Word Meaning
सर-ब-कफ़
sar-ba-kaf
Meaning
Head in hand; ready to sacrifice one's life; fearless and resolute.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'with head in the palm of one's hand', it signifies fearlessness and utter readiness to sacrifice one's life for a noble cause. In Iqbal's couplet, it contrasts the passive meditation of contemplative scholars ('sar-ba-zeb') with the daring, active courage of Moses ('Kaleem') stepping forth into battle. It thus evokes a dynamic spiritual heroism over stagnant intellect.
Etymology
Persian compound: 'sar' (head) + 'ba' (in/with) + 'kaf' (palm of the hand).
Usage
In classical and modern Urdu poetry, this compound is frequently used to evoke revolutionary zeal, martyrdom, and the courage of selfless lovers.
Examples
Entering the field of action with head in hand
Standing ready to sacrifice all in the path of truth