Word Meaning
कुनिश्त
kunisht
Meaning
A temple, church, synagogue, or non-Muslim place of worship.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'kunisht' designates an idol-temple, synagogue, or church, representing places of non-Muslim worship. It is frequently invoked in counterpoint to the Kaaba or mosque to demonstrate divine omnipresence or explore themes of spiritual liberation beyond dogma. In this couplet, 'ahl-e-kunisht' (the folk of the temple/church) evokes beloved non-Muslim companions whose bond of fellowship the speaker cannot easily forsake.
Etymology
Persian (کنشت), cognate with Middle Persian/Aramaic knishta (assembly, synagogue).
Usage
Conventionally paired with 'ka'ba' in ghazals to contrast outward institutional religion with inner mystic love.
Examples
wandered through both Kaaba and church
the seeker found truth within the temple