Word Meaning
ताज़ीर
ta'zīr
Meaning
Punishment, reprimand, chastisement, or discretionary penalty.
Detailed Meaning
In Islamic jurisprudence, ta'zīr refers to discretionary punishment or chastisement administered by an authority rather than fixed divine penalties. In classical ghazal, it metaphorically denotes the rebuke, wrath, or punishment deserved by the lover for insolence before the beloved. In this couplet, Ghalib considers it a stroke of luck that the beloved did not protest his audacity, admitting he genuinely deserved censure for daring to compare the beloved to Yusuf.
Etymology
Arabic root ع-ز-ر (ʿ-z-r), meaning to censure, reprove, discipline, or prevent from sin.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ta'zīr' frequently appears in legalistic conceits where the lover willingly accepts guilt and punishment for the transgression of loving or praising the beloved too intimately.
Examples
Deserving of rebuke
Bearing the penalty of love