आलम-फ़रोज़

Meaning

World-illuminating; radiant; brightening the entire universe.

Detailed Meaning

A Persian compound adjective meaning that which illumines the universe. In this couplet, it describes the brilliant countenance ('rukh') of the beloved, whose radiance creates the day, contrasted with the dark scattered tresses representing night. Poets use it to capture blinding beauty, celestial splendour, or divine illumination.

Etymology

Arabic 'ālam' (world, universe) + Persian 'faroz' (present stem of 'afrōkhtan', to kindle, ignite, or illuminate).

Usage

In classical ghazal, it is predominantly prefixed via izafat to words like 'rukh', 'chehra', or 'aql' to evoke transcendent light and beauty.

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Related Words