Word Meaning
ख़राबात-नशीं
kharaabaat-nasheen
Meaning
A dweller of taverns or ruins; a habitual drinker or mystic.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'kharaabaat-nasheen' literally denotes someone residing in taverns or desolate ruins. Metaphorically, it refers to a rind or mystic who renounces worldly status and orthodox piety in pursuit of spiritual intoxication. In Mir's couplet, it creates a sharp satirical contrast between the subject's past life as a disreputable tavern-dweller and his sudden elevation to the status of a mosque leader (Imam).
Etymology
Arabic 'kharābāt' (taverns, ruins; plural of kharāba) compounded with the Persian active participle '-nashīn' (from 'nishastan', to sit or inhabit).
Usage
Frequently juxtaposed with orthodox figures like the 'zaahid', 'shaikh', or 'imaam' to celebrate honest spiritual unorthodoxy over pious hypocrisy.
Examples
The tavern-dweller cares nothing for the sermon from the pulpit.
Yesterday a tavern-dweller, today pretending to be a saint.