Word Meaning
ख़ुदा-न-कर्दा
khuda-na-karda
hiinterjection
Meaning
God forbid; heaven forbid; may it not happen by God's will.
Detailed Meaning
A Persian-derived apotropaic interjection equivalent to 'God forbid' or 'heaven ward it off'. In this couplet, Ghalib uses it to vehemently ward off even the unthinkable thought of calling the beloved unfaithful. It serves to convey extreme reluctance, dread, and reverence.
Etymology
Persian: composed of 'Khuda' (God), the negative particle 'na' (not), and 'karda' (done/made).
Usage
Used in classical Urdu ghazal as an emotional exclamation to avert an unthinkable or tragic outcome, often paired with cries of grief like 'हाय' or 'है है'.
Examples
God forbid that we should ever be parted.
Alas, God forbid that your secret becomes known.
Synonyms
ख़ुदा-न-ख़ास्ताम'आज़ल्लाहहशा-व-कल्ला
Related Words
ख़ुदाकर्दाना-कर्दा