Word Meaning
तसव्वुफ़
tasavvuf
Meaning
Mysticism, Sufism, or the esoteric contemplation of divine truth.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetry, 'tasawwuf' refers to Sufism or mystical philosophy focused on divine love and spiritual truth beyond outer ritualism. In Ghalib's couplet, it represents high philosophical and esoteric doctrines which the speaker articulates with exceptional eloquence. The verse highlights an ironic contrast between expounding profound mysticism and indulging in earthly vices like drinking wine.
Etymology
Arabic (تَصَوُّف - taṣawwuf), from the verbal root ṣ-w-f, originally associated with wearing wool (صوف - ṣūf) as an ascetic mark.
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazal to express metaphysical ideas and to contrast genuine inner spirituality with superficial religious dogmatism.
Examples
matters of mysticism and wisdom
the esoteric path of contemplation