Word Meaning
नमाज़
namāz
Meaning
Ritual Islamic prayer or worship; specifically the funeral prayer in this context.
Detailed Meaning
In Islam, 'namāz' refers to the prescribed formal worship. In this couplet, it specifically denotes 'namāz-e-janāza' (the funeral prayer), which could not be timely performed owing to the overwhelming crowd surrounding Mir's bier. Classical Urdu poets often employ the term literally as well as metaphorically to contrast outward religious ritual with inner spiritual passion.
Etymology
Persian 'namāz' (prayer, veneration), from Middle Persian 'namāz', from Proto-Iranian *namah- (reverence, homage), cognate with Sanskrit 'namas' (नमः).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, namāz is often set in contrast with the tavern (maikhāna) to distinguish the outward conformism of the ascetic (zāhid) from the sincere, ecstatic devotion of the lover (rind).
Examples
The lover's prayer remained incomplete, fixed upon the beloved's face.
He missed the dawn prayer while absorbed in sorrow.