Word Meaning
तसर्रुफ़
tasarruf
Meaning
Possession, influence, sway, control, or supernatural effect.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Islamic and poetic discourse, 'tasarruf' denotes spiritual sway, command, or transformation exerted over external entities. In Ghalib's verse, it signifies the profound mental influence and grip of Majnun's obsession, through which the desert beasts themselves mirror his beloved. It expresses an active spiritual power altering perception and reality.
Etymology
Arabic root ص-ر-ف (ṣ-r-f), related to disposition, handling, spending, and transformation.
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it is frequently used to denote a mystic's spiritual influence or love's all-encompassing domination over the mind and senses.
Examples
His gaze exerted a strange sway over the gathering.
The lover holds sway over every thought of the beloved.