अज़ाब

Meaning

Torment, agony, severe suffering, or punishment.

Detailed Meaning

In theology, 'azāb signifies divine punishment or the fires of hell, but in classical Urdu poetry, it metaphorically denotes the excruciating pain of separation and passionate love. In this couplet, Ghalib plays upon a classic poetic paradox, claiming that true comfort is discovered precisely within the agony of loving.

Etymology

Arabic ‘adhāb (عذاب), meaning chastisement, punishment, or torment.

Usage

Frequently contrasted with 'rāhat' (solace) or paired as an iḍāfa like 'azāb-e-jāñ' to signify torment of the soul.

Examples

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Related Words