Word Meaning
तस्बीह
tasbeeh
Meaning
A string of prayer beads; rosary used to recite praises of God.
Detailed Meaning
In Islamic tradition, tasbeeh refers both to the glorification of God and the physical string of beads used for repeating religious litanies. In this couplet, it embodies conventional orthodox piety, set in sharp contrast to the lover's thread (zunnar). The poet suggests that for the un-Muslim devotee of passion, the pain of love itself constitutes true sacred devotion.
Etymology
Arabic, verbal noun from the root s-b-ḥ (to glorify, declare God's perfection).
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, tasbeeh is frequently juxtaposed with zunnar (sacred thread) or saghar (wine goblet) to satirize the hypocritical ritualism of the orthodox preacher.
Examples
Tasbeeh in hand while the mind wanders to the beloved
The scattered beads of the ascetic's tasbeeh