Word Meaning
ख़ुद-निगर
khud-nigar
hiadjective
Meaning
Self-aware; introspective; conscious of one's own essence or inner self.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'self-observing' or 'self-discerning', it describes an introspective or conscious entity. In Iqbal's verse, it contrasts human spiritual self-awareness against the insensate cosmos, asserting the superiority of conscious dust over blind matter.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'khud' (self) and 'nigar' (from nigaristan, to look, observe).
Usage
In classical and philosophical Urdu ghazal, particularly in Iqbal, it symbolizes awakened spiritual consciousness rather than vanity.
Examples
The self-observing heart perceives its true worth.
Though formed of clay, man remains self-aware.
Synonyms
ख़ुद-शनासबा-बसीरतआत्म-ज्ञानीबा-ख़बर
Related Words
ख़ुदीनिगाहबसीरतख़ुद-आगाह