'), spiritual or moral speech remains ineffective.
Etymology
Arabic 'kalīm' (interlocutor, one who speaks) + Persian abstract noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
Used classical and modern Urdu poetry as a talmīḥ (allusion) to Moses confronting tyrannical power and false magic.
Examples
Without resolve, kalimi cannot challenge the sorcery of Pharaoh.
The grace of kalimi requires both speech and the staff.