Word Meaning
इल्म
'ilm
Meaning
Knowledge, learning, scholarship, or spiritual wisdom.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ilm denotes knowledge ranging from worldly sciences to sacred learning and divine gnosis. In this verse, 'ilm-e-qalandari refers specifically to the intuitive spiritual wisdom of the ascetic mystic (qalandar) concerning the nature of life and its proximity to the divine source. It signifies deep existential insight rather than mere academic or bookish learning.
Etymology
Arabic root 'ain-lam-mim (ع-ل-م), meaning 'to know' or 'to possess knowledge'.
Usage
In classical ghazal, 'ilm is frequently juxtaposed with 'ishq (passion or love), where dry rational knowledge is considered secondary to ecstatic devotion.
Examples
Knowledge without love leads to arrogance.
He devoted his youth to the pursuit of divine knowledge.