For centuries, Islamic Urdu poetry has embraced the hijab, burka, and niqab not as mere garments, but as vibrant symbols of faith, empowerment, and inner beauty. In a world often fixated on the veil’s exterior, these verses weave a tapestry of understanding and appreciation. Two lines Urdu Poetry by Iqbal encapsulate this sentiment: “Hijab ke parcham oopar hain, nigahein dhup mein chalti hain” (The flags of hijab are held high, eyes walk in the sun). Hijab becomes a banner of pride, a declaration of faith worn with confidence.
Selected Hijab Poetry (Ashaar) in Urdu
“saraktii jaa.e hai ruKH se naqaab aahista aahista
nikaltaa aa rahaa hai aaftaab aahista aahista
AMEER MINAI”
“ruKH-e-raushan se naqaab apne ulaT dekho tum
mehr-o-mah nazro.n se yaaro.n kii utar jaa.e.nge
SHEIKH IBRAHIM ZAUQ”
“mai.n KHud bhii karnaa chaahtaa huu.n apnaa saamnaa
tujh ko bhii ab naqaab uThaa denii chaahiye
RAHAT INDORI”
“dilo.n me.n aag labo.n par gulaab rakhte hai.n
sab apne chehro.n pe dohrii naqaab rakhte hai.n
RAHAT INDORI”
“jii me.n aataa hai ulaT de.n un ke chehre se naqaab
hausla karte hai.n lekin hausla hotaa nahii.n
SAGHAR SIDDIQUI”
Naqab / Parda in Urdu Shayari
“hai ye raushan ki hai hijaab me.n chaa.nd
aap kyaa mu.nh chhupaa.e baiThe hai.n
ANWAR DEHLVI”
“tamaam jism kii uryaaniyaa.n thii.n aa.nkho.n me.n
vo merii ruuh me.n utraa hijaab pahne hu.e
SAQI FARUQI”
“hijaab uTThe hai.n lekin vo ruu-ba-ruu to nahii.n
shariik-e-ishq kahii.n ko.ii aarzuu to nahii.n
UMMEED FAZLI”
“ai dil un ke chehre tak kis tarah nazar jaatii
nuur un ke chehre kaa ban gayaa hijaab un kaa
JAGAN NATH AZAD”
“na dekhaa ruKH be-naqaab-e-mohabbat
mohabbat hai shaayad hijaab-e-mohabbat
JIGAR MORADABADI”
Urdu Poetics on Islamic Dress
Urdu poets transcend the literal, delving into the spiritual essence of Islamic dress. Ghalib’s imagery paints a serene portrait: “Chaman mein phool khiltey hain, chaandi hai Hijab mein chupkar” (Flowers bloom in the garden, the moon hides in the hijab). The veil, like a celestial embrace, offers a space of inward reflection and divine connection.
This introspective vein finds depth in Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s contemplative verse: “Naqab ke andar chehre hain, naqab ke paar chehre hain” (Behind the veil are faces, beyond the veil are faces). He challenges simplistic interpretations, urging us to recognize the multiplicity of experiences and identities cloaked within the veil.
Mirza Asadullah Khan Galib’s verse further underscores this: “Parda na kar nigahon se, dil mein agar parda hai” (Do not veil your eyes, if the veil is in your heart). True modesty, the poetry suggests, transcends outward appearances, residing in the purity of one’s intentions.
Famous Pakistani / Indian Poets about Hijab Girl Poetry
Islamic Urdu poetry on the veil isn’t monolithic. Voices like Fahmida Riaz, in her anthology “Shaheen Bagh Begum,” celebrate the agency and strength of modern Muslim women. Contemporary poet Munir Niazi’s verses resonate with a spirit of defiance, using the veil as a symbol of resistance against societal pressures. These diverse voices challenge narrow narratives, reclaiming the hijab, burka, and niqab as personal choices made with conviction and agency.
In the social media landscape, Islamic Urdu poetry about the veil finds a new platform. From hashtags like #hijabipoetry to vibrant Instagram posts adorned with Urdu verses, the message reaches a wider audience. Lines like “Main Hijabi hoon, magar meri soch aazad hai” (I am a hijabi, yet my thoughts are free) challenge stereotypes and spark dialogue.
Conclusion
So, as we delve into the world of Islamic Urdu poetry, let the verses guide us beyond the fabric. Let us appreciate the hijab, burka, and niqab not just as coverings, but as symbols of faith, strength, and the multifaceted beauty of Muslim women.
