Word Meaning
गुनहगारों
gunahgaaron
Meaning
Sinners, culprits, or guilty persons (plural oblique form).
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'gunahgaaron' refers to transgressors or culprits, especially those indicted under the intense codes of romance. In this couplet, it designates the lovers who are singled out for execution despite others being complicit in the 'crime' of passion. It conveys the tragic pride of the lover who willingly shoulders guilt to receive the ultimate punishment from the beloved.
Etymology
From Persian 'gunāh' (sin, fault) + agentive suffix '-gār' + Hindustani plural/oblique inflection '-oñ'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, the lover often adopts the persona of a 'gunahgar' whose sole and proud transgression is unwavering devotion to the beloved.
Examples
Among the sinners, my name was counted first.
Mercy was granted to the repentant culprits.