का'बा

Meaning

The sacred cubical shrine in Mecca; symbol of orthodox faith.

Detailed Meaning

The Kaaba is the holiest sanctuary in Islam, situated within the Grand Mosque in Mecca, serving as the direction of prayer. In classical ghazal tradition, it frequently represents orthodox devotion, formal religious ritual, or asceticism, often contrasted with the tavern (maikada) or temple (dair/kunisht). In this couplet, the speaker humorously defends retreating to orthodox religion after departing from other companions.

Etymology

Arabic كَعْبَة (ka'bah), derived from the root k-'-b meaning 'cube' or 'cubical structure'.

Usage

In classical Urdu poetry, Kaaba is conventionally juxtaposed with dair (temple) or maikada (tavern) to interrogate conventional piety against genuine mystical devotion.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words