Word Meaning
क़ुर्बान
qurbān
Meaning
Sacrificed, devoted, or offered as an oblation for a beloved.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting a sacrifice or offering, 'qurban' in classical poetry expresses absolute surrender, devotion, and the willingness to give one's life for the beloved. In this couplet, it refers to the lover offering his life ('jee') to the beloved, while ruefully noting that even this statement is redundant because the beloved already owns everything.
Etymology
Arabic (قُرْبَان, qurbān), from the root q-r-b denoting nearness, originally meaning an offering made to draw near to God.
Usage
A staple concept of the ghazal tradition used to signify the lover's ultimate self-effacement and submission before the beloved.
Examples
Sacrificing heart and soul for a single glance.
May a hundred lives be offered up for your smile.