काफ़िर-दिल

Meaning

An infidel, stubborn, unruly, or unfaithful heart.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu poetry, 'kāfir-dil' describes a heart that is obstinate, rebellious, and refuses to adhere to reason or piety. In Ghalib's couplet, it refers to the speaker's own wild and defiant heart, whose very state of constriction paradoxically prevents it from flying apart into complete ruin.

Etymology

Compound of Arabic kāfir (unbeliever, cruel) and Persian dil (heart).

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, 'kāfir' is used figuratively and teasingly for both the unyielding beloved and the lover's own hopelessly rebellious heart.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words