When we talk about the Golden Era of Urdu Shayari, Ali Sikandar Jigar Moradabadi (1890–1960) stands as a colossus. Known as the "Prince of the Ghazal," his poetry wasn't just about words; it was about the Tarannum (rhythm) of the heart.
While many poets like Khumar Barabankvi carried the torch of romance forward, Jigar was the fire that started it. His style was distinct—unapologetic love mixed with Sufi devotion.
Below is his most quoted masterpiece, "Dil mein kisi ke raah kiye jaa raha hoon main." If you are exploring the best Hindi and Urdu poetry collections, this ghazal is an essential read.
Fard-e-amal siyaah kiye jaa rahaa huuN maiN Rahmat ko bepanaah kiye jaa rahaa huuN maiN
Aisii bhii ek nigaah kiye jaa rahaa huuN maiN ZarroN ko meher-o-maah kiye jaa rahaa huuN maiN
Gulshan-parast huuN, mujhe gul hii nahiN azeez KaantoN se bhii nibaah kiye jaa rahaa huuN maiN
YuuN zindagii guzaar rahaa huuN tere baGhair Jaise koii gunaah kiye jaa rahaa huuN maiN
Word Meanings (Shabdarth)
Urdu poetry often uses metaphors that are deep and complex. Here are the meanings of difficult words used in this Ghazal.
| Word (Lafz) | Meaning (Arth) |
|---|---|
| Fard-e-amal | Book of deeds (कर्म-पत्र) |
| Siyaah (सियाह) | Black, Dark, or Sinful (काला/अंधेरा) |
| Mahr-o-Maah | Sun and Moon (सूरज और चाँद) |
| Nibaah | To maintain a relationship / Endurance (निभाना) |
Analysis & Context
Jigar Moradabadi was a master of the "Lover's Lament." In this ghazal, he equates living without his beloved to committing a sin ("Gunaah"). This theme of separation is a staple in Urdu literature, similar to the works found in our Himanshi Babra Ghazal Collection.
However, poetry isn't just about romance. As Kunwar Narayan argues in "Kavita Ki Zaroorat", poetry is a necessity for the human soul to process these complex emotions.
For those interested in how modern poets handle these themes of time and loss, Irfan Sattar's "Meri Aadhi Umar" offers a contemporary reflection that mirrors Jigar's classic pain.
Explore More Poetry on Sahityashala
Kanhaiya Yaad Hai Kuchh Bhi Hamaari (Lyrics)
Khumar Barabankvi: Ik Pal Mein Ik Sadi
Ek Ajeeb Si Mushkil (Kunwar Narayan)
Read more about Jigar Moradabadi on Rekhta.