Word Meaning
तौबा
tauba
Meaning
Repentance, renunciation, or vowing to abstain from an action or path.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Islamic and Sufi terminology, tauba signifies turning away from sin, remorse, and returning toward the divine path. In this couplet, it carries the specific sense of renouncing superficial imitation, urging the seeker to turn away from mere outward beauty and empty song in favor of spiritual substance.
Etymology
Arabic (تَوْبَة, tawbah), derived from the root t-w-b meaning 'to return' or 'to repent'.
Usage
In classical ghazals, it frequently recurs in the motif of renouncing wine-drinking (and subsequently breaking that vow, 'tauba-shikani'), as well as an everyday exclamation of shock or aversion.
Examples
To repent from worldly vanity and seek truth
Breaking the vow of repentance upon the arrival of spring