Word Meaning
तमईज़
Tameez
Meaning
Discrimination, distinction, discernment, judgment, or sense of decorum.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, this term signifies discernment, differentiation, or the critical capacity to perceive duality. In this couplet, 'aaina-e-tameez' represents the mirror of discrimination or self-awareness that makes the beloved cognizant of her own singular beauty, creating an obstruction to indulging her lover. It reflects the intellect's boundary-making power as opposed to love's unitive state.
Etymology
Arabic root m-y-z (م-ي-ز); verbal noun form II (تَمْيِيز, tamyīz), meaning 'to distinguish or separate'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it often contrasts with the non-dual ecstasy of passion ('be-khudi'), representing the divisive intellect that preserves worldly distances.
Examples
To gaze upon oneself in the mirror of discernment
Such distinction and intellect do not belong in love