नादाँ

Meaning

Ignorant, foolish, naive, or unaware person.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu poetry, 'nādān' refers to someone devoid of true insight, wisdom, or spiritual perception. In this couplet, it represents unthinking worshippers who blindly follow outward ritual, falling into prostration at the wrong moment due to superficial understanding. It serves as a gentle satire on formalistic piety.

Etymology

Persian: composed of the negative prefix 'nā-' (not, un-) and the root 'dān' (knowing, from dānistan).

Usage

Widely used in ghazal poetry to characterize the innocent heart or to contrast formalist preachers with enlightened mystics.

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Related Words