Word Meaning
इल्तिजा
iltijā
Meaning
Entreaty, supplication, humble petition, or fervent prayer.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'iltijā' signifies an earnest plea or humble supplication made before the beloved or the Divine. In this couplet, it combines into the metaphorical posture of submission ('pusht-e-kham-e iltijā'—the bowed back of entreaty), expressing the lover's absolute devotion and delight in enduring the beloved's tyranny. It captures the essence of surrendering completely to suffering as an act of prayer.
Etymology
Arabic (اِلْتِجَاء), from the root l-j-ʾ (ل-ج-أ), originally signifying the act of seeking refuge, shelter, or protection.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'iltijā' is commonly used by the lover to express helplessness and earnest petitioning for the beloved's mercy, attention, or presence.
Examples
Not a single plea of mine was heard.
A silent entreaty in the eyes of the lover.