Word Meaning
ख़िरद-मंदों
Khirad-mandon
Meaning
Wise people, intellectuals, or rational thinkers (plural oblique).
Detailed Meaning
The plural oblique form of 'khirad-mand', denoting sages, scholars, or people of intellect. In this couplet, it represents conventional rationalists whose purely analytical faculties fail to grasp transcendent, existential truths. The speaker deems their intellect insufficient for explaining the soul's profound origin and ultimate destination.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'khirad' (intellect, wisdom) and the suffix '-mand' (possessor of).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, ख़िरद-मंद often symbolizes dry rationality and orthodox prudence, conventionally contrasted against the higher passion of इश्क़ (love) and जुनून (divine madness).
Examples
The wise men failed to comprehend the ecstasy of love.
Do not seek the path of the heart from mere intellectuals.