Word Meaning
दानिश
daanish
Meaning
Intellect, wisdom, knowledge, or sound judgment.
Detailed Meaning
Dānish refers to intellectual faculty, wisdom, and rational knowledge. In classical Urdu poetry, particularly in Iqbal, it frequently denotes cerebral rationality, often set in contrast to passionate love (ishq) and spiritual intuition. In this couplet, it represents western intellectualism and hyper-rational skepticism that struggles with steadfast faith.
Etymology
Persian, derived from the infinitive 'dānistan' (دانستن, to know).
Usage
In ghazal and nazm traditions, 'dānish' predominantly symbolizes cerebral intellect and logic, often contrasted with the transcendental certainty of divine love.
Examples
The claims of intellect fail before the mystery of love.
Even men of great wisdom could not unravel this riddle.