Word Meaning
ख़िरद
khirad
Meaning
Intellect, reason, wisdom, or practical intelligence.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'khirad' denotes the rational faculty, worldly wisdom, or intellectual judgment. In this couplet, it denotes intellect as a guiding or dominating force, presenting the spiritual seeker with the fraught choice of whether the heart should obey reason or lead it. The term is traditionally counterposed with divine love ('ishq), which transcends mere rational thought.
Etymology
Persian 'khirad' (wisdom, intellect), derived from Middle Persian 'xrad' and Avestan 'xratu-'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'khirad' (calculating intellect) is predominantly positioned as a cautious rival to the self-sacrificing ecstasy of 'ishq'.
Examples
Intellect offered caution, but the heart chose passion.
The realm of reason could not measure the madness of love.