Khizr, the Guide

poem by Iqbal

Also known as: “Khizr-e rāh”

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June 30, 2026

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"Khizr, the Guide" is a poem by Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned poet and philosopher. Published in 1924, this work is part of his Urdu collection Bang-e Dara ("The Call of the Bell"). The poem features Khizr, a figure from the Qur'an, who is depicted as bringing forth complex questions relevant to the early 20th century. The poem expresses the anguish of Muslim powerlessness during that era, touching on themes of labor, capital, and the changing world. Khizr is a significant figure in Islamic tradition, often seen as a patron saint of travelers and associated with eternal life.12

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Muhammad Iqbal
Early life and career
…Answer to the Complaint”), and Khizr-e rāh (“Khizr, the Guide”), were published later in 1924 in the Urdu collection Bāng-e darā (“The Call of the Bell”). In those works Iqbal gave intense expression to the anguish of Muslim powerlessness. Khizr (Arabic: Khiḍr), the Qurʾānic prophet who asks the most difficult…
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…Answer to the Complaint”), and Khizr-e rāh (“Khizr, the Guide”), were published later in 1924 in the Urdu collection Bāng-e darā (“The Call of the Bell”). In those works Iqbal gave intense expression to the anguish of Muslim powerlessness. Khizr (Arabic: Khiḍr), the Qurʾānic prophet who asks the most difficult…
Read More