Word Meaning
कलीसा
kalīsā
Meaning
A church, cathedral, or Christian place of worship.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'kalisa' denotes a church or Christian ecclesiastical establishment. In this couplet, 'piran-e-kalisa' (elders of the church) is paired with 'haram' to encompass institutionalized religious leadership, criticizing formal dogma that fails to enlighten human souls. It often represents Western institutional religion or ritualistic authority in contrast to authentic spiritual passion.
Etymology
Arabic 'kalīsā' (كَلِيسَا / كَنِيسَة), derived through Syriac/Aramaic from Ancient Greek 'ekklēsía' (ἐκκλησία, assembly, church).
Usage
In ghazal and nazm traditions, especially in Iqbal's poetry, it is frequently paired with 'haram' or 'dair' to contrast Western institutional religion with Eastern or Islamic orthodoxy.
Examples
Not finding peace in the church or the mosque.
The bell of the church echoed across the valley.