Word Meaning
ए'तिक़ाद
i'tiqād
Meaning
Firm belief, faith, confidence, or religious conviction.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetics, 'i'tiqad' denotes an unwavering conviction, creed, or personal article of faith. In this couplet, it represents the speaker's firm moral philosophy that hurting a human heart negates any outward religious merit, even constructing the sacred Kaaba. The word thus contrasts deep, empathetic humanism with hollow religious ritualism.
Etymology
Arabic (اعتقاد), derived from the verbal root 'ʿ-q-d' (ع-ق-د), meaning to tie, knot, or bind firmly.
Usage
Commonly invoked in the ghazal tradition to contrast spiritual sincerity and love of humanity against rigid, dogmatic religiosity.
Examples
Firm in one's belief and devotion
According to our belief, breaking a heart is a grave sin