Meaning: This quote is from the Persian poet Muhammad Iqbal, who is widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement and is considered one of the most important figures in Urdu literature. The quote is taken from his work "Asrar-e-Khudi" (The Secrets of the Self), which is a philosophical poetry collection that explores themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and the relationship between the individual and the divine.

In this particular quote, Iqbal uses the metaphor of love transforming the heart into a mirror, and then, in an act of vulnerability and devotion, he plucks his own heart apart to create a mirror that he presents to the object of his love. The imagery is rich and evocative, conveying the intensity of love and the willingness to undergo transformation and sacrifice for the beloved.

The quote reflects Iqbal's exploration of the nature of love and its transformative power. Love, for Iqbal, is not merely a fleeting emotion or a romantic sentiment, but a force that has the power to profoundly change and shape the individual. The idea of the heart being "molten to a mirror" suggests that love has the capacity to refine and purify the innermost self, allowing it to reflect the beloved in all their beauty and truth.

The act of "pluck[ing] my breast apart" can be interpreted as a symbolic gesture of offering one's innermost being, with all its vulnerabilities and raw emotions, to the beloved. It is an act of utmost vulnerability and openness, reflecting the depth of the poet's commitment and desire to be seen and known by the object of his affection.

The image of hanging the mirror "in your sight" further emphasizes the desire for the beloved to perceive and acknowledge the depth of the poet's love and devotion. It speaks to the longing for the beloved's recognition and reciprocation, as well as the yearning to be truly seen and understood.

Iqbal's use of metaphor and imagery in this quote demonstrates his mastery of poetic language and his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a deeply evocative manner. The quote encapsulates the themes of love, longing, vulnerability, and the transformative power of love that are prevalent throughout Iqbal's poetry.

Overall, this quote from Muhammad Iqbal's "Asrar-e-Khudi" captures the depth and intensity of love, portraying it as a force that has the power to transform the individual and inspire acts of profound vulnerability and devotion. It reflects Iqbal's philosophical exploration of the nature of love and its impact on the human soul, making it a poignant and enduring expression of the complexities of human emotions and relationships.