Word Meaning
किफ़ायत
kifāyat
Meaning
Sufficiency, adequacy, or the quality of being enough; thrift.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'kifāyat' denotes sufficiency, adequacy, or being entirely ample on its own. In this couplet, it implies that a warrior's intrinsic virtue and inner mettle are completely sufficient as his armour, needing no ornate covering. Outside poetic idiom, it commonly signifies frugality or economy.
Etymology
Arabic (كِفَايَة, kifāyah), from the root k-f-y meaning 'to suffice' or 'to be enough'.
Usage
In classical ghazals, 'kifāyat' is commonly paired with auxiliary verbs like 'karnā' or 'honā' to signify contentment with very little or the absolute sufficiency of an inner quality.
Examples
A single glance from you is sufficiency enough for the afflicted heart.
The dust of the beloved's lane suffices as a crown.