Word Meaning
गब्र-मुसलमाँ
gabr-musalmaan
Meaning
An infidel turned Muslim; the duality of paganism and faith.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'gabr' signifies a fire-worshipper or stubborn infidel, often symbolizing a cruel or unyielding heart, contrasted with 'musalman' as a compassionate believer. In this couplet, it describes the tragic paradox of an ascetic (the Sheikh) whose merciless heart persisted in its ancient infidelity and refused to embrace true grace and faith even until death.
Etymology
Persian 'gabr' (Zoroastrian/fire-worshipper, non-Muslim) combined with Arabic-Persian 'musalmān' (Muslim, believer).
Usage
Frequently used in ghazals to contrast external religious devotion with inner spiritual obstinacy or cruel heartlessness.
Examples
It is never easy for an ancient pagan to become a true believer.
Inside the ascetic raged the perennial conflict of infidel and believer.